Things you might not expect studying in the UK
Studying in the UK can be a unique, enriching experience. So what can international students expect? We asked current students and staff for their advice.
Independent work
There may be more emphasis on independent learning at British universities. The UK system strongly encourages and rewards a student’s own perspective. The grading system will also be different: getting full marks is almost unheard of at British universities. As Ronak Sharma - a student from Delhi, India, who is studying in Sheffield - noted “It took me a bit to get my head around the grades. I realised that a 50% mark in the UK is like 70% back home”.
Campus societies
Most student unions have an impressive number of societies. And some of them will provide insight into the British psyche: sports, the arts, film & comedy. Some campuses even offer LARP or Quidditch clubs. As Magdalena Fabbri - a Warwick student from Italy - noted “It’s best to get involved and find a club you enjoy. There’s something for everyone. It’s a great way to meet people and break the ice”.
"It’s best to get involved and find a club you enjoy. There’s something for everyone. It’s a great way to meet people and break the ice”
- Magdalena Fabbri
Activism
Whether it’s supporting free education, tackling sexual harassment on campus or helping refugees universities are central to the UK’s biggest cultural debates. Get stuck in.
Alcohol
Compared to many countries, drinking alcohol is deeply embedded in British culture. “I’ve watched people go out in the middle of winter and walk to town in the cold, up-hill” exclaimed Peggy Lim - a Malaysian student studying in Newcastle. “I expected people to dress fancy and have intellectual conversations all the time".
Despite this, much research has shown that young people in the UK are choosing to drink less and that many don’t drink at all. So come with an open mind.
Diversity is everywhere
Richard Cotton - director of student recruitment at the University of Manchester - says British universities are culturally diverse, with large cohorts of students from around the world. Don’t feel intimidated. “Everyone around you is a student and the majority are very welcoming. It’s just a case of meeting them”.
There's life beyond the city walls
The UK is home to endless beautiful countryside & many important historic sites you can visit. It’s always worth exploring the country beyond the campus. Nok - originally from Thailand - says he loved getting out of Manchester, visiting the Peak District for the first time. “I got to see large areas of plains, animals and cattle,” he says. “You don’t see these things back home. The UK is more beautiful than I ever expected”.
Isabelle Murray
University of Manchester graduate
I love to help pass on the knowledge I have of life in the UK