Essential Insights about Studying in the UK That No One Ever Shared with You

Are you considering studying in the UK, currently on your way, or have you already arrived?
The Study UK team collaborated with international students from around the world to share some insights you might find helpful.
From tasty food options to dressing for the weather and maximizing student discounts, we have all the information you need.

1. 'The food in the UK is delicious'

In the UK, you’ll be amazed at the diversity and quality of food you can find. You may have heard that the food in the UK is bad (or worse, terrible). ‘They are wrong’, according to Caroline from the US, an alum of the University of St Andrews in Scotland who now works as an executive pastry chef at a top kitchen in Brooklyn, New York. ‘Yes, you can have a “bad meal” anywhere, but in the UK you’ll never have to look hard to find something you’ll enjoy eating’, she says. ‘The food is delicious’.

'British food is not just the “traditional” food you might immediately think of', Caroline explains. Of course, you’ll be able to try fish and chips at the ‘chippie’, traditional fried breakfasts of all sorts for all dietary requirements at an array of cafes from ‘greasy spoons’ to ‘bougie (upmarket) brunch places’ or home-cooked pies with anything and everything in them (have you ever tried haggis before?) from local bakeries, supermarkets or even your neighbour’s kitchen. But there is so much more to it than that.

2. 'There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing'

You may have been told that the weather in the UK is bad (or even terrible) and constantly rainy, cold and grey. Though the country does experience rain, cold and grey skies throughout the year, it is not constant or consistent. The reality is far more diverse. Even discussing the weather in ‘the UK’ is unhelpful as it comprises four nations and has a varied climate with distinct regional differences. For example, the west tends to be wetter, and the east tends to be dryer. The north colder, and the south warmer. And the UK has four fairly distinct seasons, which bring their own joy.

3. 'Living costs in the UK are lower than you might think'

Studying in the UK is good value for money, and the average costs here are lower than in the USA and Australia. Seven in ten international students say they are progressing further, being promoted quicker, and earning more because of their UK education and what's more, most master's are only one year long.

'Not only did studying in the UK help me maintain my career momentum, but it was a lot more economical than going to the US due to the master's programme only being one year', says Nathan from Malaysia, who did an MBA at the University of Cambridge. 'It meant I only had to pay tuition fees for one year and have one year without receiving a salary', he says.

Beyond the course fees, the cost of living in the UK is a real consideration for many international students. Hannah from the US, who studied at Ulster University in Northern Ireland, says ‘I cannot overstate how affordable it really is’. ‘Housing in Northern Ireland is really affordable and you can live in a beautiful place for a good price. I have used a lot less of my savings than I had anticipated’. She was awarded a scholarship for her master’s and never looked back. Coming from the US she was amazed by the National Health Service (NHS). ‘It’s incredible’, she says. ‘As someone with a chronic illness, it’s life-changing’.

4. 'Funding options are available and international students are allowed to work'

Many funding options are available for international students who want to study in the UK. They range from part-funding, for example, paying part of your course fees, to full-funding, which covers programme fees, living expenses (including stationary!) and return flights to the UK from your home country.

Additionally, many international students in the UK choose to take a part-time job, work placement or internship alongside their studies to gain experience and boost their finances. Most courses allow students to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and you’ll be pleased to know that this is not restricted to on-campus employment, so you’ll have a lot of freedom in what you choose to do.

5. 'Getting used to a new education system takes time'

The higher education system in the UK will likely differ from what you're used to in your home country or anywhere else you may have studied and getting used to a new education system takes time,' says Shilpa from India, who was awarded a Women in STEM scholarship to pursue her UK studies. 'When I first came from India, I found it difficult at first'. 'I didn't have to write academically before, so I didn't have much practice', she says. 'The first coursework I did was demanding', says Shilpa. 'I only got 54 per cent for it'. In the UK, the marking system does not typically award marks up to 100, which may come as a shock at first. Marks between 70-100 are considered excellent, with many universities only giving marks in this range to a relatively small number of outstanding pieces of work.