Student Life in the UK: What to Expect

Written by Monika Sharma  »  Updated on: October 23rd, 2024

Introduction

Studying in the UK is one of the biggest decisions an international student makes. As it’s a new country for them, it's essential that they know what it has to offer. Knowing about student life in the UK can help them set the right expectations.

Many things contribute to an exciting student life in the UK, such as the country’s adventurous sports, stunning landscapes, cultural venues, and delicious food. International students can also work and explore different locations in the country. So, read this blog to learn about student life in the UK.


Benefits of Studying in the UK

There are a lot of benefits to studying in the UK, which is the reason why every year thousands of students choose this country as their preferred study destination. Some of the key benefits include:

World-Class Education: Universities in the UK are globally renowned for their top-quality education and academic excellence. According to QS World University Rankings, these consistently rank among the best in the world, ensuring that students receive a solid foundation for their future careers.

Diverse Range of Courses: The UK offers a diverse range of courses and programs across various fields, catering to students' interests and career aspirations. International students can choose from different subjects like mathematics, history, literature, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digital marketing. Universities in the UK provide flexible study options, including full-time, part-time, and online programs, to meet the diverse needs of students.

Cultural Diversity: Studying in the UK allows students to experience a lively and diverse cultural environment. Cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh attract students worldwide, allowing them to interact with individuals from different backgrounds and nationalities. This immersion in different cultures not only enriches the learning experience but also promotes intercultural understanding, tolerance, and appreciation.

Employability: UK degrees are valued worldwide for their quality education and critical thinking skills, making graduates highly sought after by employers. Universities in the UK have strong industry links, providing students with ample opportunities for internships, work placements, and networking. Having a UK degree gives students an edge in the competitive job market, regardless of their career path.


Student Life in the UK

Besides high-quality education from top universities, there are many things international students can get in the UK. Many factors affect student life in the UK, such as food, transportation, healthcare, accommodation, etc. Let’s know about all of them:


Social life in the UK

One of the best ways to enjoy student life in the UK is to explore its multicultural environment. The UK allows international students to explore its museums and galleries, along with its nightlife. Also, there are many universities in the UK where students can participate in clubs and societies. Whether students are interested in dance, politics, or drama, there’s a club for them.


Class Schedule in the UK

In the UK, classes usually start between late September and June. In some universities, courses are divided into two semesters: fall (or autumn) and spring. While at others, courses are divided into three terms. In the last term, students generally take exams.


Working While Studying

There are a lot of students who want to work while studying in the UK. The UK allows international students to work. If students are studying full-time degree-level courses, they can work for 20 hours per week. On the other hand, if they are learning a course under degree level, they can only work 10 hours per week.

Housing Options in the UK

While studying in the UK, international students can choose from two types of accommodation: on-campus or off-campus. On-campus accommodation is known as halls of residence or university residences in the UK. These provide students with easy access to libraries, classrooms and other social amenities. On the other hand, if universities don’t offer on-campus accommodation, students can go for off-campus accommodation. Some common off-campus housing options in the UK are detached houses, semi-detached houses, apartments, duplexes, and static homes.


Living Expenses in the UK

Living costs in the UK will depend on the city where students are located. It includes various expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and healthcare. On average, the cost of living in the UK for international students is around £12,000 - £15,600 per year.


Health Care System in the UK

Moving to healthcare, the UK has NHS (National Health Service) which covers international students for any physical or mental health issue, accident and emergency services. International students who have NHS don’t need to opt for any private health insurance if their course is not less than six months.


Foods in the UK

Talking about food, international students will find different types of cuisines in the UK, such as Chinese, Italian, Thai, Lebanese, Mexican and more. There are a lot of pubs and cafes where students can enjoy light meals, salads, soups, sandwiches and desserts. Many universities have communal kitchens where students can prepare their meals. Further, the supermarkets offer affordable food options.


Transportation in the UK

A well-developed transportation network also ensures a good student life in the UK. International students can use public transport while studying in the UK, such as trams, buses, trains, and underground (subway) systems. The most popular mode of transportation in the UK is by tube. Students can use coaches such as National Express and Megabus for a budget-friendly ride.


Conclusion

UK is one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world. After reading this blog, it's not difficult to understand why so. Be it food, culture or working environment, everything adds to the student life in the UK. Students can participate in their desired extra-curricular clubs and can even work part-time during session to earn more money. Moreover, the country offers numerous food delicacies, vibrant nightlife and some great locations to explore.

Preparing to study abroad, especially in an advanced country like UK, requires thorough research and advice from industry experts. Students can connect with the expert counsellors at Canam and get complete application assistance at zero cost.



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