Natalie Mossayebi, 2010, 2 yr. Acting
Danish 2nd year student Nadia Bond makes life easier if you’re looking to study in London
The Bridge is for everyone:
I have always been drawn to London, so when I decided to become an actor it was a natural choice for me to look at an education in England. And I cannot stress enough how amazing my first year at The Bridge has been. I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of an international acting career. As the European market is becoming more and more integrated having an English-speaking qualification to your name will give you a good head start in your future career and open a lot of doors whether you stay in the UK or decide to travel to other countries later on.
Though coming from a different culture has sometimes given rise to some interesting situations. But coming from another country also means you can bring something new to your fellow students and it creates a good dynamic in the group.
So if you are from abroad do not hesitate to apply to The Bridge – London is without a doubt the theatre capital of Europe and the place to be whether you are into acting for stage, the big screen or TV.
If you have already been accepted or want to know more about life here in London please read on:
Before I moved to London and joined The Bridge in September 2009, I hadn’t lived outside of Copenhagen, Denmark. I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot but there is a big difference between visiting a country for a few weeks and actually moving there. You are suddenly faced with a new culture and new ways of doing things. But I love it here! London is such a multicultural city and makes most people feel welcomed and at home. Though the British are sometimes quite settled in their ways.
Here are a few tips if you, like me, are joining us from another country. First of all I suggest getting a mobile phone. It is nice to be able to contact the school and your fellow students. Before you have a bank account and proof of address (normally gas or electricity bills) you cannot set up a pay monthly scheme so you will have to settle with a pay-as-you-go-phone. Though as soon as you have the above mentioned I would suggest you change it. You can keep your number and it is normally cheaper than pay-as-you-go. The main suppliers are Orange, T-mobile and Vodafone. You find all three on the high street in Camden close to The Bridge.
Setting up a bank account can be a little tricky as you will need proof of address. You need the gas and electricity suppliers to send you your first bills and take them to the bank along with your passport. But the problem here is that some landlords will not let you rent before you have a bank account! If you are under the age of 25 you will be able to set up a student account which entitles you to certain benefits.
Register with a doctor as this is your way into the system and will entitle you to free healthcare should you need it. You can search online for your nearest practice and then show up with your passport and proof of address (same as above) to get signed up.
IMPORTANT! If you are moving here from a country outside the EU, you will have to make sure you have the correct visa before coming here.
If you are an EU citizen you have the same rights as any Brit. This means you do not need a student visa or a work permit. You will need to obtain a National Insurance (NI) number though. You will also need this if you plan to work part-time during your one or two year training or if you plan to take out a student loan. You will need to attend an interview at your local Job Center Plus (there is one in Camden) and then you normally receive your NI number within 4-6 weeks. Students can get exemption from council tax (you will need to notify your local council office though and send them proof of student status) and there is no tax on your income if you do not make more than approximately £6000 a year.
If you decide to house share, which is the most common accommodation here, I recommend you find English speaking housemates – this will help you quickly pick up the language. Contact The Bridge for housing options.
Buy an Oyster card for travelling. It is around £3 and you can top it up as you need to. You can use your Oyster card both on buses and the tube.
Good luck and enjoy your time at The Bridge.
Nadia Bond
2 year Professional Acting Course 2009-2011
Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2
NHS – Doctor
Transport for London (Oyster Card)