Going to university for anyone is a significant culture shock. Late nights, new social interactions and disorientations are common for any new uni student. Now if we add a new country on top of all that, university can feel like an alien experience. In this article, we’ll explore ways to settle in as an international student in the UK.
Culture shocks
Every country has its own set of customs which can seem foreign to anyone not assimilated. For example, some of my friends, who attended British international schools and had English as their first language, found the culture to be quite bizarre. Whilst in many countries, university exists only as a place to be educated, in the UK, university acts as quite a socially orientated affair. Often social gatherings are placed above learning although it doesn’t have to be.
Drinking culture is also fairly big; many of my friends have told me about the unexpected pressure to drink. Even though there still is a relatively large emphasis on this, don’t feel forced, most people understand if you’d like a sober night or don’t drink. If you like drinking, then you’ll love pub culture. Pubs are deeply ingrained into British history and is a great place to make friends in a relaxed environment.
Another thing many of my friends have stated which they have found disturbing and ‘wrong’ is the Great British sense of humour. This is hallmarked by an incredibly dark, dry and sarcastic tone. To start, this most likely will be incredibly difficult to interpret but in time, you might find yourself embracing and using it yourself.
Join societies
If you’re ever feeling homesick, it can help to surround yourself with people from your home country. Luckily, at most universities, there will be many country or region specific societies so it becomes quite easy to find people from home. There also tends to be a wider ‘international society’ at every university; even if you aren’t all from the same country, you can bond over learning about an unfamiliar environment. They tend to run trips around the UK, allowing you to learn about more than just the city you’re staying in.
Beyond cultural societies, universities offer many academic, hobby and sport related societies. This can be a great way to meet new like-minded people. Whether it’s painting, football or chess, having a nice thing to do outside of your studies can make all the difference whilst you’re trying to settle in. At the start of the year, societies tend to host lots of free welcome events which provides you a great opportunity to meet lots of new people and try lots of new hobbies.
Learn more about joining a student society here.
Managing your finances
University is often the first time you have to manage your finances independently. The first thing you should do, once you have a UK address, is open a UK bank account. Many banks offer great offers for students, such as free overdraft or vouchers. Most major banks, like Santander, HSBC or Nationwide offer these deals; you can apply for a bank account using a code you can find on your UCAS hub.
Budgeting can often be difficult in the UK, especially in cities with extremely high costs of living, like London. Using banks like Monzo or Revolut can go a long way in terms of setting budgeting goals and tracking your expenses. Many students also look for part time jobs in order to supplement their income. Whilst it can be useful to do this as an international student, make sure you know the maximum hours you can work on your visa – this tends to be quite well enforced.
A useful tip to know is to always ask for student discounts. Many shops and restaurants will offer small discounts if you show your student ID. Additionally, websites like UNiDAYS and Student Beans, will offer vouchers for online and in-person shopping for everything from food to clothing, tech and more. Getting a 16-25 railcard (⅓ off all trains) or a student bus card can save you plenty of money on travel.
Learn about the UK educational system
The UK’s system of grading is quite unique and probably will differ to what you may be used to. In many countries, a 70% might mean a low pass or even a failing grade, however in the UK, 70 is a brilliant score to receive. For most bachelor’s degrees, you can graduate with or without honours. The honours grading system, going from best to worst is First Class Honours (1), Upper Second Class Honours (2:1), Second Class Honours (2) and Third Class Honours (3). Typically, to pursue most postgraduate courses or graduate schemes, an Upper Second is needed.
Prioritise your health
At the start of university, you might feel the need to go out every night, in an attempt to make friends. If you feel up for that, then it’s all good but if you don’t, don’t force yourself to – put your wellbeing first. Missing a night can often feel like the end of the world but it just allows you to shine in future situations.
An advantage of studying in the UK is your access to the National Health Service (NHS). As a part of your International Health Surcharge (IHS) in your visa application, you should be able to access care at no additional cost. Register to a General Practitioner (GP) as soon as you move as they’ll be your first point of call for any of your medical needs. Universities often offer health and wellbeing services for your physical and mental health. Adjusting to life as an international student can be overwhelming so don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.
Moving to a new country to attend university is a big step, but with the right preparation and execution, you can get some of the best memories of your life. Embracing the culture, getting involved in societies, managing your finances and prioritising your well being will help in letting you make the most out of your time as an international student. Remember, challenges are a part of the university experience and overcoming them will only make you stronger and allow you to thrive in your new environment.
By stepping out of your comfort zone, you’ll not only succeed academically but also make friends and memories you’ll treasure for life.
