Hey guys, it’s Vaanathi here!
So you’ve finished your PLAB 1 exam! Congrats!!
I know it’s nerve wracking until you see the results, DO NOT THINK ABOUT THE EXAM. Don’t discuss answers and don’t check answers if it makes you tense. This is the time for you to relax before the PLAB 2 hurdle.
There are a few things that you can do while waiting for the results:
1. LOOK AT PLAB 2 CENTRES:
I am a strong believer that coaching classes help prepare you for PLAB 2. Even if you don’t pay attention to the classes, you will still find the notes, the mocks and the environment useful. Start looking into the various centres that are available. There are several online options too. Overall, I feel all centres are very similar. The reason that I chose SWAMY was purely because I already had a friend who was joining there. (Personally I feel that having someone you already know and have studied with before is a big deciding factor). Have a look at the price ranges and accommodation. If you prefer to look at your own accommodation, you can check spareroom.com, airbnb and zoopla. Post messages on the various FB groups and whatsapp groups that you are a part of. Of course, if you don’t want to join a coaching class, you don't have to :)
2. VISA:
You can have a look through the visa requirements and start getting documents ready.
The Visa type that you will need for PLAB 2 is STANDARD VISITORS VISA (PURPOSE:BUSINESS) https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa
Please cross check with the official website in case anything has changed due to COVID-19 things are always changing!
Personally I went through a travel agency for my visa application. However this is NOT MANDATORY. You can apply on your own as the full documents list is available on the official website (https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa/documents-you-must-provide )
I had been forewarned by friends regarding the importance of a cover letter. However my travel agency mentioned it is not even required as it is not on the list. I finally did submit a letter, but it only mentioned my travel dates and that I am taking the PLAB 2 exam.
I had also been told that there is a higher chance of visa rejection if you mention that you are joining a coaching class. I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE.
YOU CAN NOT APPLY FOR THE VISA UNTIL YOU HAVE BOOKED YOUR PLAB 2 EXAM !!! But there is no harm in getting all your documents ready. The visa processing time varies with each centre and even more due to COVID, so please check the website for your region.
3. FLIGHTS:
Have a look at flight tickets and figure out tentative travel dates. Check baggage allowance and COVID guidelines for different airlines. If you are feeling very confident, you can book tickets before you get your PLAB 1 results too!
4. THE RESULTS HAVE COME! NOW WHAT?
For those of you who did not make it through, don’t beat yourself up over it! This exam is meant to be challenging. Take a break and clear your mind. Then get straight back at it! Do Not lose hope and don’t forget what made you start this journey. Keep at it and it WILL work out!!
For those of you who have passed, don’t start celebrating yet! BOOK YOUR PLAB 2 IMMEDIATELY!! This is very important. They get booked up immediately and you cannot apply for a visa until you have a booking confirmation for PLAB2. I believe now there is a wait for the 2021 dates, so keep checking because as soon as they are release, it will be a stampede! Reetu booked her plab 2 date as soon as they opened the dates in August 2020 and with in 4 hours all of 2020 was booked! So I am not kidding when I say book it IMMEDIATELY.
Once you have booked your exam, NOW GO CELEBRATE! CONGRATULATIONS!
You can start applying for the visa now. You can book accommodation and flight tickets.
5. MONEY:
Personally, the easiest option I think is acquiring a Travel card. It is available in ICICI bank and that is what I’m using right now. You can use this everywhere in the UK (I’m not sure about the buses) and your family can transfer money to the card from India. If you're from India please inquire at your local bank and see what they suggest. Please do carry some cash with you as well, as small shops may not accept cards. In the UK, you can apply for an online bank account which will get activated immediately and the card will be sent by post to you in a few days. I did not do this as I used only my travel card, but Reetu uses one. One example that is commonly used is a MONZO CARD. Money can be transferred into this account from abroad for a minimal fee and ATM withdrawal is free.
6. SIM CARD:
There are so many sim card options here. The airport may have a store, or they will be available in any local shop as well. You can simply buy a sim and recharge the plan every month. Some commonly used networks are Lycamobile, Lebara and EE. But all of them work well. Some of these networks also provide home delivery of sim cards.
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, Keep checking the UK government website regarding the visa guidelines. Things are constantly changing due to COVID.
