A guide to UK life for foreign students | College Scholarships | Education Programs | Online Learning | Etc – It's all about education

A guide to UK life for foreign students

International students arriving in the UK are often realising a long-held dream, but what can you expect once the euphoria dies down and reality sinks in? What is life in the UK really like and how can you best prepare for it?

The weather

People in the UK are notoriously obsessed with the weather. As an island the UK is home to several weather fronts, which makes the weather changeable. Those picture postcards of famous landmarks basked in sun may not tally with your actual experience. Many students used to much warmer climates should be prepared for some cold weather and, especially during the winter months, may find the grey, damp conditions a surprise.

Food

The UK has a diverse, multicultural heritage, so the good news is that familiar tastes and foods will never be far away or difficult to find. You may find British food itself strange – no doubt it will taste different, or be cooked differently, to what you are used to, but give it a go. Fish and chips, Sunday roasts, bubble and squeak (mashed potato with leftover vegetables), and baked beans on toast may not be Michelin-star material, but they are all part of the UK experience.

Language

Continually listening and speaking in a foreign language can be tiring, especially if that language has a rich variety of regional accents and dialects. Visitors to the UK will quickly discover that this is the case with British English. Even proficient English speakers may find the language harder to understand in some areas where people speak quickly, using local accents and slang that you may struggle to understand.

Social roles

The UK is richly multicultural, so be prepared for a variety of cultures from around the world living together. In large cities people may seem cold, unresponsive and in a hurry. This is part of city life in the UK and can make you feel slightly isolated – don’t worry, though, as you will soon find lots of places that are more friendly, amenable and relaxed. Couples in the UK will often hold hands and kiss in public places, and this is true of heterosexual and homosexual couples. Be prepared for differences in how people behave with each other – this is all part of experiencing life in the UK.

For more information about life in the UK why not check out the British Council guide to life there. If you are visiting the capital, UIC (United International College) provides a great introductory ‘Why London’ guide at www.uiclondon.com.

Whether you are thinking of taking your English courses in London, Edinburgh, Oxford, Brighton, or anywhere else in the UK, you should make sure you are prepared and informed. Most of all, though, you should prepare to enjoy your time abroad and make the most of this great opportunity.