International Student Tips for Adjusting to University Life in the UK – Part Two

Part One of this blog is available here

Adjusting to a new environment away from your own country, away from family and all the things you’ve known, can seem daunting at first. On the positive side, you are furthering your education and pursuing something you are passionate about that will set you up for future success. Your time at University here in the UK will be filled with plenty to do, from learning, exploring new places, and making mistakes, to going out and meeting new people. The UK is a beautiful country, so make the most of your time while you are here.

 

Below is a continuation of more tips to help you transition smoothly.

 

Language Skills: If English is not your first language, take advantage of language support services, which are usually provided by the university. Practice your language skills by interacting with native speakers, watching movies in English and reading some English books and materials provided in the library.

 

 

Healthcare and Insurance: Register with a local doctor (GP) and do some research to learn how the UK healthcare system works. Many internationals will have healthcare included during their stay at university as part of their visa application fee, so check with your doctor once you have registered to find out more about your options.

 

 

Finances: The new currency might confuse you at the start, with everything having to be converted into your home currency. Although this might seem overwhelming at first, creating a working budget will help you track and manage your expenses. The cost of living in the UK can vary significantly depending on the region. To help boost your finances, you could explore part-time job opportunities if you're eligible to work on your student visa.

 

 

Social Life: You can build your social life by joining student clubs, societies, and sports teams to meet new people who share your interests. Attending social events is also one way to get involved in the culture of your new environment to help you settle in more quickly. These are usually organised by your university or in the local community.

 

 

Travel and Exploration: Take advantage of your time in the UK to travel around and visit the neighbouring countries too. There are often student discounts available for travel, food and other things, so do your research and you will likely find some good deals.

 

 

Homesickness: It's completely normal to feel homesick at times. Stay connected with family and friends with frequent calls and messages. You can make the most of the internet and any available international call deals from various phone service providers. Try to establish a support network of friends and university staff here in the UK too, who can help support you when you need it most.

 

 

Remember, adjusting to a new country and university takes time. Be patient with yourself, stay proactive, and seek assistance whenever you need it. The UK offers a rich cultural and educational experience, and embracing the journey will lead to personal growth and unforgettable memories.

 

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

 

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

 

Unhousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!