The UK Home Office has announced that the deadline for university students to arrive in the UK to qualify for the UK graduate route visa has been extended to 27 September 2021.

The graduate work visa, also known as the post-study work visa or PSW visa, allows all international students who have successfully completed a degree in the UK to stay in the country for work for up to three years post-graduation.

Internships can provide you with a range of skills necessary to succeed in the workplace that you often can’t get from academic studies.

They can help you build your understanding of workplace culture, develop your communication, time management, problem-solving skills and expand your global fluency.

Crucially, internships also offer students the opportunity to network with people in relevant professional circles, which can potentially lead to additional work placements and career opportunities.

Which skills should you develop beyond the knowledge you gain during your degree at university?

Many people will tell you that you need to be a problem-solver, that you need to develop critical thinking, data analysis capabilities and inquiry skills. There are also many important emotional intelligence skills, such as empathy, self-awareness and motivation. 

Work experience is key to getting into graduate work. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has put a huge dent in the number of internship and placement opportunities offered by employers. Lack of relevant work experience is now a top concern of job-seeking students.

There is, however, some good news on the work experience front. The Institute of Student Employers (ISE) has said that in some sectors the shrinkage in opportunities has levelled off, while they are increasing in other sectors.

Sustainability is becoming more important across the university sector and students today are increasingly engaged in tackling social and environmental issues and expect their university to do the same.

Here are just some ways that students can be part of the change.

Research your university’s actions on sustainable development

Sponsored content: created in partnership with Newcastle University.

“We can watch our marine systems disappear, or we can come up with solutions so that they are functioning in the future,” stresses Pippa Moore, a marine community ecologist at Newcastle University.

The IELTs Prize is an annual prize that supports IELTs test-takers with £3,000 towards their university tuition fees. Applications are now open for students who will be starting an undergraduate or a postgraduate course by September 2022.

The prize is eligible for students who are applying to institutions where the IELTS is an admissions requirement.

While studying abroad is an extremely exciting opportunity, securing a place to live in the United States can leave you a bit anxious. However, with a little preparation and know-how, you can find the perfect place to lay your head. Here are a few tips for renting in the US as a university student. 

1. Decide where you want to live

Will you have a car? Do you need to be close to public transportation or your university? These are important things to consider when looking for the right apartment.