Guide to the UK for International students

The UK has always been one of the most popular destinations for international students to study in, and it is easy to see why.

From the beautiful beaches, to the iconic landmarks, and the vast countryside the UK has something for everyone.

Red buses, mediaeval castles, chalk cliffs, afternoon tea- there is so much of the UK to discover.

General Information

Currency: Great British Pound (GBP), also known as Pound Sterling. (0.79 GBP to every 1 USD) Language: English

Weather: It rains a lot! Population: 66.04 million Geography: North of continental Europe. Made up of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Travel: most modes of transport in the UK take contactless payment so you will not need a travel card.

You can buy train tickets at all stations or on the trainline app. When in big UK cities such as London, it’s best to download the Citymapper app - it is very useful!

Annual Costs (approx.): University costs (USD): 21,365 Living costs (USD): 13,680 Total costs (USD): 35,045

Things You HAVE to Do While You’re Here

Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness

Loch Ness. We have all heard the legend of the Loch Ness monster. It is a very fun day out walking around the Loch looking out for Nessie. You can even get a boat onto the Loch if you are brave enough!

Buckingham Palace is the monarch’s official residence.

Buckingham Palace is such an iconic building with an incredibly rich history. If you visit between July and September, you may be lucky enough to get a ticket for a tour inside. With that ticket, you can walk through the King’s Gardens, where His Majesty often strolls with his beloved Jack Russell terriers.

The Norman Keep is the most recognizable feature of Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle is the most popular castle in Wales, and it’s easy to see why. You get amazing views across the beautiful city of Cardiff. The castle sometimes offers night tours, which can be a little spooky when you hear that it’s supposedly haunted! There are loads of breathtaking castles across the UK, so make sure you explore their history!

Titanic Belfast is only a short stroll from Belfast's city centre.

Titanic Belfas. One of the most famous parts of Ireland’s history is the Titanic, which was built and began her journey in Belfast. Titanic Belfast is a full-scale replica-inspired building and now serves as a museum.

Brighton Palace pier was first opened in 1899

Brighton is one of the most iconic areas in the UK and is only a short train ride from London Victoria. It has a bundle of quirky shops in the Lanes, a pebble beach with some of the best fish and chips, and a traditional English pier with rides and arcades. Brighton is absolutely worth a visit!

Food, Glorious Food

Cream Tea. This is two scones, strawberry jam, clotted cream, and a pot of tea. That is it, but it is absolutely gorgeous. I recommend going to a traditional English tea room for the best Cream Tea, usually found in small villages.

Roast Dinner. This is the most popular and iconic meal in the UK. It includes slow-cooked meat, Yorkshire puddings, vegetables, super crispy roast potatoes, and spiced stuffing, all smothered in thick, meaty gravy. Bon appetit. You can find a decent roast in most pubs. Sometimes it is called a Sunday Roast, as it is traditionally eaten on Sundays.

Full English Breakfast. The perfect meal after a night out or when you are feeling tired. Traditionally it comes with eggs, sausages, bacon, baked beans, tomatoes, hash browns, and toast. You will find slight variations wherever you go. You can usually get a Full English in any greasy spoon. Sometimes it is simply called a cafe, but pronounced like “caff.”

Cups of Tea (and biscuits). A good cup of tea is one of the most iconic drinks in Britain. It is the go-to choice for everything from a morning pick-me-up to a chat with friends. Many people enjoy it with biscuits on the side, and there is even a national debate about which biscuit is best for dunking. Tea is more than a drink in the UK, it is a whole cultural experience.

Mince Pie. Eaten at Christmas time, these little pastries are a national treasure. They are filled with a mixture of dried fruits and spices, called mincemeat, and can be eaten alone or served with brandy butter.

Check out our student testimonials to find out more about what international students think of living and studying in the UK!

* Image reference Unsplash