Hey everyone, welcome back! If you're an international student studying in the UK or planning to come here, this is for you. Today, I’ll share some top tips on how to adjust to life in the UK, save money, keep important things in mind, and stay focused on your studies.
If you’re new I’m Ashika and I talk about moving across the world to work or study and with that, let’s dive in.
Adjusting to Life in the UK
Moving to a new country can be both exciting and challenging. But there’s a high possibility life will not be what you’re used to and so you’ll have to make adjustments. Here are a few tips to help make the transition smoother:
Get Familiar with UK Culture: Every region in the UK has its own unique vibe. Take time to explore and experience local culture, whether it’s through local events, food, or even just chatting with locals.
Understand British Etiquette: People in the UK are generally polite, and things like queuing (or lining up) are very important. Here you’ll find queues for everything from paying at a supermarket to driving. Not one cuts queues and you are expected not to either. Small courtesies, like saying “please” and “thank you,” go a long way. Another thing is speaking loudly in public. Unlike in many other countries, the British do not speak loudly either to each other or over the phone. Be that in a supermarket, on the train or even out on the streets. So if you do want to speak to someone, make sure you aren’t too loud and if it’s over a call, use your headphones. That also goes for watching videos on your phone.
And also, while it’s important to maintain your individual cultural identity, it’s also important for you to remember that when you are in the UK, you are no longer in your home country. There are people here who are locally from the UK. There are also people from all over the world. So while it’s admirable that you miss your home country, it isn’t fair to everyone else here that you try and make this a replica of your own country. What I mean is don’t roll down your windows and blast your local music. Shut your windows and turn the volume down to a decent level. Don’t party at 1am when you have neighbours, don’t burst firecrackers at midnight. It’s extremely disrespectful to the local people.
Join Societies and Clubs: Most universities offer a range of student societies and clubs. Joining one can be a great way to meet new people, make friends, and find a community away from home.
Explore Local Resources: Familiarize yourself with local transport options like buses, trains, or cycling routes, and download apps that help with navigation, like Citymapper or Google Maps.
Tips on Saving Money
Next, living in the UK can be pricey, so here are some strategies to help you save money:
Find good student accommodation: Where you stay will determine a lot of things. How much money you have left at the end of the month, how safe you feel, how much peace of mind you get at the end of the day, how well you’re able to focus on your studies and so it’s very important to smartly decide on your student accommodation. I always recommend Amber because it’s got tons of accommodation near universities which saves you on commute money and it’s got options across all price points. Many properties don’t require a local UK guarantor and they’ve got a 4.6 rating on Trustpilot.
Shop Smart: Look out for discount supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, or ASDA, which offer more affordable groceries and they’re even cheaper if you get yourself a loyalty card. The prices of supermarkets change every month so remember to check which.co.uk which shows you the latest figures. And don’t forget about student discounts! Apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans provide exclusive discounts for students.
Use Public Transport: If you're in a big city, consider getting a student discount card for trains or buses, like the 16-25 Railcard, which gives you 1/3 off rail fares across the UK.
Cook at Home: If you are Indian by any chance, there’s a high chance you eat out often. But eating out regularly can add up quickly because unlike in many other countries, even street food can be very pricey in the UK. Cooking your own meals not only saves money but is also healthier and can be a fun way to learn new recipes.
Find Part-Time Work: Many students take up part-time jobs, which can help with expenses and provide valuable experience. Just check your visa restrictions to see how many hours you’re allowed to work.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
Know how to stay safe: The UK is mostly safe. But there have been increasing incidents of phone snatching in the UK. I myself was being followed by a man in London while I was with my family most likely to snatch my phone. And here’s the thing, it’s become such an issue that Apple actually offers as a part of Apple Care + coverage for accidental theft. So while you’re walking on the streets, please put your phone away. Don’t carry flimsy bags that can be snatched. Don’t place valuables in your backpack and carry it behind you. Avoid streets that have a reputation after dark. Small thing can make a difference.
Know Your Visa Conditions: Make sure you're aware of your visa conditions, like how many hours you can work, whether you need to register with the police, or any travel restrictions.
Health Insurance: Most students pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa, which gives you access to the NHS. However, it's a good idea to also have some basic knowledge about local health services. Apart from registering with your GP, know which is your closest A&E which is accidents & emergencies as not all hospitals have an emergency department and some hospitals have a longer wait than others.
Stay Informed About Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with local laws and policies, as the UK may have different rules than you’re used to. This applies to things like driving, alcohol consumption, and even tenant rights if you’re renting. For instance, your international license is valid in the UK for 1 year but if you plan on staying longer, you need to apply for your UK driving license well in advance because driving test slots are very difficult to come by.
Keep a Budget: Tracking your expenses can help prevent overspending. Lots of banking apps like Starling allow you to keep tabs on where your money goes and to identify areas where you can save.
Staying Focused on Your Goals
As a student, it’s easy to get caught up in everything happening around you. It might be your first time in the UK and there’s a lot to see and do and new friends in your life. But it’s important not to lose track of why you’re here in the first place. It’s either to learn something you couldn’t back home, or to eventually land a job here. Here’s how to stay on track academically:
Set Clear Goals: Break down your academic goals by semester or year. Knowing what you’re aiming for can make it easier to stay focused, especially when assignments and exams pile up. So if your goal is to land that job, you make sure you’re doing everything possible from your first week in the UK.
Time Management: Create a study schedule and stick to it. Block out specific hours for study, and make sure to balance your studies with rest and recreation. Use apps like Todoist to manage your time efficiently.
Use Campus Resources: Most universities offer resources like libraries, tutoring centers, and even stress-relief workshops. Make use of these to help you stay on top of your studies.
Network: Almost every one of you will work at some point or the other going forward and one of the best ways to get a job is through your network. One of the best ways of collaborating at your job with other businesses is through your network. By the time you’re done with your course, you should have built a network of at least 10 solid contacts that you can reach out to in the future, either for job openings or related work.
Balance Social Life and Academics: While it’s important to make friends and experience new things, remember that you’re here to study. Keep a balance so that social activities don’t overshadow your academic goals.
I hope these tips help make your time here fulfilling and stress-free! Until next time!
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