Student Life in UK

Student Life in UK: The United Kingdom is the second best study abroad destination for international students after the USA according to US News 2022 reports. There are 679,970 international students in higher education in the UK as of 2021-2022. Compared to December 2021, the UK has seen 29% increase in Sponsored study visas issued to international students showing the growing popularity of the Country. The reasons are straightforward: Quality education, Career opportunities (98% employment rate), and the country’s culture and lifestyle. Study in UK offers a memorable experience and invaluable social network for international students.

This Story also Contains

1. International Student Life in UK - Highlights
2. Classes in UK
3. Culture in UK
4. Food in UK
5. Entertainment in UK
6. Cost of Living in UK
7. Cost of Living in UK With Rent
8. Housing Options in UK
9. Part Time Work in UK
10. Minimum Wages in UK 2023
11. International Student Support Services

The UK is among the top 10 safest countries in the world. There are 15+ universities in QS 2024 top 100 rankings. There is much more to the UK than good academics making study in UK 2023 an enriching experience. Read the full article to know about life in UK for Indian students, living costs in the UK, part time jobs in the UK, top universities, and much more.

International Student Life in UK - Highlights

Classes in UK

Universities in UK hold classes usually between late September and June. While some universities have two semesters Fall/Autumn and Spring, some universities divide an academic year into three terms. Usually, exams are conducted in the third semester. Admissions to various courses are also based on academic calendar with Fall and Spring Intakes for various graduate courses.

Number of class hours can be less or more depending on the course, if it is a course that requires out-of-the-classroom study or more hands-on learning in laboratories. Students enjoy three breaks in an academic year– Easter (April/March), Christmas (December and January), and Summer (July and August).

Also Read - Scholarships in UK for internationals students

Culture in UK

International student life in UK will be memorable with a lot of cultural and historical heritage to explore in the country. There are historical museums, galleries, art exhibitions and opera houses that fill student days with fun and entertainment that add to the benefits of studying in UK. While most of them are free for general entry, international students enjoy special student discounts as well for special shows. London is the world-centre for live music shows where pop, rock, hip-hop, classical, opera, folk, electro, jazz and all sorts of world music can be experienced.

Cities like London, Glasgow, and Cardiff are known for their buzzing nightlife with plenty of small clubs, bars and independent cafes that make international student life in UK even more colourful. It is possible to meet students from all over the world where 300 languages are spoken from Hindi to French. Every university in UK is committed to supporting student’s cultural and religious needs and making them feel at home.

Food in UK

Food scene in the UK is an outcome of various cultural influences over centuries. Supermarkets in the UK contain foods from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and many parts of the world. For Indian students, there are many restaurants that serve authentic Indian cuisine. Alcohol consumption is allowed in the UK in moderate quantities with many pubs, bars selling both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. International students enjoy special student discounts at various outlets. Every university in UK provides cafeterias, restaurants, and coffee shops to international students.

Entertainment in UK

Whether living on campus or off campus, international students can fully make use of their time beyond academics by indulging in various entertainment activities. From outdoor adventures to university club sports and recreational activities, there are plenty of ways to stay healthy, fit and expand one’s social life in the UK. The mountains of Scotland and Wales, Ireland, and the coastline of the UK provide plenty of opportunities for mountain biking and cycling. Instead, students can participate in organised sports in University club sports to win championships that add to their career achievements.

Cost of Living in UK

Estimating the cost of living in UK and arranging finances for the same is an important part of obtaining a UK student visa. An international student is required to demonstrate that they have the minimum required finances to meet their living costs during the course of their stay at a UK university. Living in London as a student is the most expensive in UK. The British council suggests that a single student requires £1300-£1400/month as cost of living in the UK with rent in London and £900-£1300 in the rest of UK. There are many cheap universities in UK to study with low costs. Below table lists the breakdown of living expenses in the UK.

Cost of Living in UK With Rent

Source: britishcouncil.org

Housing Options in UK

There are on campus and off campus residential options for international students on a stay in UK for studies. Students can either stay in on campus accommodation offered by the respective university or can live in private accommodation. On campus accommodation in UK universities are specially designed for student needs. They offer study spaces, common social rooms, along with cafeterias and restaurants. Halls of residence, student apartments, are some of the popular options. The best part of living in shared accommodation is safety, a sense of belonging to a community, meeting fellow students and socialising with them.

However, students who want to enjoy independence can live in private accommodation. This brings international students in touch with local UK culture.

Part Time Work in UK

International students who are in the UK on student visa (Tier 4 Student General Visa) can work up to 20 hours/week during semester and full time in vacation periods. This makes life in London for Indian students more bearable given the living costs in the city. Students must ensure that they are enrolled in courses to work part time. Students who are on leave can’t take up part time jobs in UK. International students who are studying courses below degree level are allowed to work 10 hours per week.

Minimum Wages in UK 2023

International Student Support Services

International students in UK universities are fully covered with all the required support, from immigration procedures, finding accommodation to taking health insurance in the UK. Every university has a dedicated international services team where issues related to UK student visa extension, getting a work visa, learning English language, study skills, financial support, finding part time employment, as well as full time career opportunities after study are taken care of. Students who have difficulty adjusting to the new study environment, homesickness may receive counselling. The support is available throughout the duration of their stay at their university.