Discover essential tips on how to seamlessly fit in and thrive while studying in the UK.
Curious about life as an international student in the UK? Whether you are just starting to plan your study abroad trip to the UK or you have received an offer letter from your dream programme, this article will help you adapt to your new life in the UK. In this article, we’ve gathered information about living costs and student life, as well as tips on making the most of your overseas experience, for you.
Student life in the UK
The UK is a popular destination for international students and is home to some of the world’s best universities. Apart from that it also offers a great student life. Here’s a glimpse of different aspects of student life in the UK:
1. Exercise and Workout: You don’t need to worry about having any place to work out after you arrive in the UK. With its mild weather, the UK is great for outdoor activities. Many people go for a morning run. Most universities in the UK have gyms or swimming pools which you enjoy at a student price. If you are not an early bird, you can also work out at the school gym after your classes.
2. Food: Most international students in the UK cook their own meals to save money. Before you leave for the UK to study, learn to cook a few dishes. You can also look up recipes on BBC Food. Learn how to cook or even better, learn how to cook by using local ingredients in the UK!
Many international students experience cultural shock at how certain food is called differently in the UK from home. For example, eggplants are aubergines in the UK. Zucchinis are courgettes in the UK. Chips are not potato chips but French fries. If you want to buy potato chips, they are called crisps there.
You can plan your meals for the next week during weekends and do your grocery shopping for the week. Prepare your meals on Sunday evening. During the weekdays, you are likely to be caught up with thesis and group discussions and you can simply heat the meals you have prepared and work on your studies. You can even ask students who are already in the university if there are microwave ovens in the school and if so, find out where you can use one. Guess what, you can chat with students who are studying there now and see what they know!
If you are too busy to cook and don’t want to have a cold sandwich for your meal, then the student cafeteria is another option to enjoy warm food.
3. Study Hard, Play Hard: Courses at universities in the UK are conducted differently. Instructors provide guidance, whereas students are responsible for studying the materials, including previewing and reviewing them before and after the class and completing assignments.
In addition, courses for a master’s degree are to be completed in a year in the UK education system. As a result, international students that study in the UK will have to spend a large portion of their time abroad on their studies.
But, of course, there’s still time to unwind, say Fridays or holidays, when your study workload is less taxing. You can arrange a short trip to neighbouring areas or hang out with friends and classmates, experiencing local social life. Your classmates are most likely from various countries, and it’d be a great chance for you to interact with people of different backgrounds and increase your cultural diversity.
Furthermore, International students are allowed to work part-time in the UK. If time permits, you can seek a part-time job or internship opportunity. But do keep in mind that you are a student and your academic performance should be a priority.
4. How to Fit In with the Locals: Pub Culture is also integral to every international student’s life in the UK. Pubs are where British people like to hang out with friends. You can also meet and socialise there. You don’t have to drink in pubs. You can order soft drinks like soda or juice at the pub and still have fun. Going to the pub with your classmates is a great way to fit in and immerse yourself in English.
On top of that, you can also sign up for activities organised by the school or join student societies. Interact with people from different countries and become a part of the student community without worrying about your English. No one is going to criticise your accent or grammar!
