According to a comprehensive report from WorldWay: Every year, a large number of students travel across the ocean to the UK. However, due to significant regional cultural differences, some essential living tips are needed to help you start your life abroad easily and smoothly. WorldWay immigration experts introduce 20 essential tips for studying in the UK.
1. After arriving in the UK, you should register at the local police station within 7 days. You must also update your address whenever you move, change schools, or change your visa number.
2. When arranging accommodation, be sure to request and keep your contract as Proof of Address to verify your UK residence.
3. You cannot sign a mobile phone contract within the first 3 months of arriving in the UK. You must have a bank account first, and a deposit is often required.
4. You need to apply for a National Insurance Number to work.
5. When a British person asks you, “you alright,” they are not asking if you are okay; they are simply greeting you.
6. Watching television in the UK requires a TV License; watching without one is illegal.
7. High Street or Commercial Road are hubs for shops and are the treasures of small towns.
8. School canteen food is cheap but often unpalatable. British people typically have a soda, a bag of chips, and a sandwich for lunch.
9. UK housing is subject to a tax called Council Tax (excluding school dormitories). Students are exempt, but you must prove your student status to the local council (the school can provide a letter); it is not an automatic exemption.
10. You need permission to take photos of goods or people. Do not just start snapping away with your camera; it is considered very impolite.
11. When entering a door, if someone is behind you, you should hold it open for them. Likewise, if someone holds the door for you, you should say thank you.
12. The UK is a country of etiquette. Sometimes when two people make eye contact (like sitting opposite each other on the subway), people will smile at you to avoid awkwardness. Do not remain expressionless; smile back, as they are showing friendliness.
13. If you are a girl walking home at night and a man speaks to you on the street, do not respond, do not stop, and do not be afraid. Just keep walking and pretend you do not understand.
14. Pickpockets in the UK (especially in London) are more prevalent and aggressive than in China.
15. If someone sneezes, you should reply: “bless you.”
16. Some supermarkets in the UK offer a Cash Back service, which allows you to withdraw cash at the checkout counter.
17. There are many intoxicated homeless people wandering the streets late at night with beer bottles; keep your distance from them.
18. Holding a UK visa does not grant visa-free access to European countries. You can only stay in Hong Kong for one week when flying directly there before transferring to another flight.
19. Prestigious UK universities have a surprisingly high number of Chinese students.
20. To see a doctor in the UK, you need to register at a local clinic (called a GP) with your Proof of Address. You must also update your GP if you move. Additionally, in foreign culture, when you run into an acquaintance and have a friend with you, you should introduce them, regardless of whether your friend and acquaintance know each other. This is basic etiquette. I have often noticed that our Chinese students do not do this; this is a cultural difference.
Of course, there are many other common practices to know about living and studying in the UK. I believe that as long as you are well-prepared to adapt to life in the UK, you will be able to experience and learn the other details gradually during your studies and daily life.
WorldWay Editor
