Online meeting place for Lankan students

By Chandani Kirinde

There are hundreds of Sri Lankan students who wish to do their higher studies in the United Kingdom, and getting started on the process is a struggle for many. There are numerous things one needs to look into, from choosing the proper university, visas, accommodation, meeting financial needs and a whole lot of other requirements that have to be considered before venturing overseas for higher education.

Help is on the way and it's in the form of a pioneering new website named Contact Sri Lanka (www.contactsrilanka.co.uk). Launched by a group of former Sri Lankan students in the UK as well as professionals residing there, the site makes things easier for anyone who wishes to travel to the UK for their higher education. Their experiences have shaped the website giving prospective students a realistic view of what to expect when one decides to study in the UK.

The primary aim of Contact Sri Lanka is to assist the large number of students wishing to study in the UK, reducing the time, confusion and frustration so often associated with the application process. Transition time is not easy for students who have to leave their familiar shores and head overseas as adjustments to a different lifestyle takes time. The website also aims to make this trying period easier by sharing the experiences of students who have undergone similar experiences before them.

The website lists names of a large number of universities in the UK through which one can access their websites and gather information regarding the study courses. There are also web links to useful sites for those looking for part-time work.

Contact Sri Lanka is not only for students. There is a special section for parents to ease their minds once their children go off on their own, for the first time.

The site has dedicated sections for professionals and job-seekers, whilst also providing links to Sri Lankan associations/clubs, news, entertainment and more. The news section give links to Sri Lankan newspapers so one can keep up with the latest happenings back home while away in a foreign land.

It also gives the opportunity for students to share their experiences in this online meeting place as well as post their photographs and happenings on the website.

So don't waste any time. Log on to www.contactsrilanka.co.uk and open the door to a hassle-free higher education in the UK.

Choosing a university
There are countless universities and colleges throughout the world and a myriad of educational programmes. Moreover, it is something that most students have to do only once in a lifetime. As such, at Contact Sri Lanka you have the advantage of experience, perspective and facts of Sri Lankan students already studying there to guide and assist you.

The website lists hundreds of universities and colleges with their accessible web links through the Contact Sri Lanka website.

Further information could be obtained at info@contactsrilanka.co.uk

Tips for parents
Along with the excitement of a new venture, there is also a lot of worry about a child going off to a foreign land all alone. Contact Sri Lanka has several tips for parents, enabling them to choose what is best suited for their kids.

No matter how young your child is, it is never too soon to think about higher education. Sit down with your child and find out their interests. Listening and supporting their decisions can help ease the transition needed most during this life-changing experience.

The first step
After the GCEs, your child could pursue further education (FE) and for this they could do their Advanced Level exam or take a job-related vocational course.

The second step
There are many routes to getting a degree, some direct, others involving a combination of qualifications. The route that is right for your child depends on their FE qualifications and the course they want to do at university. There is something to suit everyone and lots of choices.

Degrees can be taken full-time, part-time or as a sandwich course, and most last three years. Applicants generally need a minimum of two A/Levels, although it varies.

Sandwich courses combine work placements with study at university, leading to a degree and lasting up to four years. Foundation degrees cover work-related topics and take two years of full-time study; it can also be done part-time while working. There is an option to convert to a full degree with further study.

The Higher National Diploma/Higher National Certificate (HND/HNC) covers a variety of work-related subjects which lasts two to three years with a year in industry.

Online meeting
One aim of Contact Sri Lanka is to create an online meeting place for Sri Lankan students to meet others like themselves and exchange advice and information to build a cooperative and friendly online community. You can register through the contact Sri Lanka website and share ideas and create a Sri Lanka environment away from home by interacting with fellow Sri Lankans.

Charity
Contact Sri Lanka has a charity arm as well which lists the names and contact details of several UK-based charitable organisations that provide aid to Sri Lanka. Students can involve themselves in the work of these charities and help make a significant contribution to the less fortune back home.

Working part-time
For many students, part-time or vacation work has become an integral part of student life. As well as giving you a taste of different working environments, a well-chosen job can provide excellent work experience. This experience will provide a competitive edge when you leave university and enter the workplace.

It is crucial to be realistic and balanced in an approach to part-time jobs. Working for too many hours during term-time will undeniably impact your ability to produce high-quality academic work.

Many universities and colleges have job shops connecting students to local employers offering part-time or vacation work, and often run special initiatives with local employers and organisations.

Employment and working conditions are strictly regulated in the UK through laws. These laws set minimum wage levels, health and safety standards and hours of work. You can gain access to several job sites through Contact Sri Lanka.

Social Life
There is a lot of scope for a pretty exciting social life while studying too. The range varies from restaurants and cinemas to nightclubs, theme-parks and theatres with endless options.

There is also food to cater to every kind of palate as well as a vibrant nightlife in major cities like Manchester and London.

London's West End boasts of hundreds of theatres, with high-quality productions going on the boards every day, showcasing the best of the world's dramatic talent.

For those of you who like a little more adventure, there are major theme parks like Chessington, Alton Towers and Thorpe Park where one can experience some amazing rides. How about hang-gliding, parachuting or maybe even bungee jumping? You can try these out as well.

You can find it all on Contact Sri Lanka's Entertainment pages!