But while the two countries share a language, there are many differences to be aware of before your big move. With that in mind, here are 8 things to be aware of as an American student moving to the UK.
1. UK Education System
The first thing to note is that what you’d refer to as college is known as university in the UK (uni for short). So you’ll need to program yourself to say that you’re heading off to uni, not college. College in the UK refers to what would be the final two years of high school in the US, 11th grade and 12th grade.
In terms of what your university education will look like in the UK, there’ll be many similarities with American colleges. One of the key differences is that in the UK, students are given more free time to promote a more independent approach to learning.
2. Freshers Week
What might be termed a ‘welcome week’ in the US is known as Freshers’ Week in the UK. It’s the week before the start of your studies, and to put it mildly, it’s a little livelier in the UK. You’ll be inundated with invitations to parties, bar crawls, and similar events. While many of the events are booze-fueled, it’s also the perfect time to simply get to know fellow students and flatmates.
3. Open a UK Bank Account
If you plan on working while studying, it can be wise to open up a UK bank account. It can also be wise to avoid any international fees that you may incur when making payments. These days, there are several online banks that don’t charge for using your card abroad, which could be the simplest way around this issue.
4. The UK Weather
If there’s one word that best describes the UK weather, it’s unpredictable. Your suitcase will need to be packed for all climates and conditions. Expect temperatures during December to drop towards or at times below freezing.
In the summer months (June to August), temperatures are generally mild; sun lovers can hope for temperatures to hit the high 20s occasionally, but don’t expect long periods of scorching sun. You’ll also need an umbrella and a raincoat on hand 24/7, as the British weather likes to change in an instant.
5. London Tax
The cost of living in the UK is generally lower than it is in the US. But things like rent, groceries, and leisure activities will be far greater if you intend on studying in London as opposed to the rest of the UK.
Don’t underestimate the added cost that comes with living in London, and make sure you do your research before budgeting accordingly. If you have any financial concerns about studying in the UK, you may be better suited to studying in the north of the UK in cities such as Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow.
6. Register with a GP (Doctor)
The UK’s healthcare system looks very different from the one you’ll be used to back home in America. The UK offers free healthcare to residents, which is paid for through taxes. As a student without British citizenship, you will be required to pay a surcharge in order to access free hospital treatment.
If you have paid an immigration health surcharge, you’ll need to find your nearest General Practitioner (GP) upon arriving in the UK and register with them.
7. Brush Up on British Slang
While you probably speak a high level of English if you’re considering studying in the UK, don’t underestimate the informal version of English that Brits seem to have created. To make things even more complicated, you’ll hear different words and pronunciations depending on which part of the UK you find yourself.
You might have heard of London’s famous cockney rhyming slang, which sees locals refer to a phone as a ‘dog and bone’ or a flight of stairs as ‘apple and pears’. This might throw you when you first hear it, but locals will be happy to translate if you explain that you are new to the area.
Look up the area you’ll be living in and see if there are any slang terms you should be aware of. Liverpool is another city that seems to have semi-developed its own language, while the Glaswegian accent is notoriously difficult to understand.
8. Embrace British Culture
Don’t lose sleep over fitting in; the UK is a vastly diverse nation. However, it may help you integrate into different communities and meet more people if you embrace British culture. Try to join in with the slightly sarcastic British sense of humor, and don’t take offense if you’re on the receiving end of a friendly insult (yes, there is such a thing in the UK!).
Another cornerstone of British culture is the pub. You can think of pubs like a tavern in the US, and as a student, you’ll likely spend a lot of time in your local pub. You’ll find regulars know each other as well as staff here, and it can be a great environment to meet friends, take part in quizzes, and listen to live music. It’s definitely recommended to research your local pubs once you have a confirmed address.
Image Credit: international student by envato.com
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