British Culture: How To Adapt As An International Student

Studying in the UK is the dream of many international students. Every year, the nation hosts hundreds of thousands of international students from different nations, both far and near. Making the UK one of the most sought-after nations by international students for their degree. However, students who were opportune to secure admission, sometimes find it hard to adapt to British culture. This is because, in terms of culture, people, language, rules, dos and don’ts, and so on, every nation is subjected to different principles. Thus, posing a challenge for international students who recently moved to the UK.

Nevertheless, this article has examined the frequent cultural challenges most international students face in the UK. We further provided detailed tips on how to adapt to these cultural differences, ensuring that you are equipped with the right information. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that students who study remotely sometimes experience cultural barriers. Hence, this guide is for all types of international students. So, let’s get started!

British Culture: Different Types of Cultural Challenges International Students Face in The UK

The best preparation for overcoming cultural challenges is knowing and understanding the various challenges the country poses. To address this, below are the variety of cultural challenges most international students face in the UK:

Language and Communication:

One common challenge for international students is the language and communication barrier. 

Every region has its unique language and accent, and the UK is not exempt. Though English language can be said to be a universal language, UK English has many regional variations in accent, dialect, tone and body language. Another variation is that native UK English speakers are rich in slang and idioms that can be confusing for newbies. 

These variations contribute to the cultural challenges international students face while in the UK. Notably, language and communication barriers also pose challenges to remote international students.

Anxiety:

Who wouldn’t feel anxious? You are in an unknown land, possibly for the first time. It’s normal to feel anxious.

Anxiety is another form of challenge students face in the UK. Mostly referred to as cultural shock, this type of challenge makes individuals feel nervous, uneasy, or unfamiliar with the culture, people, and environment. This cultural difference sometimes leaves students in a state of isolation, loneliness, or depression.

Academic Culture:

There is also a variation in academics. These include teaching styles, assessment methods, grading styles and so on.

When compared to other education systems in some countries, we see that the education system in the UK is quite different. Hence, international students may find it hard to learn due to this academic variation.

Social Integration:

As an international student, creating a social network may seem daunting. Although, not everyone faces this issue,. However, the majority of international students find it hard to build friendships with local students. This challenge also leads to loneliness and homesickness, because there is no one to cruise with.

Social Etiquette:

Another challenge is adapting to social etiquette such as table manners, approach manners, personal space, queuing and so on. This challenge makes international students feel left out in an association, or better yet, makes them feel “out of touch.”

Financial Management:

Studying in the UK is quite expensive, and international student most often finds it hard to manage their finances. 

Read Also: UK Student Visa: Step-by-step Guide On How To Apply

How To Adapt To UK Culture

Here is a general guide to adapting to British culture seamlessly as an international student:

Overcome Language Barriers:

One of the important strategies to adapt to British culture is to overcome the language barrier. There are a variety of methods to do this even for non-English speakers. But before trying out other alternatives provided below, navigate through the school’s course offerings to see if they offer language courses. Otherwise, utilize these alternatives:

• Download some apps and engage in frequent practice
• Connect with local students and engage in conversation
• Find language partners through social media or any other possible alternative.
• Consider one-on-one tutoring
• Watch movies, listen to music, and read books in the UK English language
• Mimick native speakers’ pronunciations and intonations
• Join online forums or groups to connect with other language learners

Learn to budget: 

The cost of studying in the UK is high. As an international student, you’ll need to budget for tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation and more. This is where your knowledge of budgeting comes into play. However, the best form of financial budgeting is to budget in the British pounds and not in your currency. This budgeting approach will help you to seamlessly keep up with your day-to-day expenses. 

Alternatively, you can apply for a UK scholarship as an international student. Some of these scholarships will cater to almost all your expenses to study abroad. In addition, international students can consider opting for part-time jobs and other forms of financial aid to support them during their stay in the UK.

Surround yourself with familiar things:

Surrounding yourself with things you are familiar with is one of the best strategies to overcome culture shock. This means that if you are familiar with storey buildings and mansions when you get to the UK, secure accommodation in an area where these buildings are and not skyscrapers.  

Communicate:

Communication is one vital approach to adapting to British culture. While you are in the UK, don’t be shy, communicate with people both classmates, neighbours and friends. This approach makes you familiar with the people and their culture.

Make Friends:

Friends matter a lot, especially in the journey of adapting to British culture. Building a friendship bond with local students and if possible citizens, will provide you with detailed information on what the cultural practices look like. However, making friends with local students sometimes poses a challenge, especially for international students who are not socialized. Nevertheless, here is the best approach to building a friendship with local students:

• Try joining online groups or teams in your school that contain a lot of native students
• Attend events within and outside your school
• Hang out in communal areas 
• Volunteering in your local community will help you meet and connect with new people 
• Sign up for a mentoring programme
• Try connecting with international students who have gone to study abroad.

 Participate In Cultural Events:

International students can take steps to adapt to British culture by participating in cultural events such as different festivals. This strategy will help you get familiar with the UK culture and connect with new people while having fun.

Quick One: Do’s And Don’ts In The UK

Here are a few things you should know before travelling to the UK:

Do’s

1. Always ask for age before flirting!
2. Always queue when necessary.
3. If someone is blocking your way and you would like them to move say “Excuse me” and they will move out of your way. 
4. Pay for drinks as you order them. 
5. When yawning or coughing always cover your mouth with your hand. 
6. Shake hands with your right hand 
7. Drive on the left side of the road
8. Put your cutlery down between bites

Don’ts

1. As a man, don’t date a girl below 18 years old.
2. Do not talk loudly in public 
3. Do not stare at anyone in public. 
4. Never talk with your mouth full
5. Do not pick your nose in public
6. Do not pass wind in public

It is worth noting that these are a few of the things you need to know about the BRitish culture before travelling to the UK. Therefore, before moving to the UK, ensure you are equipped with the right information.