A UK University Survival Guide for International Students

Are you thinking of studying in the UK? Or perhaps you’ve already landed on the very green, very cold isle and are realising you didn’t pack enough coats? Either way, you can rest assured that the UK has some of the best universities in the world that provide international students with the skills, qualifications and experience to be successful in the global jobs market.  

But you probably already know that, don’t you? So, we’re going to give you less of the marketing spiel and more of the practical tips that you need to survive and thrive on this strange little island. 

1. Everyone is welcome 

   
   

Brexit has given British people a bad name and created the impression that it’s an insular little place. It’s not (although some of its politicians are). The UK is one of the most welcoming countries around the world where everyone has equal rights. London particularly is a truly international city where you’re just as likely to hear someone speaking Mandarin, French, Bengali, Turkish, Polish or Italian as you are English. No one cares what you look like, what you’re wearing or where you come from, so everyone can live freely. 

2. British students like a drink 

   
   

Student drinking culture in the UK is different from almost anywhere else in the world. When you first arrive, you’ll probably be surprised by how much some students drink, but that doesn’t mean you have to join in. Pubs and bars are common meeting places in the UK, but they sell plenty of non-alcoholic drinks, too, so you can go out and socialise as much as you like without having to get drunk.  

3. You can get everything delivered 

   
   

A smartphone is a lifesaver in the UK, as you can order just about anything you need using an app and get it delivered to your accommodation. If you live in a city, almost all of the main supermarkets, such as Sainsbury's, Tesco, Waitrose, Aldi, Lidl, and Ocado, offer a delivery service. Just order your groceries online and they’ll be delivered to your door. There are also online laundry services that will come and pick up your dirty washing and bring it back beautifully folded and sparkling clean. 

4. Pack plenty of warm clothes  

   
   

It’s a bit of a sweeping statement, but the weather in the UK is not the best. It certainly gets its fair share of wet, cold and overcast days, but there’s also some sunshine, and when the sun does come out, everyone appreciates it that much more. When packing though, it’s well worth bringing an umbrella, a raincoat, a woolly hat, some gloves and a scarf. That will probably do you for around six months of the year.  

5. Getting to grips with the culture 

   
   

Like anywhere, you will experience a culture shock when you first arrive in the UK. Here are a few quick tips to help you prepare.  

• British are people are friendly when you talk to them, they’re just quite reserved. Once you get to know them, you’ll find they don’t shut up. 

• British people love to queue. If you see people standing around aimlessly in a shop or at a bus stop bus, they’re probably queuing. You should stand in line and wait your turn.  

• A lot is said about the blandness of British food, but the great thing about having such a multicultural society is that you can get your hands on whatever you fancy. Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Southeast Asian and European food is all very popular, and there are also international ranges in most supermarkets, so you’ll be able to tuck into whatever you like.  

• Being polite will get you a long way in the UK, so remember to say “please” and “thank you” and you’ll go far.