Adjusting to life in the UK

Tips on managing your wellbeing as you settle into life in the UK.

Moving to a new country for living and studying, whether it’s your first time in the UK or not, is always a challenging experience. Culture shock and homesickness are completely normal during your first few weeks, but this period should also be exciting and stimulating. Here are some tips to help manage your wellbeing as you settle into life in the UK.

Tips for settling in

Brush up your language skills: Enhance your proficiency in English to ease communication. Check out our resources on strengthening your English language skills.
Prepare for your course: Review course materials and reading lists in advance to be better prepared.
Join the Student Union: Sign up to your university’s union and attend events for newcomers and international students.
Stay in touch with home: Keep regular contact with friends and family to share your experiences.
Understand homesickness: Recognise that it is normal and will ease as you adapt to your new environment.
Engage with local groups: Join community groups or volunteer in your local area to meet locals in your university town. Find out more about volunteering.
Meet your personal tutor: Connect with your tutor early on for guidance and support.
Read local news: Stay informed about local events and news by reading newspapers.

Practical considerations

Click on the expanding arrows for more practical guidance to help you settle into various aspects of UK life and save money along the way.

Transportation

Check with your university for discounts on buses and trains.

You can also apply for a railcard as a student to get discounts on your train journeys.

Weather

The UK weather is unpredictable and can be very cold in winter. Research what you need to bring or buy to stay comfortable.

Shopping

Discounted shops to help your stipend go further include Aldi, Lidl, Wilko, B&M, and Poundland.

City navigation

Download Citymapper for route planning in large cities.

In London, you can link your Oyster Card to your Railcard for discounted travel. To do this, you need to:

Buy an Oyster card and Railcard
Register your Oyster Card online
Ask a TFL employee to help you connect your Railcard to your Osyter Card at a London Underground station

Mobile phone and sim card options

Upon arrival, consider purchasing a UK SIM card or signing up for a mobile phone contract. Research your options online or visit a mobile phone shop.

Typical options for SIM cards in the UK include:

SIM Only Deals: Free SIM card with a monthly charge from the network provider. You should check contract duration and notice periods to make sure the duration does not exceed your time in the UK.
Pay-As-You-Go: No contract, you can add credit as needed.

Network providers in the UK include: