Name: Mo

Age: 17

Nationality: Ghanaian

Course: A Level Maths, Accounting, Economics and Business.

City of study: London

Part time job: I would like to find a part-time job to build up my work experience.

Interests: Football

"If you are living in London, get an Oyster card. It entitles you to free bus travel if you are under 18 and this has saved me so much money."

Best thing about the UK?

The shopping here is so much better than back home. There is a lot more choice in the supermarkets and on the High Street.

Challenges?

I found it a bit difficult getting used to the culture. English people can be quite reserved, which is very different to how people are in Ghana.

Surprises?

How people socialise! In England, people like to sit around drinking and talking in pubs but at home, we prefer dancing.

Where are you living?

I rent a room with a family which I found through a homestay agency. I would definitely recommend it. They’re really nice people, I don’t get lonely and they’re always there to give advice if I need it. Also, when I first came here I got injured playing football and the family I live with helped me to find a doctor and make an appointment. I couldn’t have done that on my own.

How have you financed your studies?

My family is paying for my fees and accommodation. They also give me an allowance to pay for transport, food and other costs.

What do you wish you had known before you arrived?

I wish that I had not bought so many things before coming to the UK. I had to pay extra to bring some things as there were weight restrictions on the plane. It would have been cheaper to wait until I was here to see what I actually needed.

How have you coped with money in the UK?

I came with a lot of money but didn’t realise how to manage it. I ended up spending a lot of my budget. I don’t know how. But, as soon as I realised how much I was spending, I slowed down by setting myself a limit. Right now I try to make my own lunches during the week and set myself a strict limit on going out.

What advice would you give to other students coming to the UK?

Long distance phone calls can be very expensive but you can save a lot of money by buying prepaid international phone cards. They sell them in most newsagents. I spend £10 on phone cards every two weeks and you would be surprised how long that allows me to talk to my family.