I am getting more requests for accommodation assistance and job assistance. We are doing our best and have started expanding in the accommodation department with a view to invest in property we will own and manage ourselves. Those of you who are interested in privately rented accommodation should fill in the survey below:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P7TKT96

We already have a number of places in Birmingham, Huddersfield and Manchester.

The cost of a full apartment in Manchester for instance, is about £450pcm excluding bills (£650pcm including bills). For a room it can be as low as £300pcm including bills but this would mean sharing a bathroom and kitchen with a maximum of 4 other people (though usually only 1 or 2 flatmates unlike 10+ flatmates for hostel/halls of residence).

Distances from university are on average 15 minutes by car for our most optimally priced and popular properties obviously longer by public transport (approx 30 minutes depending on property). Because we are purchasing some properties in this area soon, there may be an opportunity for you to land a great deal and personalise your room/home so that you have some home comforts. We often add services of stocking fridge, freezer and cupboard with Nigerian drinks, foods and cereals from a list we provide just before you pay deposit. We even provide an umbrella and UK sim card also and can assist with other settling in tasks like registering with a doctor and bank!

Please respond today if possible with your preferences.

Thanks

Regards

DegreeAngel UK Ltd

Thank you for your responses so far.

We have had a lot of interest in Aberdeen and London now overtaking the three areas previously mentioned interestingly so please fill in the forms if you have read this post and not done the survey as we make plans to focus our efforts on a few areas for our own purchases to let out to students.

Thanks

Regards


DegreeAngel UK Ltd

@ell77

Welcome back, how about making the title more specific? Like . . .Want UK Student Accommodation?

justwise: @ell77

Welcome back, how about making the title more specific? Like . . .Want UK Student Accommodation?

. Seconded and @elle, What are the prospect as regards employment. I know all the new immigration rules now have made it tough for us foreign students to secure good jobs. What is your advise as regards how to really remain in the uk after our studies? Are there still internships and Career fairs? Is there a proven way to actually remain in the uk after graduation? Also I have filled your survey and am looking forward to a response from you. Welcome back, we your new 'children' have missed you and it's great to have you back.

Nice 1, I actually intend for my VISA to be out first before making accommodation plans. You will surely hear from me.

Ok Justwise and Donxavier, changing the name now!

Donxavier: . Seconded and @elle, What are the prospect as regards employment. I know all the new immigration rules now have made it tough for us foreign students to secure good jobs. What is your advise as regards how to really remain in the uk after our studies? Are there still internships and Career fairs? Is there a proven way to actually remain in the uk after graduation? Also I have filled your survey and am looking forward to a response from you. Welcome back, we your new 'children' have missed you and it's great to have you back.

What are the prospect as regards employment? Well I am sure you know this depends on individual circumstances. The main ways to stay in the UK:
1. High-value migrants
[b]1a. Tier 1 (Exceptional talent)
[/b]Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) is for people who are internationally recognised as world leaders or potential world-leading talent in the fields of science and the arts, and who wish to work in the UK. Every initial application must be endorsed by a 'designated competent body':
-Royal Society
-Arts Council England
-British Academy
-Royal Academy of Engineering

Unless you have already accomplished a lot with years of experience or research in Nigeria this is unlikely to be a category that many people will enter under.

[b]1b. TIER 1 (GRADUATE ENTREPRENEUR)
[/b]The Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) category allows the UK to retain (non-European) graduates identified by UK higher education institutions as having developed world class innovative ideas or entrepreneurial skills, to extend their stay in the UK after graduation to establish or more businesses in the UK.

The limit of 1,000 places is divided equally between participating institutions, (these must be highly trusted sponsors under Tier 4, or A rated Tier 2 and 5 sponsors if a Tier 2 and 5 sponsor licence is held) up to a maximum of 10 endorsements per institution, to qualify institutions must confirm that:

-they wish to take part; and
-that they have established processes and competence for identifying, nurturing and developing entrepreneurs among their undergraduate and postgraduate population.

The limit does not apply to Graduate Entrepreneur applicants who wish to extend their leave under this category. Again a very difficult category to enter under but more attainable for those who have the drive but lack experience likely needed for the category above.

1c. Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) is for non-European migrants who want to invest in the UK by setting up or taking over, and being actively involved in the running of, a business or businesses here.

You must have access to or investors supplying at least £50,000 (approx N13 million) and there are conditions you must meet. If you can't meet these conditions you need investors supplying at least £200,000 (approx N50 million).


2. Tier 2 (General)
The Tier 2 (General) category is for foreign nationals who have been offered a skilled job to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker.

If you are switching from Tier 4 or the former categories of student, student nurse, student re-sitting an examination or student union sabbatical officer, you must have current permission to stay in the UK and, during that permission to stay, you must have lawfully obtained a UK degree, postgraduate certificate in education or professional graduate diploma of education. You must have obtained one of the named qualifications. They do not include, for example, vocational qualifications at degree level which are not degrees.

If you are a PhD student, you do not need to have completed your course, but you must have completed at least 12 months' study towards it in the UK.

Jobs Nigerians are doing and getting visa for include:
-Biomedical Science related subjects: hospital medicine/science.
-Geology/geotechnical engineering
-Nuclear energy
-Oil and gas careers (engineering side)
-Pre-registration pharmacist working in the NHS or hospitals, registered pharmacist working in the NHS or hospitals
-Veterinary surgeons (must be registered as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons)
-Secondary education teachers in the subjects of maths or pure sciences (physics, chemistry, biology and any combinations of these)
-All teaching posts in special needs schools
-Social workers in children's and family services
-Specialist nurses working in operating theatres, operating department practitioner, specialist nurse working in neonatal intensive care units
-HPC-registered diagnostic radiographer, HPC-registered therapeutic radiographer,
-Sonographers
-Engineers
-Software developer
-Systems engineer
-Overhead linesworker in the electricity transmission and distribution industry
-Skilled chefs
-Skilled senior care workers

3. Further study
Studying for another Masters or getting a PhD made more attractive if you win a scholarship and of course you need to do well in school or have a sound proposal to do so.

4. Marrying a British Citizen
Hopefully people are doing this for love and not as a means to stay in the UK. It is worth noting it is not a sure fire way to stay and is complex but very achievable.

I advise you to look into teaching (especially special needs) as a way to remain in the UK as regards how to really remain in the UK after studies. I can help with obtaining tuition experience which will help with applications to become a teacher. Also attend all career fairs and get internships as you can as these are the best ways to obtain Tier 2 general/work visas.

All the best. Keep filling the forms.

DegreeAngel UK Ltd

Property update!

MOSS LANE, MANCHESTER

A room in a three bed house in Manchester for rent walking distance from the university.

Bathroom and kitchen to be shared.

Priced at £400 PER CALENDAR MONTH for a YEAR'S CONTRACT. The equivalent local halls of residence is £476 per calendar month. SAVING £1000 per annum!

There is an opportunity for you to personalise your room so that you have some home comforts. We will also add services of stocking £100 worth of goods for your fridge, freezer and cupboard with Nigerian drinks, foods and cereals from a list sent to you just before you pay deposit. We even provide an umbrella and UK sim card and guidance on other settling in tasks like registering with a doctor and bank! There may be a flexible contract job opportunity depending on the course you studied also.

ell77:



I advise you to look into teaching (especially special needs) as a way to remain in the UK as regards how to really remain in the UK after studies. I can help with obtaining tuition experience which will help with applications to become a teacher. Also attend all career fairs and get internships as you can as these are the best ways to obtain Tier 2 general/work visas.


DegreeAngel UK Ltd

Thank you so much for such a detailed response. For me, the options open to me are either The Tier 2 visa route or marrying a Nigerian British citizen. I cant imagine spending almost 4M naira on my masters programme only to teach at the end of the day. I'd rather take the next flight back home than teach or do any other job that isn't worth the whole money expended in studying. The best way really from all you said is to get lucky and secure a decent job so one can directly cross to the Tier 2. I assume this means scoring high grades, doing internships,getting relevant work experience, attending career fairs and scaling the rigorous job interviews and test.God help me and give me the grace to scale through.

Do you know Nigerian grads that have successfully done all these? especially after this harsher immigration rules came into effect.Relevant testimonies wont hurt at all and will just serve to boost our faith that we too can do it.

I heard of careersinafrica and other multinational companies in Nigeria coming to the UK to recruit the best Nigerian students in various fields. How true is this? and how does one avail himself of the opportunities.

As regards the accommodation, I'm awaiting a response from you cos I need accommodation in Aberdeen not too far from the Robert Gordon University since that's where am studying and will be there by early September. I really would appreciate it if you get back to me as early as possible. you can track my application with my email fopeolutogun@yahoo.com I already filled your form.

I also want to ask do you have like a sample living cost budget for staying in the UK for a year. I mean a budget listing all the possible expenses and miscellaneous spending one might make while in the UK including all bills and accommodation? if yes, can you email me a sample format.

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks

@Don
Someone made some gd suggestions on another thread about attending careerfairs early. That is going for recruitment /career fairs as early as aug/sept when ur course starts. Companies that hire intl students usually have limited slots so the earlier you get in the better. That way on completion of ur course you will start work.
Same for internships - applications for the summer of 2013 start early as Sept 2012.

salsera: @Don
Someone made some gd suggestions on another thread about attending careerfairs early. That is going for recruitment /career fairs as early as aug/sept when ur course starts. Companies that hire intl students usually have limited slots so the earlier you get in the better. That way on completion of ur course you will start work.
Same for internships - applications for the summer of 2013 start early as Sept 2012.

Thanks. I'm assuming that one has to get to one's schools career section or How does one know when apply for internships or jobs. Are all these things treated during the orientation for international students. I only heard of carrersinafrica and that was through a friend. They have an exhibition in London by october and that's an opportunity.

Career fairs/recruitment fairs may also be at your school. They are typically in Sept. What you can do(all this info I got from that thread) is to attend and sift out those who take international students and have you CV ready.

Internships? I did the research myself online for abt 2-3months.
Cos I was looking for workplacements for my course which my school encourages. Didn't like the companies my school cud help with so I found my own.
So search websites for internships and look for companies you'd be interested in working with and note their selection proccess and times

salsera: Career fairs/recruitment fairs may also be at your school. They are typically in Sept. What you can do(all this info I got from that thread) is to attend and sift out those who take international students and have you CV ready.

Internships? I did the research myself online for abt 2-3months.
Cos I was looking for workplacements for my course which my school encourages. Didn't like the companies my school cud help with so I found my own.
So search websites for internships and look for companies you'd be interested in working with and note their selection proccess and times

. Please tell me the title thread.

Donxavier:

Thank you so much for such a detailed response. For me, the options open to me are either The Tier 2 visa route or marrying a Nigerian British citizen. I cant imagine spending almost 4M naira on my masters programme only to teach at the end of the day. I'd rather take the next flight back home than teach or do any other job that isn't worth the whole money expended in studying. The best way really from all you said is to get lucky and secure a decent job so one can directly cross to the Tier 2. I assume this means scoring high grades, doing internships,getting relevant work experience, attending career fairs and scaling the rigorous job interviews and test.God help me and give me the grace to scale through.

Do you know Nigerian grads that have successfully done all these? especially after this harsher immigration rules came into effect.Relevant testimonies wont hurt at all and will just serve to boost our faith that we too can do it.

I heard of careersinafrica and other multinational companies in Nigeria coming to the UK to recruit the best Nigerian students in various fields. How true is this? and how does one avail himself of the opportunities.

As regards the accommodation, I'm awaiting a response from you cos I need accommodation in Aberdeen not too far from the Robert Gordon University since that's where am studying and will be there by early September. I really would appreciate it if you get back to me as early as possible. you can track my application with my email fopeolutogun@yahoo.com I already filled your form.

I also want to ask do you have like a sample living cost budget for staying in the UK for a year. I mean a budget listing all the possible expenses and miscellaneous spending one might make while in the UK including all bills and accommodation? if yes, can you email me a sample format.

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks

@Don - Lol at your response. Some men have become nurses after studying MBAs because the salary was good and they saw an opportunity to stay in UK through this. I say never say never! Teaching is a respectable field. If you work in inner city schools it can be discouraging because of bad pupil behaviour with little power to correct them but then you get a salary that is higher than most graduate salaries to compensate for such. For some people taking their degree back to Nigeria has been far favourable than the best job they could have attained in the UK. Some are commanding salaries that are far higher than all their peers they left in Nigeria whilst studying.

There are many Nigerians who successfully stayed in UK when PSW was still in place and even more before this. Personally, though I have not seen anyone stay back since the new UKBA changes. But maybe its too new to tell. Or perhaps we should create a thread inviting people to share their stories?

CAreersinAfrica is a good way of getting a job back in Nigeria whilst in the UK. Normally held early in the academic year and sometimes again later on in May. Like graduate jobs advertised online you have to follow their site, build your CV and focus whilst you are just settling in to university. When you are invited, you will have to go to assessments, interviews or both on the spot so it is no mean feat but again I know of people who were recruited by Shell in Nigeria after studying in Imperial for instance and attending a careers fair there. As for CareersinAfrica I know many who have been successfully invited but few who have secured a job - you have to be the best and there also appears to be some tribalism/connections at times depending on the company/person recruiting.

As regards the accommodation - yes we have been searching for a place for you and have yet to find one. If we do not get one for you a week before the deadline for applying for your university halls of residence please apply for your halls of residence as places will be limited and Scotland is not an area we have many connection in so it will be slower for us to get places there.

I don't have a sample yet as this is quite unique and personal although it is something I am happy to create for you as to give you the general idea.

I wish you all the best.

Regards

DegreeAngel UK Ltd

ell77:

@Don - Lol at your response. Some men have become nurses after studying MBAs because the salary was good and they saw an opportunity to stay in UK through this. I say never say never! Teaching is a respectable field. If you work in inner city schools it can be discouraging because of bad pupil behaviour with little power to correct them but then you get a salary that is higher than most graduate salaries to compensate for such. For some people taking their degree back to Nigeria has been far favourable than the best job they could have attained in the UK. Some are commanding salaries that are far higher than all their peers they left in Nigeria whilst studying.

There are many Nigerians who successfully stayed in UK when PSW was still in place and even more before this. Personally, though I have not seen anyone stay back since the new UKBA changes. But maybe its too new to tell. Or perhaps we should create a thread inviting people to share their stories?

CAreersinAfrica is a good way of getting a job back in Nigeria whilst in the UK. Normally held early in the academic year and sometimes again later on in May. Like graduate jobs advertised online you have to follow their site, build your CV and focus whilst you are just settling in to university. When you are invited, you will have to go to assessments, interviews or both on the spot so it is no mean feat but again I know of people who were recruited by Shell in Nigeria after studying in Imperial for instance and attending a careers fair there. As for CareersinAfrica I know many who have been successfully invited but few who have secured a job - you have to be the best and there also appears to be some tribalism/connections at times depending on the company/person recruiting.

As regards the accommodation - yes we have been searching for a place for you and have yet to find one. If we do not get one for you a week before the deadline for applying for your university halls of residence please apply for your halls of residence as places will be limited and Scotland is not an area we have many connection in so it will be slower for us to get places there.

I don't have a sample yet as this is quite unique and personal although it is something I am happy to create for you as to give you the general idea.

I wish you all the best.

Regards

DegreeAngel UK Ltd

Thank you so much. What a lovely reply! I'd be expecting the general sample you want to create.

SAMPLE LIVING BUDGET

Living costs...
Spend per term (3 terms in year)...
Books £62
Clothes £178
Concerts/cinema £50
Travel out of town £50

Monthly spending...
Rent £340
Bar/restaurant bills £77
Food £130
Mobile phone £36
Transport £12
Shopping £69 (try to save up for a laptop this also includes laundry costs lets say £4 per week)
Household bills £65

Daily outgoings...
eg. teas, coffees, newspapers, stuff £5

RESULT
To get get through uni you will need:
Annual: £10568
Per term: £3523
Per month: £881


Please note this is an average and depending on where you live and how frugal or lavish you are amounts will vary accordingly. A lot of things in this list are optional if you focus on your studies and eat in for instance you can spend a whole lot less.

Thanks

Regards

DegreeAngel UK Ltd

Property update!

PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION IN MANCHESTER

SAVE £1000 per annum! BY RENTING FROM DEGREEANGEL UK LTD.

There is an opportunity for you to personalise your room so that you have some home comforts. We will also add services of stocking £100 worth of goods for your fridge, freezer and cupboard with Nigerian drinks, foods and cereals from a list sent to you just before you pay deposit. We even provide an umbrella and UK sim card and guidance on other settling in tasks like registering with a doctor and bank! There may be a flexible contract job opportunity depending on the course you studied also.

Contact director@degreeangel.co.uk

Pls, i wuld be needing accomodation by sept 10th. My skul is Leeds University, and i wuld appreciate if u can help me get one close to the school premises.

@ell77

Welldone for the great job you are doing.

Thumbs up for this job!! Please I'd like to know the possibility and how much it'll cost to secure an accommodation in Manchester,UK most especially close to my campus ; Linley House
2nd Floor, Linley House, Dickinson Street,
Manchester, M1 4LF
United Kingdom.
I'll appreciate a swift response as I'll be come over hopefully early next month. Looking forward to hearing from you.

[color=#000099][/color] @ella
My case is I am going for my masters in biomedical science and my final aim is research Phd in cancer but I am afriad if I can extend my visa with out coming back to nigeria since my current visa will expire january 2014 while most start date for postgradute studies is september.
Secondly my sponsor wants to pay for the masters degree. Then the PhD he wants to pay for the first year of the program while I work and pay for the remaining two years, I want to know if there is hope of geting work while I do the Phd.

chy22: [color=#000099][/color] @ella
My case is I am going for my masters in biomedical science and my final aim is research Phd in cancer but I am afriad if I can extend my visa with out coming back to nigeria since my current visa will expire january 2014 while most start date for postgradute studies is september.
Secondly my sponsor wants to pay for the masters degree. Then the PhD he wants to pay for the first year of the program while I work and pay for the remaining two years, I want to know if there is hope of geting work while I do the Phd.

This post is not for advice but rather for accommodation assistance.

However, I admire your ambition and as with most students I advise I will direct you as best as I can.

First of all, there is no guarantee it will take you 3 years to complete the PhD element of your program, unfortunately it could take longer, or there is the possibility of it taking only two years.

Now about the job, it is difficult to work whilst doing a PhD. If you plan to work there are three routes you could take
A) Work from as soon as you enter the UK even if you are being sponsored and save every penny possible to ensure you do not need to work as long during the PhD.
B) Concentrate on achieving the greatest grade possible by focusing purely on your studies and doing no work so that you qualify for a scholarship based on academic merit and thereby need to work less during your studies.
C) Tutor Bachelors students whilst doing your PhD, teach university classes for discounts on tuition fees.

In short
A = To make enough money you have to work long hours and this could affect your grade, some PhD's require certain grade scores to qualify (although others focus more on your proposal and school fees)
B = No guarantee you will get the scholarship, but many do and because you are an international student you will still need money for living expenses as the scholarship will get eaten up by your tuition fees
C = Difficult to get the students and depends on your uni if you can teach classes but good money if you can so you wont need to work as long hours.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS, enquire at your uni the options for all three.

ell77:

This post is not for advice but rather for accommodation assistance.

However, I admire your ambition and as with most students I advise I will direct you as best as I can.

First of all, there is no guarantee it will take you 3 years to complete the PhD element of your program, unfortunately it could take longer, or there is the possibility of it taking only two years.

Now about the job, it is difficult to work whilst doing a PhD. If you plan to work there are three routes you could take
A) Work from as soon as you enter the UK even if you are being sponsored and save every penny possible to ensure you do not need to work as long during the PhD.
B) Concentrate on achieving the greatest grade possible by focusing purely on your studies and doing no work so that you qualify for a scholarship based on academic merit and thereby need to work less during your studies.
C) Tutor Bachelors students whilst doing your PhD, teach university classes for discounts on tuition fees.

In short
A = To make enough money you have to work long hours and this could affect your grade, some PhD's require certain grade scores to qualify (although others focus more on your proposal and school fees)
B = No guarantee you will get the scholarship, but many do and because you are an international student you will still need money for living expenses as the scholarship will get eaten up by your tuition fees
C = Difficult to get the students and depends on your uni if you can teach classes but good money if you can so you wont need to work as long hours.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS, enquire at your uni the options for all three.

Thanks for your advice. Then lastly I am going to university of bradford. I want to know if you can help me with accommodation in bradford as I don't want to stay in university halls. I plan on going to uk on 8 sept. So if you will help me for the accommodation I will be greatfull

Do you have anything in Aberdeen?

OP, Please I need your urgent help with accommodation in Aberdeen. I will need a place to stay for 3 to 6 months starting from November this year. Do you have any or can you give me some guidance?

Thanks in anticipation

megainvest: OP, Please I need your urgent help with accommodation in Aberdeen. I will need a place to stay for 3 to 6 months starting from November this year. Do you have any or can you give me some guidance?

Thanks in anticipation

We may be able to source a place for you. Please email director@degreeangel.co.uk with your
-Full name
-Details of where you are in your visa application process
-Budget
-Date you need it for
-Course you are studying
-Full address of education establishment
-Distance willing to travel to study

This will help us, help you.

Please I need accommodation in Dundee, Scotland
Very urgent