What is it like to study and live in the UK?
The UK is a multicultural country which greatly influences the culture. Regardless of where you come from in the world you will feel at home in the UK.
The United Kingdom (UK) has a rich history and varied landscape – encompassing four nations and many regions. The UK offers plenty of enticing choices, is a welcoming and friendly place to live, and it is a fun place to study.
People in the UK
The UK has a very diverse population – people from all over the world live here. There are many different international communities, and international students will feel welcome.
The UK is a tolerant society, and it is illegal to discriminate against people because of their race, religion, gender, sexuality or disability.
Different accents in the UK
There are different regional accents in the UK. A person from Edinburgh will sound a little different to a person from Bristol. Students do not need to worry about this. English is a global language, and it is an important skill to be able to understand different English accents from around the UK, and the world!
Eating in the UK
It is easy to find good food in the UK and we have some of the world’s top restaurants.
Lots of cheap restaurants, and food markets, are available for students on a budget. It is possible to try food from all over the world, even in small towns. Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Mexican food are all very popular.
Traditional British food includes fish and chips, full English breakfast, Sunday roast dinners, Yorkshire pudding, Cornish pasties, cream tea, pies, haggis, local cheese, and of course plenty of tea and cake.
Supermarkets are good places to find cheap options for lunch and snack, to reduce the cost of living.
Weather in the UK
Does it always rain the UK? Not usually! The UK has lots of different weather, sometimes it rains, sometimes it is sunny and beautiful.
Money in the UK
The UK uses its own currency, called the pound (£). Cash machines (ATMs) are easy to find and are usually free to use.
You can pay by debit or credit card almost everywhere in the UK. Cash is often required for taxis.
Public transport in the UK
The UK is small country with lots to see, and it is easy to use public transport to explore. Trains are the fastest way to travel, especially for long journeys. Book your tickets in advance for the cheapest prices.
Coaches are an alternative way to travel and often the cheapest way to explore the UK
Airport transfers – when you arrive in the UK
If you are travelling from the airport by public transport, there will be coach services and sometimes a train service. In London there are express train service – these are the fastest option but they are often more expensive than slower travel options.
Further Information
Great British Mag is a digital magazine that helps students interested in studying in the UK decide whether it is the best place for them and provides insights about life as a student in the UK. The team behind the magazine are former international students so they cover topics that they know are of interest and helpful to overseas students.