The next move

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Despite the frustrating situation with booking our train, we managed to find our way to Abuja. I don't want to get into the details of it but we eventually got into the train after waiting for three hours and a mentally draining check-in process.

The trip ended up being 40 minutes longer than usual due to reasons that I don't know. For me, the trip felt longer because I was very hungry for most part but we got that sorted out immediately we entered Abuja, so no harm done.

Now we're in Abuja and the next step is to head to the hospital where we will conduct a mandatory Tuberculosis test that is required for Visa application. In our failed attempt to move last year, we actually did this test but the result expires every six months, so we have to do another one.

Yesterday evening, I got a glimpse of the city under the night lights and it was overwhelming, once again. I went out to see @drexx-dmitri and watch Arsenal's game against City, where we got walloped and the least said about that game, the better.

What I noticed about our current lodging is that it is cut off from the city and getting an uber or bolt to or from this location is a somewhat daunting task. Last night, after the game, I ended up waiting for the best part of an hour before I found any car willing to head in our direction.

No Nerves

I'm going into this stage of our application as an experience blank slate. Yes, there has been disappointment in the past but no need to dwell on the past or let it weight me down.

We scheduled an early morning session at the hospital,so hopefully, things go as fast as they went last time around. It would be so nice if we could just get everything sorted out before noon, so I can come back to the hotel for a proper rest.

On a positive note, the issue with booking the train ticket has been partially sorted out. My wife is still unable to book tickets with her account but I can at least book for both of us and so, I have already booked our return trip to Kaduna, tomorrow.

On a not so positive note, the internet reception at the hotel is rather terrible but at least I can hop on Hive from time to time. Gotta take the wins with the losses in my stride and keep



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7 comments
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The TB Test should be a formality. It's showing the funds and the credibility interview that will be the defining factors in your Student visa application.

You've also got to plan ahead as to how you're going to get funds out of Nigeria. Right now, I bet whichever Uni you are going to seems lovely and supportive. Wait until you try explaining to them what a 'Form A' is and why it takes months to get the money to cover your costs of study into the UK. See how supportive they are then...

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So far, Nottingham Trent University has been very supportive. I hope they stay that way. In any case, we're moving fast to ensure the Form A thing doesn't bite us in the ass.

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Nottingham Trent has a good reputation for student experience and in particular international student support. Also, it's a great city for students with 2 big Universities in close proximity, you'll have fun there.

https://www.ntu.ac.uk/m/online-payment/fee-payment-conditions

Looks like their fee policies offer reasonable flexibility if needed

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Glad to hear this, I am looking forward to the experience. You mentioned that you work or worked in the admin department of a school, which one is it? Also, is it close enough to Nottingham for us to share a beer or two when I'm around?

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I'm at Royal Holloway so not that close but if you're ever in London then hit me up and we'll go for a beer

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Hopefully the test went well and you got back to your town safely and easily man! Life certainly gives us challenges but that also gives us good history and experience to reflect on when things improve!

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Thanks mate. The test went well and we'll be taking the next step.

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