Someone you know has left or is planning to leave. 1,000 Ways To Japa will speak to real people and explore the infinite number of reasons and paths they use to get to Japa.
Before moving to Scotland, Sodiq braced himself for the struggle of finding a part-time job as an international student. But less than a month in, he landed one and now swears he’s cracked the code. In this edition of 1k Ways to Japa, he shares the secrets to finding an affordable school in Scotland and securing your first job fast.
Where do you currently live, and when did you leave Nigeria?
I live in Scotland, and I moved here in December 2024
That’s recent. Congratulations!
Thank you. Getting a master’s degree has always been important to me, so when I finally had the opportunity to take that big step, I didn’t hesitate.
What did the application process look like?
So, I’m currently getting a postgraduate degree in strategic project management, and I’ve discovered that the student route is one of the easiest ways to move to Scotland. If you’re looking to use this route, the first thing you should do is look for schools within your financial capability. Most of the schools in Scotland are expensive, so it takes a lot of research to find an affordable one. Some cheap options you can consider are schools like Glasglow Calebonian University.
After finding the school that ticks your boxes, the next step is to get the necessary documents like your international passport, school certificate, recommendation letter, English proficiency test result and anything else the school requires.
Upon successful application, the school will ask you to pay a deposit to reserve your space. In my case, I paid £5500 as my first deposit. After the payment, the next step is to secure a spot as a student in that department. After that, the school will give you a document of confirmation of acceptance to help with your visa process.
The next step is to get your tuberculosis test done. You also have to provide proof of funds and a letter of sponsorship. Finally, you have to pay the national health surcharge and the visa application fee and start the process. They might ask for other supporting documents.
How are you handling the cost of schooling and living expenses?
I moved to Scotland a month before my course kicked off, so I had enough time to look for a job. At that point, I was applying to different jobs online. I got some rejection emails, but didn’t let that stop me. I finally cracked the code and got a job in less than one month. Anyone hoping to get a job when they move here should download Indeedflex. That’s one platform where you’ll find available shifts from which you can pick. They will recommend jobs you can do based on your CV and qualifications. But I always advise people looking for jobs to just walk into different organizations with a CV tailored to each brand. You’d be surprised by what you can achieve by doing that. These things can also be heavy on luck because some people I met here are still looking for jobs. In any case, I don’t think it should typically be that hard to get a job. Even with a part-time job, you’ll still struggle to handle the bills here. You’re only allowed to work 20 hours weekly, and that’s hardly enough to cover your tuition.
So, how are you paying your tuition?
My parents and brother, who lives in Scotland, pitch in regularly. It also helps that I’m living with my brother. While selecting the school I wanted to attend, proximity to my brother’s place was one of the biggest factors. It makes the bills lighter and life easier for me.
Can you give me a breakdown of what relocating to Scotland cost you?
My tuition is £11,000, but the first deposit was £5500. Then, I took my Tuberculosis test for about $90. I registered for the IELTS exam, which cost over ₦250,000. I also paid the National Health Insurance surcharge, which was about $2,800. My visa application cost between $600 and $800. Those were the major expenses.
So, how has life been since you moved to Scotland?
I moved from Nigeria, where I didn’t know what I was doing. I wasn’t even sure life had anything to offer me there, so I can’t complain now that I’m here. I have a better idea of what I want to do here, and it’s a peaceful place to live. I also mentioned earlier that schooling abroad has always been something I wanted. You can’t compare the quality of education here to Nigeria’s. I would also love to experience life in countries like the USA and get an idea of what their education system looks like.
Has anything taken you by surprise in Scotland yet?
I’ve seen men wear skirts here. The first time I saw it, I thought it was a bit crazy, but I’ve been told it’s part of their culture.
Have you fully settled in?
Sort of. It’s easier living with a relative. I’ve also made connections with a few people. About 70% of students in my class are Nigerians, so it’s easier to bond.
On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you in Scotland?
A solid 7. I’m looking forward to seeing how good things can get.
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