I'm on a Student Visa
Studying in a new country while figuring out who you are is a double burden. Skybow is about your side as an LGBTQ+ student: how to find your people on campus, where to get support, how to stay safe, and what to do if it's dangerous to go home. The general steps — visa, bank account, housing, English — we don't duplicate: they are laid out step by step in Russian on svoi.uk (links below).
Sometimes during your studies it becomes clear: you can't go home — because of who you are. If your visa is ending and returning is unsafe, you have options, and asking for protection (asylum) is one of them. That's a big separate topic, and we've laid it out calmly, step by step.
Skybow is not a registered immigration adviser (OISC/IAA). This is general information, not personal advice about your visa or case.
Student visa and everyday life — step by step
Visa and documents, money and bank account, housing, English — all of this is covered in detail, in Russian and without agencies, on svoi.uk. We don't repeat what's already there — go straight to the source.
Being Yourself on Campus
If You Can't Go Home
Some students realise: going home means hiding again or being in danger because of your orientation or gender. If that's you — you're not alone, and it's not a dead end. Below is calm information about protection in the UK.
Where to Get Help
Frequently Asked Questions
British universities are required to protect students from discrimination and harassment based on sex and sexual orientation (Equality Act 2010). Most universities have a zero-tolerance policy towards homophobia and transphobia. However, how comfortable you feel depends on the specific campus and environment — the students' union LGBT+ society can usually tell you how things work at your university. If something happens, contact the student support service or the university's equality office.
On a student visa you are usually allowed to work a limited number of hours during term time and more during holidays, but the exact conditions depend on your level of study and are stated in your permission. Check your conditions via your share code and on gov.uk; if in doubt, ask your university's international office.
There are several options: extend your studies, switch to the Graduate Route (work after studies), change your visa — or, if it's unsafe to go home because of who you are, ask for protection. A registered adviser can assess your specific situation, and we have a separate section about asylum.
Skybow is an information project by Mendee CIC. We are not a registered immigration adviser and do not provide personal legal services. Everything here is general information, not advice about your visa or case. Student visa and immigration rules change — always check gov.uk, and make decisions about your situation with an adviser registered with the regulator (OISC/IAA) or a Legal Aid solicitor.