Your first week in the UK: an arrival checklist for new students
You have landed. Here is what to sort out in your first seven days so the rest of the term goes smoothly.
Read the guide
Test prep
IELTS for Nigerian students: scores, test types and how to prepare
Academic or UKVI? What band score do you need? How to prepare for each section without wasting weeks.
Most universities abroad ask international students to prove their English, and IELTS is the test most of our students take. Here’s what to know before you book.
Which IELTS test should you take?
- IELTS Academic is the version universities ask for when you’re applying for a degree.
- IELTS for UKVI is the same test taken at a centre approved by the UK Home Office. You’ll usually need it for courses below degree level, such as some foundation or pre-sessional English courses in the UK.
Check your offer letter or the course page before booking, because the wrong version can mean sitting the test again. In Nigeria you can take IELTS on paper or on computer through the British Council or IDP.
What score do you need?
IELTS is scored in bands from 0 to 9. Universities set their own requirements, and many degree courses ask for an overall score somewhere between 6.0 and 7.0, with a minimum in each of the four sections. Courses such as law, medicine and teaching often ask for more. Some universities also accept a strong WAEC English result instead of IELTS, so it’s worth checking before you pay for a test.
How to prepare, section by section
- Listening: practise with recordings in British, Australian and North American accents, and get used to writing answers while you listen.
- Reading: you won’t have time to read every word. Practise skimming for the main idea and scanning for names, dates and numbers.
- Writing: Task 2 carries more marks than Task 1. Plan for five minutes before writing, answer the exact question, and leave time to check.
- Speaking: examiners reward fluency and range. Practise speaking for two minutes on everyday topics without memorised answers.
Give yourself enough time
Take a timed practice test first to find your starting band, then focus on your weakest section. Results for computer-delivered tests usually arrive within a few days, and a little longer for paper tests, so book well before your university deadline.
Our coaching starts with a diagnostic test and includes timed mocks with one-on-one feedback, in person in Abuja or online. See test preparation or book a free consultation.
