🎓 FAQ: What Do Students Wish They Knew Before Arriving at a UK University?

  

-

🎓 FAQ: What Do Students Wish They Knew Before Arriving at a UK University?

Introduction

Starting university in the UK is an exciting step, but it also comes with plenty of questions. For many international students, moving to the UK means adjusting not just to a new education system, but also to a completely new way of life. Even home students, who may only be moving from one part of the country to another, often say there are things they wish they had known before arriving.

I remember vividly my own arrival at the University of Wolverhampton. I had packed clothes that were completely unsuitable for January weather, carried a CV that wasn’t tailored to UK standards, and got lost more than once because I wasn’t used to navigating with maps. On top of that, the first time I submitted an assignment, I had no idea how strict the referencing rules were. Looking back, I can laugh at those early mistakes—but at the time, they felt overwhelming.

This guide is a collection of the most frequently asked questions by students preparing to study in the UK. The answers draw on real experiences, practical advice, and lessons learned the hard way. My hope is that it will help you feel a little more prepared and a lot more confident as you start your own journey.

---

1. What kind of clothing should I bring?

The UK weather is famous for being unpredictable. You might wake up to sunshine, get caught in rain by lunchtime, and end the day with chilly winds. For students arriving from warmer climates, the cold can be a real shock.

Top tips for clothing:

Bring at least one warm, waterproof winter jacket.

Invest in comfortable waterproof shoes or boots. Walking is part of daily life, and soggy feet are no fun.

Pack layers—jumpers, hoodies, and T-shirts you can wear together. It’s easier to add or remove layers than rely on one heavy coat.

Don’t overpack. Affordable clothes are easy to buy in shops like Primark, TK Maxx, or even charity shops.

Personal note: I still remember my first January in Wolverhampton. I thought two light sweaters would be enough. By the second week, I was shivering so much that I had to rush to Primark for a proper coat!

---

2. Do I need to prepare a CV before arriving?

Yes. Many students hope to find part-time work, and employers often expect you to apply quickly. A UK CV is different from what you might be used to:

No photo, date of birth, or marital status.

Keep it concise—usually two pages maximum.

Highlight skills and experience relevant to the role.

Always include references. UK employers value them highly.

If you don’t have UK references yet, you can use an academic referee (such as a lecturer from your previous institution) or a professional referee (like a former employer).

Most universities, including Wolverhampton, offer a Careers and Enterprise Service where staff can check your CV and provide feedback.

---

3. How different is the academic system in the UK?

One of the biggest shocks for new students is how much emphasis UK universities place on independent learning. Unlike some systems where lecturers guide you through every detail, in the UK you’re expected to:

Do independent reading beyond lecture notes.

Critically evaluate sources (not just describe them).

Manage your own time—deadlines matter, but day-to-day structure is up to you.

Assessment is also different. In many courses, essays and reports carry more weight than exams. Group work and presentations are also common.

---

4. How important is referencing in assignments?

Referencing is not just important—it’s essential. UK universities have very strict rules about plagiarism, and failing to credit sources properly can result in penalties.

Most institutions use Harvard referencing, though some courses prefer APA, MLA, or OSCOLA (for law). Whatever your subject, learn the system early.

Helpful tools include:

CiteThemRight (online guide, often free through your university library).

Reference management software like EndNote or Zotero.

Personal note: My first assignment at Wolverhampton came back with heavy red markings because I hadn’t referenced properly. I thought just listing the author’s name was enough—it wasn’t. It was a hard lesson, but it taught me the importance of mastering referencing early.

---

5. Should I live in halls or private accommodation?

Both options have pros and cons:

University halls:

Bills included, so budgeting is easier.

Great way to meet new people.

On-campus location saves time.

Private housing:

Often cheaper, especially if you share.

More independence and choice of location.

Responsibility for bills, Wi-Fi, and maintenance.

Most first-year students choose halls for convenience, then move to private rentals later. If you’re international, halls can help you adjust more smoothly before taking on the responsibilities of renting.

---

6. How much does it cost to live in the UK?

Living costs vary by city, but here’s a rough breakdown (outside London):

Rent: £400–£600 per month

Food: £120–£200

Transport: £40–£80

Miscellaneous (phone, clothing, leisure): £100+

In London, expect costs to be at least 30–50% higher.

Money-saving tips:

Get a 16–25 Railcard (or 26–30 Railcard if older) for train discounts.

Use student discount apps like UNiDAYS or TOTUM.

Shop in budget supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl.

---

7. What about transport?

The UK has a reliable transport system, but it takes some getting used to.

Trains: Fast but expensive without discounts. Railcards are a must.

Buses: Affordable, especially with student passes. Some cities (like Manchester) have extensive networks; others are limited at night.

Walking and cycling: Most campuses are walkable. Some cities are cycle-friendly, others less so.

At Wolverhampton, I quickly learned that trains to Birmingham were cheap and frequent, but late-night buses were limited—so planning ahead became second nature.

---

8. How easy is it to find part-time work?

Part-time jobs are available, but not always immediately. The most common roles for students are:

Retail (shops, supermarkets)

Hospitality (cafés, restaurants, bars)

Care work (especially for international students)

On-campus jobs (library, student ambassadors)

Competition can be tough, so apply early and be flexible. Volunteering is also highly valued in the UK and can strengthen your CV.

---

9. What about healthcare?

International students who pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa can use the NHS at no extra cost.

What to do on arrival:

1. Register with a local GP (doctor).

2. Keep your NHS number safe.

3. Use pharmacies for everyday issues.

Prescription charges in England are currently £9.90 per item (as of 2025). In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free.

---

10. How can I adjust culturally?

The UK is diverse and welcoming, but cultural adjustment still takes time. Many students experience culture shock in stages: excitement, frustration, gradual adjustment, and acceptance.

Ways to adjust faster:

Join societies and clubs through the Students’ Union.

Get involved in volunteering or community groups.

Talk openly—British people can seem reserved, but they’re friendly once you start a conversation.

---

11. What support services are available at UK universities?

Most universities provide a wide range of free support:

Careers services: Help with CVs, job applications, placements.

Academic writing support: Workshops and one-to-one help.

Mental health services: Counsellors, wellbeing advisers, peer support.

Financial advice: Guidance on budgeting, emergency funds, and scholarships.

Many students say they wish they had accessed these services earlier instead of struggling on their own.

---

12. Should I network from the start?

Yes. Networking is one of the most powerful tools for your future career. In the UK, opportunities often come through connections.

Practical ways to network:

Attend career fairs and workshops.

Connect with peers and lecturers on LinkedIn.

Join professional societies in your field.

---

13. How can I make the most of my UK university experience?

Studying in the UK isn’t just about academics—it’s about personal growth.

Travel around the UK when you can. Student discounts make it affordable.

Balance study, work, and social life. Burnout is real, but so is loneliness.

Build friendships and memories—you’ll value them as much as your degree.

Personal reflection: Looking back, some of my favourite moments weren’t in the classroom. They were late-night study sessions with friends, day trips to Birmingham, and volunteering with local charities. Those experiences made my time in the UK unforgettable.

---

Conclusion

Arriving at a UK university can feel overwhelming at first. The weather may surprise you, the academic expectations might feel demanding, and the independence can be both exciting and intimidating. But remember this: thousands of students have walked the same path, faced the same challenges, and found their rhythm.

The key is preparation—understanding what to expect, being willing to learn, and reaching out for support when needed. With time, the strange becomes familiar, and what once felt intimidating becomes part of your everyday life.

Your UK university journey is not just about earning a degree. It’s about growing as a person, building networks, and embracing opportunities. Make the most of it—you’ll look back and be grateful for every challenge you overcame.

References

Financial Times (2024) UK student maintenance loans fall £8,400 short of living costs. Available at: https://www.ft.com/content/4270fc96-f4b4-4d66-9b29-0e9162c21523 (Accessed: 31 August 2025).

Global Grads (2025) Cost of living in the UK for international students. Available at: https://globalgrads.org/cost-of-living-in-the-uk-for-international-students/ (Accessed: 31 August 2025).

Gov.uk (2024) NHS prescription charges from 1 May 2024. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nhs-prescription-charges-from-1-may-2024 (Accessed: 31 August 2025).

Gradstar Global (2025) Cost of living comparison: UK student cities 2025. Available at: https://www.gradstarglobal.com/blog/cost-of-living-comparison-uk-student-cities-2025/ (Accessed: 31 August 2025).

Rpharms.com (2025) Prescription charge in England frozen for 2025. Available at: https://www.rpharms.com/about-us/news/details/prescription-charge-in-england-frozen-for-2025 (Accessed: 31 August 2025).

Save the Student (2025) What do students spend their money on? Available at: https://www.savethestudent.org/money/student-budgeting/what-do-students-spend-their-money-on.html (Accessed: 31 August 2025).

Study Britain (2025) Cost of living in UK cities. Available at: https://study-britain.com/study-in-uk/cost-of-living/cost-of-living-uk-cities/ (Accessed: 31 August 2025).

Triospace Overseas (2025) Living costs in the UK for students. Available at: https://triospaceoverseas.com/living-costs-in-the-uk-for-students/ (Accessed: 31 August 2025).

Wikipedia (2025a) 16–25 Railcard. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/16%E2%80%9325_Railcard (Accessed: 31 August 2025).

Wikipedia (2025b) Prescription charges. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prescription_charges (Accessed: 31 August 2025).

Wikipedia (2025c) Tuition fees in the United Kingdom. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuition_fees_in_the_United_Kingdom (Accessed: 31 August 2025).