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Known for its rainy aura and variability, the UK climate can be a big change for those of you who are used to warmer or more stable weather conditions.

Weather in the UK can be very unpredictable; with its temperate maritime climate, daily shifts in weather and temperature are quite common. We tend to have mild and cool, wet winters and warm, wet summers.

The UK has four seasons:

Autumn (September to November): this is when temperatures drop and rain intensifies. Make sure you have warm layers at hand (sweaters, jackets, scarves, hats) and waterproof items such as rain coat, boots etc.

Winter (December to February): these are the coldest months, with cold winds and rain, and with days becoming shorter. Make sure you have a warm and waterproof outdoor clothing ready for this cold season!

Spring (March to June): although the weather gets warmer and days longer, rain can be a common occurrence. Layering up can be a good strategy - try to wear 2-3 layers of clothing that can be taken off/put on depending on temperature throughout the day. As always, having an umbrella in your bag is handy!

Summer (June to August): although mild, summers in the UK can be really warm! Opting for breathable layers can be your best option, and don't forget about the sunscreen as the UV rays can be strong.

In summary, UK weather can be challenging at first, but with the right preparation and with the right wardrobe ready, you will soon adjust (and hopefully) come to enjoy the British climate!

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It is important to consider your safety when moving to a new country. To make sure you take care of your safety at all times, remember to:

Familiarise yourself with your new area: get to know the safest, well-lit routes around your accommodation and around places you will be frequently visiting (campus, supermarkets etc.)

Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying them in crowded areas. When leaving your accommodation, remember to lock your windows and doors and keep your keys safe with you at all times.

Use reliable transport: when travelling, opt for licensed taxi providers or public transport; you should avoid hitchhiking or accepting lifts from strangers.

Stay connected: remember to have your phone charged throughout the day, especially when travelling. Sharing your contact details with friends or family, especially those who are with you in the UK, is a great way to stay safe. Check in regularly with people, particularly during your arrival at university or if you’re going somewhere new.

When needed, make sure you know who to contact:

999 — Emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coastguard)

112 — European-wide emergency number, works the same as 999 in the UK

111 — Non-emergency medical advice and health information

101 — Non-emergency police contact number

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Staying safe at university in the UK | UCAS

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This guide covers everything you need to know about safety and security for international students in the UK, helping you have the best experience possible.

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Speaking English as an additional language can be challenging. Experiencing language barrier or feeling nervous about speaking English in public is absolutely normal and nothing to be ashamed of!

When living in the UK, you can hear many different dialects and accents depending on the area of the UK you live in - this makes understanding each other challenging even for British people!

Here's a list of some practical tips if you're experiencing a language barrier:

Be patient: Give yourself and others time to understand what's been said and to respond (sometimes, gestures, facial expression and body language can help with conveying the meaning of your message).

Ask for clarification: It won't be considered rude if you ask someone to repeat themselves, slow down while they are talking to you or paraphrase (use different words) their message.

Learn key phrases: memorising these will help you in your daily life and in everyday situations (i.e., attending your classes, going shopping, attending a doctor's appointment).

Practise listening: the more you expose yourself to British language, the quicker you can identify common phrases and everyday slang, familiarise yourself with the rhythm of British English and understand different accents. You can also practice your English skills with your fellow students, asking for more tips and recommendations to continuously improve!

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Although diverse and multicultural, UK culture has a set of universal norms that it is good to get familiarised with:

Queuing: as silly as it may sound, being polite and queuing in shops, cafes, train stations, at bus stops and other public spaces is a staple of British culture!

Small Talk: it's a great icebreaker and conversation starter. Most common topics for a small talk are: weather (British people love to talk about the weather!), current events, hobbies or food.

Being on time: different cultures have different approaches to punctuality. In the university setting, or in relation to any meetings/events, being on time (or ideally, a little bit early) is really important.

Politeness: British people value polite gestures, like saying 'please' and 'thank you', and as mentioned above, being on time to any appointments, meetings, or as a student, lectures.

The UK is a socially liberal country and values everybody’s right to be themselves. People may dress differently to what you’re used to, show affection in public, or express their sexual orientation openly.

Drinking alcohol is widespread and a way of socialising with your friends and family, but you don’t need to drink if you don’t want to.

Adjusting to the UK as an international student | UCAS

Adjusting to life in the UK for international students - UK Postgrad

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Adjusting to the UK as an international student

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While studying overseas is a unique and exciting experience, it’s also normal to feel anxious about living in a new culture and organising a lot of different things. This guide runs through everything you need to know about adjusting to life as a student in the UK so you can focus on enjoying the amazing experience that lies ahead.

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It's important to make sure you are aware of any rules and laws in the UK that may differ from those in your home country. Here are a few examples:

Smoking regulations: It’s illegal to smoke in public buildings, including restaurants, pubs and public transport.

Road traffic laws: In the UK, vehicles drive on the left and pedestrians have right of way at zebra crossings only. Cycling as a way of commuting is quite popular in the UK - remember to look out for any cyclists when crossing the roads.

Equality Act 2010: This act protects against discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or any disability (to find out more, visit: Equality Act 2010: guidance - GOV.UK).

UK Alcohol Laws: legal drinking age in the UK is 18. Drinking in public places may be restricted or prohibited in some areas.

TBC

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Information and guidance on the Equality Act 2010, including age discrimination and the Public Sector Equality Duty.

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Adjusting to life in the UK is a big milestone and can be challenging. We want you to remember that it's okay if:

You are experiencing culture shock: it's normal to feel overwhelmed or unsettled when you first arrive in a new place. This happens because the customs, social norms, language, and daily routines you’re used to suddenly change. It takes time to adjust to the 'new normal', so please be kind to yourself and reach out to us if you ever need to talk!

You're feeling homesick: missing your home country, family, and friends is natural when you move away. This can often come with feelings of loneliness, isolation, or anxiety. Try to stay in regular contact with your loved ones - FaceTime calls are a great way to do this - especially in the beginning of your new life in the UK. If you ever feel the need to talk to someone else, our Wellbeing Services offer a wide range of tools and support to help manage these feelings. Taking care of your mental health and talking about it is encouraged at our university - don’t ever feel like you have to face your challenges alone. It’s okay to ask for help!

You are struggling to make new friends: some people find making new connections easier than others. Sometimes, it can take time to open up in a new environment and feel comfortable letting others get to know you. If you are unsure how to meet new people and start building your network, get in touch with our [Peer Mentors] - you can read more about that in the [xyz] section.

You're experiencing a language barrier: understanding different British accents and slang can be tricky, and feeling comfortable speaking English as an additional language definitely does not happen overnight! It's okay to take your time; if you find someone's accent difficult to understand, you can politely ask for them to repeat, talk a bit slower or paraphrase their message. Try to surround yourself with British English - listen to a radio, watch a British series without subtitles or listen to British podcasts/songs. The more you expose yourself to everyday British language, the more you will begin to understand it and use it yourself!

For more tips on how to overcome culture shock, visit: Culture shock for international students

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Culture shock for international students

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Culture shock is common for international students. Read our information about it and how to get help.

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Food is a big part of any culture - sudden change to things you can eat and buy can be overwhelming and contribute to feeling homesick.

British food can be described as warm and filling, with various regional specialties and huge tea culture. Luckily, thanks to UK's cultural diversity, there are plenty of foods and shops from all around the world.

You might want to research shops that stock food items from your country so you can cook your favourite dishes at home. Most of the major supermarket chains stock a wide range of foods, and many have entire international food aisles. When living in (or near) a big city, you can usually find specialised supermarkets that may stock a larger variety of ingredients from around the world (Adjusting to the UK as an international student | UCAS).

You will also be able to explore other cuisines you hadn't had a chance to try before - it's all part of the experience!

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Adjusting to the UK as an international student

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While studying overseas is a unique and exciting experience, it’s also normal to feel anxious about living in a new culture and organising a lot of different things. This guide runs through everything you need to know about adjusting to life as a student in the UK so you can focus on enjoying the amazing experience that lies ahead.