Teen going back to the UK for Uni

[CoolStoryBro]

Hi, has anyone got any experience of their teenager going back to the UK for University, having lived a few years abroad, in this case, it will be 9? How difficult was it? How affordable?

I know we would have to pay International fees, which makes it similarly expensive to a good college here (we're in the US). If anyone has any idea whatsoever of how GPA and SAT/ACT grades relate to UCAS points, I would love to hear that, because after googling, I'm not getting too far

What I really need is a Dummy's Guide to Going To University In UK for Expats! Thanks.

My dd1 just started uni back in the uk after 10 years in Asia (she did a-levels british international school, so I can't comment on the GPA comparisons)

We did manage to get home status though, as we do not have a right of abode here. (Ie the uk where we would have to return if the work permit was not renewed)
Tbh the gap between international and home students is closing, for is the key issue was securing the student loan, as we really couldn't afford to give her a free ride.

We all came home for the summer break, and I flew back with dd2&3 to start school 4th sept, dd1 stayed with mum and dad and they drove her down to uni for freshers, that was the harder bit- not taking her myself

My hats off to overseas parents who did it before Skype!

To add, make friends with the Admissions people at your chosen Uni- they are incredibly helpful and willing to suggest things IME (but make sure you get your DC to make the call, not you (even if you are sat next to them with the phone on speaker phone and you write prompts for them in the middle of the call! )

And settling in- dd says her single biggest challenge was figuring out the buses, but she has it sorted now

Another thing- (sorry keep hitting send too soon)

The biggest admin problem for me was getting her a NI number. (might not be such a problem if you are international status) but you need it to get the Home status and the student loan.

It is tied to CB payments (ie a child receiving CB will automatically have an NI number generated at 16). As I wasn't claiming CB (and I assume you are not) , it was a bit of an uphill struggle to get one for her, as we didn't fit the system, even though she is totally entitled to one.

Even if your DC ends up with international status, he/she will need one if he wants to take a part time job etc (most international students are not allowed, but yours will if he's on a UK passport)

Experience is a marvellous thing, and to avoid the hassle, I am starting the process for dd2 next year when she turns 16, even though she will not go to uni til 2016.

Thank you!

Cool DD1 is just in the process of applying to US colleges (she's a senior in high school). It seems there are many ways of funding courses. I'll let you know if we find one of them that works - if you are interested in your teen going to uni here.

I mean here in the US - we live in Texas, but she is applying out of state.

Wentshopping Thanks. DS is definitely planning on applying in the US too. He just can't decide if he sees himself back in his Homeland or lying on a beach in California!!

Don't forget to fill in your FAFSA for funding whether they end up in US or UK, some UK colleges are on their lists if I remember right. Oldest Ds was on the fence about whether to come back to UK for Uni, ended up in CA Ds 2 applied and moved to UK, international fees and everything, he got his NIN in no time after arrival, ended up not going to Uni but working and doing other training.