The United Kingdom has always held a stellar reputation when it comes to education. Home to the oldest and highest ranked university on the planet, Oxford University. The UK has always put a huge emphasis on their university level education. Nearly every city in the country has at least one university. All offering a huge range of courses.
It is estimated that roughly 26% of the total student population of the UK are international students. The UK is an alluring prospect for those looking to advance their education. With robust examination conditions, valuable degrees, and many prestigious universities to attend. Many of these international students spend a long time researching what English universities are actually like. But they often forget to look too much into what student culture is like.
The student experience in the UK is vastly different from what is seen in the media. People often assume it is no different from American College culture. But the two worlds couldn’t be further apart. And many international students end up being quite overwhelmed by the unique and full-on student culture they are suddenly immersed in. Which is why we have put together this guide to help you navigate UK student life.
The Drinking Culture
This is perhaps the most pivotal thing we need to discuss. Because many international students will have likely heard a lot of jokes about how much the British like to drink and assumed they were just that. Jokes. But the UK’s drinking culture is as prevalent as you have heard. Especially amongst students.
Now we should say from the start that we aren’t saying you need to engage in the drinking culture. Being sober is a completely valid and often healthier choice. But you will undoubtedly end up in a large number of social situations that are focused around drinking while socializing. Especially in your first year.
Pre-drinks, often called prinks, are a huge part of university life. It is an intimate social ritual designed to provide a space for people to bond before their night out on the town. And drinking games are a huge part of this. British drinking games are extremely fun and, at the same time, brutal. If you’re a lightweight drinker we recommend taking it easy on the drinking games.
Wetherspoons are another staple of student life. Wetherspoons is a country wide chain of pubs / restaurants that offer cheap food and drink. They have become the premier drinking spot for students and locals alike. Chances are you will end up spending a considerable amount of time at the various Spoons in your chosen city.
UK Fashion
The UK has become quite the multicultural nation over the last few decades. And nowhere is this more represented than in the fashion scene. As a student you will have access to a number of discount schemes such as NUS. And even outside these specific schemes a lot of retailers offer student discounts. So, if you’re someone who is fashion forward, you are in luck.
If you’re coming from a muslim nation you don’t have to worry about finding appropriate clothing either. In recent years we have seen a number of muslim focused fashion firms spring up. These days you can find a range of Abayas, Khimars, and inner slip dresses with ease. Both online and in big city high streets.
Saving money is the cornerstone of the student experience. But saving money doesn’t mean you need to cut back on your fashion passion. Websites like Asos and Depop are going to quickly become your best friend. High street stores like Primark and H&M offer a huge range of amazing fashion at reasonable prices.
UK Culture
Despite our emphasis on the drinking culture of the UK, we would be remiss not to focus on everything else this wonderful nation has to offer. The UK is also famous for its entertainment and theatre. And nearly every city has a bustling cultural scene. Live music is abundant nearly everywhere you go. If you’re someone who wants to take to the stage you can easily find an amateur dramatics society to join.
If you’re a sports lover then you will feel right at home in the UK. Nothing is as big here than Football, Rugby, and Cricket. No matter what time of year it is you can easily find a pub playing a match on the TV. Every university will have a large number of sporting societies. And the atmosphere during any football season is electric.