What to expect at uni in the UK – our top tips for international students
Feeling like you’re stepping into a new world when moving to a different country might be overwhelming at first, but you’ll be pleased to know it’s totally normal and it’s called culture shock!
Outside of daily life differences like changeable weather, new foods to try, and an overreliance on card payments, the UK has so many quirks that could make it a little harder to adapt when moving from a different culture.
Here’s a few things to expect when moving to the UK to study, and a few of our tips that could help you settle in.
How Brits talk
The wide array of accents, dialects and slang in the UK can even make it difficult for other Brits to understand!
British culture uses a lot of colloquialisms that can be confusing to keep up with at first, like a cuppa (cup of tea), brolly (umbrella), or chock-a-block (full up).
Being unsure is normal and most people will be happy to explain some of these odd little phrases if you ask for help or clarification.
Social norms in the UK
Many describe the culture in the UK as being overly polite, and direct speech can sometimes come across rude even if it’s not meant that way. Small things like queuing, personal space, small talk and punctuality go a long way in UK culture.
Subtle clues like tone of voice and context are good indicators to watch in interactions and feel free to take other people’s leads in social situations. Don’t worry if you make mistakes, it’s all part of the process of settling in.
Differences in academic requirements
Assessment methods in the UK might surprise you, especially if you’re used to regular, smaller tests. In the UK, assessments are often only once or twice per module and can carry a large percentage of your final grade. They come in varying formats like essays, presentations, group work and more, too.
This change can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance, study habits and resources you’ll have what you need to adapt and thrive. We have a wealth of resources available for free in our Study Skills Collection and it’s always worth checking in with your library team to see what workshops they offer to support your skill development.
Making money go further
The cost to live in the UK can be expensive, but there are a few savvy ways you can make your pounds go further. A surprisingly high number of businesses offer student discounts, especially for food, clothes and travel, so it’s always worth doing some research to help you choose where to spend.
When it comes to academic resources, a lot is available through your university library. If you hate carrying heavy books and stationery around, that’s where we can help. Access your resources for free on Kortext(provided in partnership with your library) and use our digital notetaking tools to save bag space!
Meeting friends at university
Freshers week was designed for exactly that! It’s filled with social events, campus tours, society fairs and more. Even if an activity doesn’t sound like your thing, try it anyway and you might even have a laugh and meet new people in the process!
Another great way to network is by getting a part-time job*, especially roles in team environments. Becoming a student campus ambassador is a great way to meet friends and represent your uni at the same time. We even work with some UK universities to provide our own Kortext ambassador role, so keep an eye out for vacancies at your university!
*Check your visa requirements before you apply!
Remember, you’re amazing! ✨
If you’re one of the 700,000+ students (2023/24, HESA) moving to the UK to study every year, we would like to take the opportunity to say congratulations! We’re inspired by the bravery you’ve shown in moving away from what you know to navigate a whole new culture, let alone take on a higher education course at the same time!
Remember to prioritise your wellbeing and allow yourself time to adapt, even if it takes longer than you expect to settle in. It can help to build comforting habits, like staying in regular contact with home and talking with others who understand how you’re feeling.
It’s okay to ask for help
If you’re struggling to stay positive, there are ways you can find support. Check in with your university to see what they can provide for you to stay positive and connected.
Our partners over at Student Minds also offer online resources and a crisis text line that puts you in contact with a trained volunteer who will talk you through what’s on your mind and direct you to more ongoing support.
On a more positive note, we hope you’re excited to start your new journey in the UK and know you’ll make so many happy memories throughout your time here. From all of us here at Kortext, let’s get stuck in together! 🤝
Not sure where to start?
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Or, check out our handy video tutorials on the Kortext student hub!
