What I Wish I Knew Before Moving to the UK to Study

Moving abroad to study is exciting, you’ll learn lots about new cultures and meet new friends as well as have a unique learning experience. However, studying abroad is a big decision, we recently caught up with three international students and asked them what they wish they knew before moving to the UK to study.

The students who have contributed to the blog are:

Learn to be sarcastic

Cheuk writes - Coming from Hong Kong, I thought I had a pretty good grasp on what to expect culturally. Boy, was I in for a surprise! The UK has its own unique quirks and customs that might take some getting used to. One thing that stood out to me was the British sense of humour – it's dry, sarcastic, and sometimes a bit self-deprecating. Embrace it, laugh along, and don't take yourself too seriously!

Learn the British accents

Kiana says - Studying in the UK unveils a rich multinational culture. Embrace this opportunity to familiarise yourself with diverse accents, from Yorkshire to the quintessential British tones.

In Huddersfield which is located in West Yorkshire many of the locals have funny accents and sometimes they even say words which are not taught in English classes such as ‘Ey up’ which means ‘Hello’.

Prepare for the weather

Now, let's tackle the weather. Cheuk said you've probably heard all the jokes about British weather – and let me tell you, they're not entirely unfounded. Be prepared for rain, more rain, and the occasional burst of sunshine that'll have everyone rushing to the nearest park. Invest in a good waterproof jacket and some sturdy boots – you'll thank me later.

Although its not always sunny the weather does not often interrupt daily life, yes some days there is a constant drizzle and sometimes it even snows but as an international student you have to embrace this. The rain is sometimes worth it to live in this stunning green countryside town and, of course beautiful rainbows are common here.

Cindy added that she'd heard about the weather in the UK before arriving here and she says she was surprised how it can be sunny one minute and raining the next, and how the temperature can also vary day by day by quite a bit.

Try the British Food

Cheuk writes that British cuisine might not have the same reputation as French or Italian cuisine, but she states that, there are some hidden gems to be found. 'Don't be afraid to try traditional dishes like fish and chips, Sunday roast, or a good old-fashioned full English breakfast. And if you're missing home comforts, don't worry – there are plenty of international eateries around Huddersfield to satisfy your cravings.'

Master Shopping and Cooking

Although it is nice to eat out and there are some fantastic restaurants in Huddersfield and surrounding areas Kiana says its important to also learn to cook healthy and economically, she writes mastering shopping and cooking isn't just about saving money; it's a recipe for a healthy lifestyle. Managing expenses solo is a skill; budget wisely for a stress-free experience. Huddersfield is cheaper than most other towns and cities in the UK so that helps but planning is still important.

See Kiana’s Day in the life video on our Instagram.

Accommodation

Cindy says - Finding accommodation near campus is highly recommended. Not only will it save you a ton of cash on bus/train tickets and a lot of time, but it’ll also make it super easy to jump into all the fun stuff happening on campus. This is because living close to campus allows you to participate in more activities, which can help you feel less lonely and make more friends. Even though rent might be a bit higher near campus, but trust me, the convenience and all the fun that comes with it are totally worth it! 

DIGS and HudLets are the recommended accommodation provider by the University. DIGS big campus is about 15-20 mins away on the bus but the bus is free, however if you want to be closer to campus there are many other options.

Transportation

Cindy likes how Huddersfield is conveniently situated close to many big cities. She recommends you download the Trainline app and get a Railcard! It'll save you tons of money on train travel. Trains are the main way to get around if you want to visit other towns and cities, so any discounts are a lifesaver.

Check out Cindy's trip to the historical city of York, situated 49 miles northeast of Huddersfield. 

Be on time

British people are generally very punctual, so weather that is catching a train, meeting friends, attending class or enrolling at the University make sure you are on time, that is a good way to keep people happy here. Which leads us on to…

Making Friends

Cheuk said that moving to a new country can be daunting, but it's also an incredible opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Get involved in student clubs and societies, join study groups, or simply strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you in class. You'll be amazed at how quickly friendships can blossom when you step out of your comfort zone.

Kiana adds Huddersfield, a friendly town and loneliness is a rare guest. The university's welcoming atmosphere ensures you'll find friends wherever you go. And if you are sports enthusiasts, pack your gear! Huddersfield's diverse Students' Union sports clubs offer everything from Netball to Badminton. 

Lucie’s advice to new international students is - Don’t be shy. As an introvert, I understand how hard it is to go up to people and talk to them. But honestly, what is the worst that can happen? Also, remember that in the first few months of your arrival, everyone will be as alone as you are, therefore everyone wants to make friends. So don’t be afraid to talk to people. Make sure you arrive in Huddersfield before the start of your course and speak to as many people as possible.

Join a Society

Following on from making friends, did you know the University of Huddersfield has over 60 Global Societies and over 100 Students’ Union Societies. Lucie says I am still sad that I didn’t join a society from the beginning. Participating in University life and events helps so much to meet people! And I mean people you wouldn’t normally meet, because you shouldn’t stay with people from your home country all the time. I know it is tempting, but trust me you will learn so much more about the language, the culture, and yourself by having friends from the UK or another country. Joining a society is the best way to make friends in University. And believe me, friends make your stay much more memorable!

Cindy adds 'Getting involved on campus is a fantastic way to meet new people and make friends. Step outside your comfort zone and explore the different societies. You might be surprised at how many amazing people you meet along the way! They will become your support system throughout your studies, and you’ll be thankful for them. ' Cindy also made a video about overcoming loneliness, watch it on Instagram or TikTok.

There are lots of fun things happening all the time on campus. Here is a video from some recent events at 'Global Week'.

Final words

Cheuk:

From navigating cultural differences to embracing the unpredictable weather, there's plenty to keep you on your toes. But trust me, the experiences you'll gain and the memories you'll make will be more than worth it. So pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. The UK is waiting for you with open arms.

Kiana:

In the end, my advice is simple: savour the cultural blend, manage your time, cook smart, relish Huddersfield's warmth, and dive into sports. Your UK journey is an all-encompassing adventure – make it count!

Lucie:

Don’t be shy, make lots of friends and enjoy your time studying in a different country.

Cindy:

Living in the UK has been a whirlwind of experiences, and I’m still learning new things every day. While there were certainly some adjustments, the whole process has been incredibly rewarding. If you’re considering making the move yourself, I hope this blog has given you a head start. UK is a place that surprise you and it’s an experience you won’t forget.