Posted by 
Thinking of going to the UK for school in 2025? Get ready for fun (and a bit of rain)! School in the UK is not just about learning at top places—it’s about taking on a new way of life, like using buses and trains and getting good at waiting in line. Do you see yourself at historic schools, in busy cities, or in calm country spots? The UK has them all. However, how does living there as a student actually feel? I’ll go over everything you need to know, from housing to part-time work, cultural shocks to money management advice. Nodnat’s professional advice may make your Study UK experience easy and stress-free. Let’s get started and discover what awaits you as a student in the UK!
1. Housing: Discovering Your Home Away from Home:
a. Private Accommodations versus Halls:
Private housing or university residence halls are your two primary options when you first arrive.
-University residence halls: These on-campus or surrounding lodging options are excellent for forming friendships and remaining close to classes. They’re usually a tad costly but offer convenience.
-Private housing: Greater autonomy, frequently less expensive (if you live with others), but more work to locate and pay bills.
Pro-Tip: Choose residence halls for your first year if you want to experience the typical student lifestyle, which includes loud neighbours, shared kitchens, and flat parties. Consider private housing if you’d rather live in quiet.
b. Accommodation Cost:
You might pay around £500-£800 each month for a place to stay (and even more in London). Places such as Manchester, Birmingham, or Newcastle may be cheaper than London, so plan your budget thinking about that.
Pro-Tip: Look at sites like Rightmove, SpareRoom, or UniHomes to spot low rates for student homes.
2. Managing Your Expenses: Budgeting Like an Expert:
Although studying in the UK can be costly, you can survive—and even thrive—without worrying about your money all the time if you create a good budget.
Monthly Expense Breakdown:
Rent: Between £500 and £800
Food: £150 to £250
Transport: £50 to £100
Internet & Phone: £30 to £50
Amusement & Dining Out: £100–£200
Other: Between £50 and £100
Spending less on necessities:
-Make food at home (really, buying meals out in the UK costs a lot).
-Grab a 16-25 Railcard to cut down on train costs.
-Use student deals (Unidays, TOTUM, and Student Beans work great).
-Use university libraries or purchase used textbooks.
Pro-Tip: If you’re addicted to coffee, you’ll save a little coin by making your own coffee instead of buying those £4 lattes!
3. Student Life: Nightlife, Culture, and Socialization:
a. Developing a Social Life and Friendships:
The UK has students from all parts of the world. Love football, video games, dance, or talks? There’s a group for each. Being in clubs is the best quick way to meet new people and feel at ease.
b. Nightlife Scene:
-Big cities such as London, Manchester, and Leeds offer great night fun—clubs, bars, bands playing, and more.
-You can anticipate nice pubs and student union parties if you’re in a smaller town.
-Going out may cost you from £10 to £50, based on how grand you go.
Pro-Tip: If you don’t drink much, no need to worry—the pub life in Britain is as much about hanging out with friends as it is about drinking.
4. Weather: Good, Unfavourable, and Rainy:
The weather is a topic that Brits love to discuss more than anything else. For good reason, too. The weather in the UK can change drastically in a matter of minutes.
Expectations:
-Winter (Dec–Feb): Rainy, chilly (0–10°C), and dark by 4.00 PM. Purchase a quality coat!
-Spring (March–May): Flowers begin to bloom despite a combination of sunshine and rain.
-Summer (Jun to Aug): mild (20–25°C), with sporadic hot spells.
-Autumn (September to November): Cool air, leaves drop, and all things pumpkin spice.
Pro-Tip: Keep an umbrella close—it keeps you dry.
5. Learning and College Life:
a. The System of Education:
-Compared to Indian universities, UK universities place more emphasis on autonomous learning; anticipate to read a lot, conduct research, and attend fewer lectures.
-Always properly cite your work because plagiarism is regarded extremely seriously.
-Your marks are greatly influenced by your coursework, group projects, and presentations.
b. Juggling Education and Recreation:
Studying in the UK isn’t just about books. Mix fun with your work.
Pro-Tip: Make use of the university’s support services; they provide career guidance, mental health assistance, and assignment aid.
6. Part-Time Work: Making Money While Learning:
Is It Possible for an International Student to Work?
Indeed! You can work 20 hours a week during the academic year and full-time during the holidays with your student visa.
Top Student Part-Time Jobs:
-Assistant in retail
-Barista
-Delivery person (Deliveroo, Uber Eats)
-Jobs on campus (student ambassadors, library assistants)
Pro-Tip: You can locate part-time jobs on sites like Indeed, StudentJob, and LinkedIn.
7. Public Transport: Navigating the United Kingdom:
How to Move Around:
-Trains: Quick but costly. Purchase a 16–25 Railcard to receive savings.
-Buses: More affordable and dependable. Examine student bus passes.
-Cycling: Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol, and other cities are bike-friendly.
-Ubers and taxis should only be used in an emergency because they will break the bank.
Pro-Tip: Get Citymapper; it’s a lifesaver when it comes to using UK transit.
8. Healthcare: Essential Information:
As a student from a new land, the NHS (National Health Service) will take care of you if you paid the IHS (Immigration Health Fee) when you got your visa.
How to Get Medical Care:
-Make an appointment with a general practitioner (GP) in the vicinity of your university.
-NHS facilities offer free medical care in an emergency.
-Each prescription costs £9.65; to save money, get a prescription prepayment certificate.
Pro-Tip: When attending medical visits, always have your NHS number on hand.
FAQs:
1. Can I live in the UK after I finish school?
Yes! The Graduate Route Visa lets you stay for 2 years (or 3 years if you have a PhD) after your degree is done.
2. Is it simple to find friends as a student from another country?
Yes! The UK has many different kinds of people, and colleges offer tons of clubs, groups, and fun times where you can meet others.
3. How much cash should I have when I move at first?
I’d say you need £1,500–£2,000 to take care of first rent, food, and moving around until you get a job that pays.