Heading to the UK can be exciting; I mean, there is just so much to see and explore that you simply do not know where to begin! You might have settled your accommodation, done all the packing, prepared your do-to list, and sprinkled everything with the excitement of a new adventure. We understand! A piece of contradictory advice would be: take things one step at a time while also thinking ahead.

Maybe you won’t meet The Queen, but you’ll surely enjoy a splendid experience and have plenty to spill the tea on (pun intended) when you return to your home country! 

We’ve collected a list of things to keep in mind during your stay in the UK:

1- Homesickness is Normal

It is absolutely normal to feel homesick, especially if it’s your first time away from home. The best you can do is try to give yourself time to adjust. In the meantime, stay in contact with your family and friends back home, socialise, get out and explore - essentially, keep yourself busy with everything the UK has to offer. Use your weekends to travel around, search for restaurants serving your local dishes or make them yourself; there is so much you can do to combat homesickness as an international student and start feeling at home.

2- Many Students Work Part-Time

International students in the UK can work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during breaks. Many international students choose to work part-time during their studies to earn an extra income. Besides, working during studies will help you gain experience, work ethic and enrich your resume. If you find that you need an additional source of income, simply search for a part-time student job. It could be as a teaching assistant, customer service advisor, tutor, bartender, etc.

3- The Scenery is Idyllic Across the UK

Something you should do while in the UK (besides staying ahead of your studies) is travel around as much as you can. The UK has some breathtaking landmarks and attractions. For example, if you’re a fan of the Beatles, take a picture at Abbey Road in London or visit The Beatles Story museum in Liverpool. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, visit Stratford-upon-Avon (his birthplace). Moreover, there are also plenty of museums, art galleries, Banksy’s murals, football stadiums, and numerous other spots you will discover once you’re away from the tourist crowd!

4- UK Qualifications Have Global Recognition

As an international student in the UK, you are part of an internationally valued education system. The UK is home to world-class universities, which attracts ambitious students from all corners of the world. The great thing about UK universities is that their quality of education is top-notch, which means employers worldwide value a UK university degree. This is why you should try to make the most of your academic experience during your studies in the UK, and your resume will be hard to ignore once you step foot in the international job market.

5- Staying on Budget is Possible

One of the main concerns for international students in the UK is staying on budget. The truth is, with a well-thought-out budget plan, you can achieve both your plans of having fun as well as your budgeting aspirations. Our advice would be to download a budgeting app or simply keep track of your finances independently. Note your monthly income, essential expenses, and the money you plan to spend on travelling around. The most challenging and most essential part: follow your own plan and do not stray away from it. 

6- New Friendships Will Help You Grow

You should keep this in mind during your stay in the UK because it will encourage you to socialise and create valuable connections. Friendships are one of the most essential parts of the experience, and you will learn so much from each new person you meet. In addition, the UK is a multicultural nation, attracting tourists and international students alike, which means there are countless opportunities for you to create new friendships, broaden your horizons, learn about different cultures, and simply have fun!

7- Employment Opportunities are Plentiful

Facts and figures coming through! The unemployment rate in the UK is barely at 5%, recent statistics show. This is good news for individuals wishing to graduate and find a job here. Although the competition for graduates can be relatively high in the job market, you are likely to find your ideal job if you possess the necessary skills and qualifications. If your qualifications belong to shortage occupations in the UK, even better! Overall, the job market is rather satisfactory here for numerous fields of study.

8- Your Physical and Mental Health Is Important

If there is just one thing you should keep in mind during your stay in the UK (or anywhere else) is, your physical and mental health must be a priority. The National Health System (NHS) in the UK offers comprehensive healthcare coverage for all legal residents, including international students. In addition, your health insurance policy as an international student in the UK will allow you to access NHS benefits, just like British citizens. So, whenever you have any health issues, you shouldn’t hesitate to consult a professional.

9- Bonus Tip: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone 

As the old saying goes, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Getting out of your comfort zone will help you create memorable experiences and wonderful friendships… and who knows what else! Do not let the fear of doing something you ‘don’t usually do’ prevent you from learning, growing, or making a new friend. Get out there, break your routine, and try something new every day. Soon enough, you will figure out that getting out of your comfort zone is quite beneficial and not that difficult, after all.