Student life in UK: What to expect?

Student life in the UK for Indian students is a vibrant mix of academic pursuits, cultural immersion, and personal growth. The UK has 16 of its cities listed in the top 100 best student cities in the world by the QS Best Student Cities 2025. Read this article to learn all about the student life in UK for Indian students. 

Most of you going to the UK as students would probably be first-time visitors and wouldn’t know much about the country. Media, television, radio, and the internet influence our understanding of what we know about another culture. And even those who may have travelled to the UK before will be in for surprises as living here is a totally different experience.

Here we have detailed a few things that are typical to the British culture, along with a few handy tips to make your life as an international student uncomplicated. The British culture is quite different than the Indian or American ones and may need a different perspective and approach.

Also Read:

An Overview of the Student Life in UK

Here are a few pointers telling you about what is 'typical' about the British culture-

Punctuality

British are usually sticklers for punctuality, and it will be considered improper if you are late for an appointment, a tutorial or a social gathering. If you are going to be late it is advisable to let the person know beforehand and explain the situation.

Queues

Queuing is important in the UK, you will have to queue at shops, supermarkets, banks, and government offices. Jumping a queue is considered ill-mannered and can annoy those already standing in a queue.

Personal space

The space you leave between you and a person you are speaking to is very culture specific. In Britain, it is usual to leave one arm's length between you and the person you are speaking to, as crossing that invisible boundary will be seen as an infringement of privacy.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, on public transport, in pubs, restaurants, and shops. You should always ask before smoking in someone else’s house or car. Almost all universities have a no smoking policy in all of its buildings.

Social Niceties

As an international student, you will be perplexed by the number of times the British say please, thank you and sorry. Taking that as a cue, you should add ‘please’ at the end of every request, ‘thank you’ each time someone does something for you.

Driving in the UK

Driving in the UK is right sided, like India. It is necessary to obtain a UK license by arranging to take a driving test. If this is not done, you run the risk of being prosecuted for driving without a valid license. You must be insured before you can drive a car in the UK. To hire a car in the UK you must hold a full Driver’s Licence or an International Driving Licence and have been driving for twelve months or more.

Bank accounts

Having a UK bank account is important for international students. It can take up to 2 weeks to open a bank account. You can open a bank account only after you are in the UK and have registered on a full-time study. UK law requires banks to make detailed checks on customers to establish proof of identity, proof of address in the home country and proof of new address in the UK.

Also Read: Part time Work Options in UK for International Students

Tips for Starting Your Study Abroad Journey in the UK

These are just a list of a few things to keep in mind after you start your course. These will help you make sure your stay is uncomplicated.

• You need to have a valid visa to study in the UK.  If you need to extend your visa, the International Student Support Office can help with this.
• The University has a copy of your passport and most recent visa. You will need to present these when you register, but you must also make sure you bring in your new visa or passport if you renew either of these.
• Notify the University if you change your address in the UK.
• Do not work for more than 20 hours per week or take up self-employment/permanent position.
• Do not claim ‘public funds’, which are welfare benefits such as Child Benefit or Housing Benefit for UK residents.

Complying with your Tier 4 visa

Any student who holds a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK must comply with certain regulations during their studies-

• Your university is required to report students to the Home Office if they break the terms of their visa.  If you fail to comply with any point stated below, your visa will be curtailed and you will be expected to leave the UK.
• You must complete the official registration process for each year of your programme.  
• The universities record academic contact points and will report when a student misses a series of these without the absence being authorized.  University regulations require you to attend regularly, complete assignments and attend examinations.
• Universities will report to the Home Office any student who interrupts their studies for more than 3 months.

This was all about the student life in UK as an international student. If you wish to study in the UK, reach out to Shiksha's Counselling Services for free.