Culture Shock: 10 Everyday Differences Overseas Students Notice in the UK

Moving to the United Kingdom as an overseas student is exciting – new cities, new friends, and a new way of life. 

But once the jet lag fades, it’s often the small everyday things that feel the strangest. From unexpected bills to buses that stop running earlier than you’d like, the culture shock can be real.

Here are ten everyday differences you’re likely to notice as an international student in the UK – plus some tips, and where to find more help in our transport guides, cost-of-living pages, and overseas student hub.

1. Council Tax: The “mystery bill” you may not have to pay

If you’ve never heard of council tax before, you’re not alone. In the UK, local councils charge households a tax to fund services like rubbish collection, libraries and street lighting.

The good news? Most full-time students are exempt. However, this usually isn’t automatic. If you live in a shared house with non-students, or your landlord isn’t clear on the rules, you might receive a council tax letter that looks scary at first glance. 

Don’t panic. Speak to your university, your landlord, or check the guidance in our cost-of-living resources for how student exemptions work and what to do if you get a bill.

2. TV Licences: Yes, you pay to watch live TV

Another surprise for many overseas students is the TV Licence. In the UK, you need a licence if you:

• Watch or record live TV on any channel

• Use BBC iPlayer (even on a laptop or phone)

You don’t need a licence if you only watch on-demand services like Netflix or Disney+. But if you stream live sport, news channels or watch BBC content, you’re expected to pay.

If you’re sharing a house, sometimes one TV Licence can cover the whole property. Always check the official rules and talk openly with housemates about who’s paying for what, so it doesn’t become an awkward conversation later.

3. Pub Culture: More than just drinking

The local pub can feel like a second living room in many UK towns and cities. It’s where people catch up after lectures, watch football, grab Sunday lunch, or sit with a laptop in a cosy corner.

You don’t have to drink alcohol to enjoy pub culture. Most pubs serve soft drinks, coffee, and food, and many are student-friendly spaces to socialise or relax. 

Just be prepared for some cultural quirks: buying drinks at the bar (rather than table service), queuing politely, and sometimes having to shout your order over loud music on a Friday night.

If you’re budgeting carefully, keep an eye on how quickly pub visits add up. Our cost-of-living guides include ideas for low-cost socialising that don’t always revolve around rounds at the bar.

4. Shop Closing Times: No 24/7 city that never sleeps

If you’re used to late-night malls and supermarkets open around the clock, UK opening hours can be a shock.

Most high street shops close around 5–6pm, with slightly later hours in big cities or shopping centres. Supermarkets may stay open later, but Sunday trading is often shorter. Independent cafés, barbers and local stores may shut even earlier.

This makes planning ahead important – especially for students without a car. Need stationery, toiletries or cooking ingredients? Don’t wait until 10pm to go shopping. Our student cost-of-living pages and local area guides can help you figure out where to buy essentials near your accommodation.

5. Buses and Public Transport: Reliable… most of the time

Many overseas students rely on buses as their main form of transport. In most UK student cities, buses are frequent during the day, with cheaper student tickets or passes available.

The surprise usually comes at night or on Sundays, when services can be less frequent or stop earlier than expected. You might also be surprised by:

• Having to press a button to request your stop

• Not being able to pay in cash on some buses (card or app only)

• Different fares across operators and routes

Before you travel, check routes and times using apps or your university’s recommendations, and explore our transport guides for more detail on buses, trains and student discounts.

6. Paying by Card and Contactless

The UK is heavily card and contactless based, which can be a relief if you don’t like carrying cash. Even small corner shops and cafés usually accept card payments, and many people tap their phone or watch instead of using a physical card.

The only catch is to keep an eye on international bank fees. Repeated small transactions can add up if your home bank charges per payment. Many students open a UK bank account or use online banks designed for international payments to help manage this.

7. Queues, Politeness and Saying “Sorry”

You might have heard that British people love to queue – it’s true. Whether it’s at the bus stop, in the post office, or waiting for a drink at the bar, people usually line up without pushing ahead.

You’ll also notice a lot of “sorry”, even when no one has done anything wrong. It’s often just a polite way to say “excuse me” or “could I get past?”. At first it can feel overly formal or confusing, but soon you’ll probably find yourself doing it too.

8. The Weather Obsession

“Cold, isn’t it?” “Can you believe the rain?” “Nice day today, for once.”

Talking about the weather is practically a national sport. It’s a safe, friendly way to start conversation with strangers or classmates. The UK climate can feel unpredictable – sunshine one minute, rain the next – so layers, waterproofs and comfortable shoes are your best friends.

Our overseas students hub often includes practical packing tips and advice on how to dress for UK seasons without overspending.

9. Bills, Contracts and “All-Inclusive” Rent

Depending on where you’re from, you might be used to rent including everything. In the UK, student accommodation varies a lot. Some places are all-inclusive (covering energy, water, internet and sometimes contents insurance), while others require you to set up bills yourself.

Understanding what’s included before you sign is crucial for budgeting. Check:

• Are gas, electricity and water included?

• Is Wi-Fi provided?

• Are there any caps on energy use?

If you’re unsure how far your money will stretch, our cost-of-living pages break down typical student expenses to help you compare different options.

10. Student Discounts Everywhere

One pleasant surprise? The UK is full of student discounts. From railcards to fashion stores, cinemas and streaming services, it’s always worth asking, “Do you offer a student discount?”

You can often save money on transport, especially with railcards and local bus passes – more details can be found in our dedicated transport guides. Combining discounts with smart budgeting can make a real difference to your monthly costs.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone in the Culture Shock

Feeling disorientated by council tax letters, TV Licence rules or quiet city centres after 6pm is completely normal. Every international student goes through some level of culture shock – it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

With time, these differences become part of your everyday routine. In the meantime, use the support available: your university, other students from your home country, and resources like our transport guides, cost-of-living pages and overseas students hub.

You’re not just learning in the classroom – you’re learning how to live in a new country, and that’s a powerful skill that will stay with you long after your degree.