Universities have fined students thousands for smoking and vaping in halls
A count of the ten UK universities issuing the most fines for smoking or vaping in halls puts Manchester Metropolitan top, with £10,980 taken from students since 2024, and several Russell Group universities behind it. The charges are set in the accommodation contract you sign rather than by law, so the amount and the appeal route differ by university. Worth reading the contract before signing. Finding student housing covers what is in one.
France raises the money you must show for a study visa by 43 per cent
From 1 August, students applying for a French study visa must prove 43 per cent more in funds than before, and must show the money covers the whole stay rather than the first months. It applies to anyone going to France on a year abroad or a full degree, and it is the second European country this year to raise the threshold. The year abroad covers the rest of the paperwork.
Halls ranked, for anyone still choosing
A ranked guide to Birmingham’s halls for students who came through clearing or are having second thoughts about the accommodation they picked — what the rents actually buy, which are catered, and how far each is from teaching. Specific to one university, but the criteria are the ones to apply anywhere. Catered or self-catered is the general version.