Akorkor:
Hello there, my people.

longest time o. How is this increase in energy affecting life here? I understand that now is not the best time to switch energy providers, but biko I dislike prepaid because at my previous residence, I was spending up to £120 per month on both gas and electricity, and this is me being frugal o. Take note that I was the only one who stayed at this time. Now that I've moved to another house with postpaid, my life has been wonderful. The estimated cost of gas and electricity is less than 50 pounds. So, I'm planning on moving out again, but provider are British Electricity and Scottish Gas, both of which are prepaid. I'd like to go postpaid. Is there a way to do this?

Did you mean British Gas, instead of British Electricity? Note that both British Gas and Scottish Gas are the same company - when British Gas operates in Scotland, it trades under the name of Scottish Gas, but both are the same company.

Regarding the substance of your question - you can speak with British Gas and tell them you want to install a smart meter in your flat. You can also let them know that you want your electricity service to be postpaid, which can be serviced through direct debit. I use British Gas smart meter and it is postpaid. It is, as you noted, much more cheaper and cost effective than prepaid.

All the best.

ugoonuoha:


Please how about the wait time for dependant Visa from the UK? That is the principal applicant already has a Skilled Workers Visa/Tier2 and the spouse who's a student wants to convert from tier4 to tier2 dependant....do you know if biometrics is required? Also is 8weeks feasible? Thanks in advancd

Hello. Really sorry I do not have any information on that, as I'm applying without dependents. Might be worth checking the website to see the true state of things.

Hibiscuslady:
Hello all, please who got a teaching Job in the UK from Nigeria and how did you go about the QTS? What qualification did you use?

Not from Nigeria, but I got a university teaching job from the UK. So QTS was not needed, I guess.

aragbaboy:


8 weeks was stated in the website just wanted to know if anyone has gotten it earlier.

I don't know of anyone who has got theirs earlier. I know some people who applied since April, May, and June and still have not received theirs. Even with priority, as I learnt recently. It's a nail-biting waiting game.

seunoj:

6-8weeks is what is stated on the site. I quietly used priority £500 and confirmation in day 3 and brp came in by day 5

In hindsight, I think I made a mistake not using priority. My start date is 5 September and it would be a shame to not start on that date on account of non issuance of visa.

aragbaboy:
Please for those that have applied for tier 2 health care visa in the UK switching from tier 4 student visa. How long did it take after biometrics for your tier 2 visa to be ready?

Mine has entered the 7th week, skilled worker visa application, though not for healthcare.

Greetings all. Has anyone here applied for a Skilled Worker visa recently through the ID Check app and got their decision within the standard time of 8 weeks? For standard application. Thanks.

yormieK:
Good one @Coleridge, can you give a quick run down about Glasgow caledonian uni interms of Jobs and accommodation. Is there a Nigerian neighbourhood in glasgow similar to peckham and the like in London. Heard its not a great city compared to most in England

1. I did a bit of exposition on GCU above. So you might want to check it up.

2. Not too sure about the uni accommodation, but there's certainly a range of accommodations in Glasgow for you. If you're looking at cost, you might want to avoid the city centre, except you can find someone to split the costs with you.

3. Still on costs - Before I came to the UK, I used to think that electricity and gas bills would be over the rooftops. With careful usage, you could keep those bills down to a cost of 50 quids per month.

4. Yes, there are jobs. But see above for what I wrote about covid.

5. Finally, I'm not aware that there is a Nigerian neighbourhood in Glasgow, but I do know for a fact that there are lots of Nigerians in the city. The city itself is a multicultural one. It is also a big place - third largest in the UK, and the largest in Scotland. There are certainly rough parts in the city, like every other city. But for the most, it is a safe place to live. I had similar apprehensions before coming here. I scoured online materials on safety. I'm glad to say that I've not experienced a frightful incident here, although there are still pockets of cases here and there. Just like everywhere else, including England.

Two things though: Glasgow is a very beautiful city, with lots of historic monuments. If you, as me, like to travel a lot, you would also find that the city is centrally located, making accessibility to other parts of the UK easy. And secondly, Glaswegians are the friendliest people in the world. No jokes. They were actually voted so in an online poll. Only in Glasgow would you find a total stranger come up to you and strike up a conversation like they have known you all their life! Lol.

So...yeah.

tajmal:
Hi Coleridge,
I intend to study at GCU for January 2022. What is your take on the school and their reputation as well as student jobs in Glasgow? Thanks

GCU seems to be quite popular with Nigerians. I also know a couple of chaps who went there. So I reckon that it should be a good school. You may want to check for their ranking before setting out though.

In terms of location, the university is also situated in the city centre, close to Strathclyde. Advantage of having a uni in town is accessibility. So you might want to chalk that up as a merit.

There are student jobs in Glasgow - security, care etc. Nevertheless, you will need to factor in the impact of covid, especially if working in the hospitality sector, as it seems to have been the worse hit.

Goodluck.

jaybel:
Hi guys, due to circumstances beyond my control. I was only able to book a date for the TB test for July 19th. Now for the POF, the only luxury I have from my sponsors is to keep the funds in my account for only 31days. Also, I intend to apply for the visa on the 23rd of July. Taken the above into account, when should the 28days of keeping funds in the account start in order to meet this deadline. I will appreciate your feedback. Thank you

Cc Coleridge and others

I'm not too sure how the rules apply these days, since I've been away for sometime. So I will leave the rest of the great guys on here to answer your question. Sorry about that.

hardeythunji:

Kindly help out. I am coming to Scotland precisely at Edinburgh Napier Uni. Kindly help out on what to know ahead

I just made a reply on a similar question above. You may want to check it out. Cheers, and best wishes.

raibrahim:
[Pleas what is your advise on schooling in Edinburgh Nappier University. Are students jobs available there.or=Coleridge post=101797142]If anyone is coming to Scotland, particularly Glasgow, I'm happy to answer any questions about schooling in Scotland and the like. I benefitted immensely from the travel section of Nairaland and feel the need to give back one way or the other. (Shoutout to Justwise and the rest of the team).

Cheers.

Edinburgh Napier University is located in Edinburgh. The latter is the capital of Scotland. It's got a good reputation for being an admixture of historic and new buildings. I like to see the place as a dreamy city, like something out of a fairytale. So you're likely to have a nice time there.

As per jobs, I should reckon that there are jobs in Edinburgh. I've had to go to Edinburgh on part time rounds, so yeah there are likely opportunities there, although you may need to factor in the impact of covid. In any case, you could always make the commute to Glasgow for jobs. Travel between both cities is roughly 40 minutes by train. So it's doable.

If you're looking to work in the security industry, you may want to get your police report in Nigeria before coming over. This would enable you do the SIA training and then consequently apply for a SIA badge.

I hope this helps. Happy hunting.

jaybel:
Hi Coleridge, I am. I have tons of questions lol. I will be going to the University of Strathclyde. Please tell me all there is to know, thanks!

Excellent choice. Strathclyde is ranked next to the University of Glasgow. It's situated in the heart of the city. Their library is well-stocked, and they've got great facilities. Keep an eye on their finance and funding page, as you may be lucky to get pockets of funding, mostly hardship. Finally, since the university is in Glasgow, you can expect to have part time jobs. I hope this helps.

Goodluck.

If anyone is coming to Scotland, particularly Glasgow, I'm happy to answer any questions about schooling in Scotland and the like. I benefitted immensely from the travel section of Nairaland and feel the need to give back one way or the other. (Shoutout to Justwise and the rest of the team).

Cheers.