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Living in the UK as an international student

Adjusting to life in a new country can be overwhelming. We've compiled information on a range of topics to help you prepare to live in the UK.

Academic culture

The academic culture of the UK may be very different to that which you are used to. British higher education places a large emphasis on independent learning. You will be expected to read widely around a topic and research it thoroughly, to reflect on ideas you have encountered and to analyse and describe them.

Lectures are the most traditional form of teaching and are often a lecture to a large group. Even if notes are provided, you should listen carefully and make your own notes on the important points. Seminars and tutorials are discussion groups with your tutor and a group of students. They are more informal than lectures but you are expected to prepare for the discussion topic and participate in that discussion.

Most courses provide opportunities for students to work in a small group on an assigned task. You will learn from each other and improve your collaborative skills. If you are studying a subject with a practical element some of your time will be spent in a workshop, laboratory, field work or studio environment. Afterwards you may have to write up the results and give a presentation.

You may be assessed in any of the following ways: examination, course work, assignments, projects or essays. Academic misconduct could result in failed units or reduced marks. Academic misconduct includes plagiarism (copying work from another student, or using, in your work, text or ideas from a publication or source without referencing it correctly) and using AI outside the university guidelines. 

Practicalities of living in the UK

The exciting thing about studying abroad are the differences in everyday life you will discover. But they can also be annoying! Here are some of the practical differences you may find while living in the UK.

• Drinking water: Tap water is safe to drink in the UK. No need to buy bottled water and remember to carry a reusable water bottle with you.
• Electricity: British electricity works on 230 volts/50 cycles and most sockets take 13 amp square pin fused plugs. Make sure your electrical equipment can be used safely at this voltage. We recommend you buy adapters in the UK.
  
• Public holidays: The UK has 8-10 national holidays (called Bank Holidays). These are usually on Mondays or Fridays. The university will be closed on these and some additional days.
• Rubbish and recycling: Generally the streets are kept clean and to maintain this the council can issue fines to residents who break the rules. In the UK we try to recycle glass, cardboard, plastic and food waste as far as possible. You will receive instructions for which bins to use for which items when you get to your accommodation.
• Toilets: British toilets are flushing, pedestal type. Toilet paper is provided and should always be flushed away after use. It is expected that you will leave the toilet as clean as you found it.
• Traffic and road safety: Traffic drives on the left hand side in the UK. Make sure you look both ways before stepping out.
• Weather: UK climate features wet winters and warm, wet summers! We don’t experience large variations in temperature but have four distinctive seasons. Always check the weather forecast before leaving home for the day as it can be changeable. Generally, people in the UK continue with their activities as normal despite the rain.

Culture shock

Living in a new culture is exciting but can also be challenging. It is completely normal to feel unsettled, lonely or homesick as you adapt to a new environment where everything might be different to that which are you are used to. There are some things we recommend to help with the transition: 

• Bring a few familiar items with you to make your new room feel more like home.
• Connect with other students. You can come to an Intercultural Café or join one of our many student societies.
• Find food from your culture by exploring the local international shops.
• Get plenty of rest, eat well an exercise.
• Use the support that is available. We’re here to help! 

Cultural norms in the UK

Communication styles, notions of manners and concepts of time are just a few things that form part of our culture and these can often differ from one place to another.

• Religion: The UK is predominantly a Christian country although the UK is spiritually and ethnically diverse. Our Multifaith Chaplaincy offer pastoral and spiritual support to students of any faith or none.
• Individualistic culture: It will be your responsibility to decide how to progress your studies, within the rules. Your individual responsibility will extend to seeking support when you have challenges. This is seen as a strength and is almost always confidential. Asking for help will not impact your grades or academic record. Any issues will remain private, unless there is a concern for your safety, or the safety of others.
• Clothes: Attitudes to dress are generally quite informal in the UK and what someone is wearing often does not correspond to social status or the job they do. For example, both staff and students at the University might often wear jeans and a t-shirt. This is not seen as disrespectful.
• Drinking and smoking: Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available in pubs and bars, and if you do not drink, or do not want to, you can say no to alcoholic drinks. Smoking is illegal inside buildings and on public transport in the UK. Additional outdoor spaces may be non-smoking zones which will be signposted.
• Equal rights: Men and women have equal rights in the UK. It is illegal to discriminate against anyone according to race, gender, ace, class, sexual orientation, religion or disability. Harassment, bullying, intimidation and discrimination go against all we stand for and will not be tolerated.
• Personal space and privacy: A high value is placed on privacy, and this extends to personal space. It is likely to be considered impolite to stand very close to someone, or listen to conversations you are not involved in.
• Politeness: Simple politeness is expected but British people are generally relaxed. They like to hear ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ during interactions. People are friendly but can be perceived as reserved, especially when talking to strangers. It is considered polite to hold the door open for the person following you.
• Queuing: When you are in a bank, shop or waiting for a bus you are expected to queue; stand in line and wait your turn.
• Rules and hierarchy: There is generally respect for authority and rules in the UK. However, people are often informal in their interactions with authority figures. This might include being asked by some professors to use their given name and not their title.
• Sex and sexuality: People’s attitudes may be different from yours based on personal lived experience and backgrounds. You are free to live according to your own personal standards, ethics and beliefs and not feel pressured to adopt those of any of your fellow students.
• Timekeeping: It is generally expected that things will take place at exactly the time agreed. It can be considered impolite to be even a few minutes late for meetings or events. If you are late, please let people know in advance where possible.

Further information