Geegpay Dairies: 10 Tips for Any Nigerian Looking to School in the UK

Studying in the UK is a big step. You have to do good research, calculate the cost, chase the visa, and plan your entire life around it. But once you land, the reality starts to feel different from the picture you imagined.

To help make that transition smoother, we spoke with Jennifer, a Nigerian master’s student currently studying in the UK. Her experience is fresh, honest, and filled with practical advice you will not find anywhere else. But before we get into the tips, and in case you missed it, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to study in the UK as a Nigerian. 

Now, without further ado, here are ten tips she shared to help you prepare better and avoid common mistakes. 

1. Forget what you see on social media. Ask real students.

It is easy to get swept up in TikTok vlogs and Instagram stories. But most of what you see online is either exaggerated or curated for likes.

The best way to understand a UK school or course is to speak to someone already enrolled there. Find a Nigerian student who is studying what you want to study and ask real questions. They can tell you how intense the workload is, if the teaching is mostly theory, and how the lecturers behave.

Some people will sugar-coat it. Others will give it to you straight. Listen to both but trust the ones with receipts.

2. Apply early. UK schools do not wait for anyone.

Most UK schools accept applications on a rolling basis. This means that the earlier you apply, the higher your chances of getting admitted and receiving an offer in time. 

Starting early also gives you time to handle your visa, proof of funds, flight booking, and housing without unnecessary pressure. Jennifer applied early and said it gave her breathing room to make better choices at every stage.

3. Budget like your life depends on it. Because it does.

The money conversation is not just about tuition. There are other costs that creep in once you land. Here’s how to stay ahead

• First, put your proof of funds aside. This is what the UK requires for your visa to be approved. It includes tuition and a set amount for living expenses, usually based on your city.
• Then, calculate what your other expenses would entail based on where you decide to live. This covers rent, food, transportation, data, winter clothes, and sometimes even unexpected things like NHS fees or house deposits.
• Create a monthly budget. Track what you spend. And always leave room for surprises.

4. If you want a scholarship, do not wait to be told.

Many Nigerian students miss out on funding because they assume someone will share the link with them. Do your own digging.

After getting your admission offer, ask the school if there are any scholarships you qualify for. Some are automatic. Others need a separate application. Read the fine print and apply before the deadline.

5. Expect a cultural shift. It shows up in small and big ways.

Moving to the UK is not just about changing countries. You are stepping into a different way of life. For example, most UK lecturers do not chase students to submit assignments. You are responsible for your learning. Nobody checks in to see if you are coping unless you ask for help.

You may also notice that people mind their business a lot. That does not mean they are unfriendly. It just means you have to take the first step if you want to build friendships. Give yourself time to adjust. And be open to learning from the experience.

6. Sort out your accommodation before you arrive.

This is one of the most important things to do once you get your visa. Do not wait until you land to start looking for housing.

If your school has campus accommodation, apply for it early. It is usually safer and easier for first-time students. If you are going off-campus, be extra careful when dealing with landlords or agents online.

Scammers target international students. Always double-check listings and avoid paying for anything you cannot verify. Want tips on how to get accommodations as a UK student? Read here.

7. Learn to do things for yourself. You will need it.

In the UK, you handle your own cooking, laundry, shopping, and cleaning. It is all on you.

Jennifer said she had to quickly learn how to cook bulk meals, wash clothes properly, and budget her time better. There is no help coming. That is not a bad thing, but it can be a shock if you are not ready. Start now. Learn basic life skills before you travel. They will save you a lot of stress.

8. Working part-time is possible, but be smart about it.

Your student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours during term and full-time on holidays. That sounds great until you try to balance it with school.

If you plan to work, look for flexible jobs that do not clash with your classes. Retail, hospitality, or remote roles are popular among students. But do not let work affect your grades. That degree is still the main reason you are there. Here are a few you can try out.

9. There will be hard days. Find a way to stay grounded.

Studying abroad can get lonely. The weather is cold. The food is unfamiliar. The silence in your room might feel loud. Jennifer said there were times she questioned her decision. What helped was having a support system. She joined a church community, kept in touch with friends, and reminded herself why she came in the first place.

Mental health matters. Do not ignore how you feel. Find things that make you feel at home, even if it is just cooking jollof rice on a weekend. And finally,

10. Use Geegpay. It makes life easier.

Jennifer mentioned this more than once. Geegpay made her financial transition smoother.

Before her UK bank account was set up, she used Geegpay to receive money in multiple currencies. She paid bills, handled some school-related payments, and even used it to send money back to Nigeria when needed.

It helped her avoid some of the early banking frustrations that many international students face. Even now, she still uses Geegpay as her go-to platform for managing international payments. If you are looking for a way to stay financially connected to Nigeria while schooling abroad, this is one tool that genuinely helps. Create your Geegpay account here

In all, there is no perfect way to prepare for studying abroad, but hearing from someone who has done it can save you from unnecessary stress. Jennifer’s advice is simple: do your research, apply early, ask questions, and use tools like Geegpay to keep things organised. And that concludes this episode of Geegpay Diaries. Want to catch up on our last episode? Click here. See you next time.