Life in the UK
When you first arrive, it is not uncommon to feel a little bit homesick. You may also find British culture very different to your own and may experience what people call “culture shock”. Here are a few helpful tips to help you settle in more quickly:
accept that things may be done differently to the way they are done at home and try to enjoy the differences.
try and make friends with other people who are in a similar situation to you and understand what it is like to be living in a new country.
talk to someone about any problems you have or things you don't understand about the way things are done in the UK. You could talk to a member of staff, your host family, or friends and family.
Gender roles in the UK may be different to those in your country. Men and women in the UK are entitled to equal respect and status in all areas of life.
Students are expected to obey UK laws. Students are free to hold different opinions, beliefs and faiths. All students are expected to tolerate the beliefs and opinions of others.
There are many different faiths in British society and there is freedom to practise your own faith. There is a list of various places of worship on the student information site.
You'll notice that British people use please and thank you a lot more! Try to use these terms when shopping, talking to strangers and on public transport. Host families will also appreciate you using please and thank-you!
When you are waiting to be served, in a shop or at a bus stop for example, it is normal to queue, or line up, so that the person who arrived first gets served first. Unless it is an emergency, for example you are going to miss your flight, you should wait in the queue.
The British generally have a reputation for punctuality. You should always be on time for lessons and if you are going to be late, do try to let us know in advance.
In the UK you should address people you do not know well as Mr, Mrs or Miss followed by their surname or family name (if known). Within our school however it is still polite to use first names to address someone like a teacher, or a familiar member of staff.