I currently have a 6 month student Visa for the UK that expires in december (I initially got it for a 6-week summer program). I now am going back for a year to do a postgraduate degree in London. I want to to extend that initial 6-month visa for another 6 months (or year). I am a US citizen with US passport. What's the easiest way to go about this? I'm confused if I should re-apply for a new Visa or get an extension. I am leaving for the UK on Wednesday so if I want an extension, I'll need to get it in UK but it's 300 pounds. I'm returning to the US for a few weeks in mid-december before going back. Should I wait until I get back to the US and get a new Visa in december (I'll only have a few weeks and I believe the Visa office is closed sometime around then)?