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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.

Christmas on a Student Budget: The Best UK Christmas Markets to Visit

From late November, Britain’s city centres swap grey drizzle for fairy lights, bratwurst smoke and booming Mariah Carey. 

For students, Christmas markets are an easy way to feel festive without blowing the entire December loan – but only if you pick your destination and budget carefully.

Across the United Kingdom, many of the biggest markets are free to enter; you just pay for what you eat, drink and buy. That includes major favourites like Birmingham, York and Bath, which all advertise free admission. 

London’s Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the big exception, with timed entry tickets, though even there some off-peak sessions are free.

Here’s a whistle-stop tour of some of the best UK Christmas markets in 2025 – and what a realistic night out might cost you as a student.

Manchester: Big-City Sparkle, Big-City Prices

Manchester’s Christmas Markets are regularly billed as the largest in the UK, with more than 200 wooden chalets spread across ten sites and a flagship return to Albert Square this year. The Town Hall backdrop, giant Santa and a 50-metre Ferris wheel turn the city centre into a full-scale festive playground.

The catch is the cost of all that cheer. Local reporters clocked average prices of about £5.50 for mulled wine, £4.50 for hot chocolate and £8 for a bratwurst, with pints of beer typically around £6.50. Cocktails can run to £9.50–£11, and there’s usually a £3.50 deposit on the souvenir mugs.

For a sensible student night, think in terms of one hot drink, one main and maybe sharing dessert: roughly £18–£22. Add a cocktail, souvenir mug and a ride on the big wheel, and you’re edging towards £35–£40 before you’ve even thought about gifts. 

Pre-agree a spend limit with friends and stick to card or phone payments you can track in real time.

Edinburgh: Castle Views, Premium Vibes

Edinburgh’s markets in Princes Street Gardens are the ones you’ve seen all over Instagram – fairy lights, the castle looming above and a crush of winter coats shuffling between stalls. #

A recent student guide described the 2025 prices as “rent-level offensive”, but also admitted the spectacle keeps drawing people back.

Average prices this year tell the story: hot chocolate is typically £5.50–£8, bratwurst £6–£8, churros £7–£9 and mulled wine from around £12 if you keep the mug. Rides are the real budget-busters: the big wheel is about £12 per adult and ice skating starts around £15 before locker or penguin-aid extras.

If you’re heading down from campus, plan at least £25–£30 for a main, a sweet treat and a drink, plus another £10–£15 if you want to skate or ride. To soften the blow, go on a weekday afternoon, eat something basic beforehand and treat the markets as an atmospheric add-on rather than your whole night out.

York: Storybook Streets, Manageable Spending

York’s St Nicholas Fair is the cosy, storybook version of a Christmas market. Alpine chalets line Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, with more than 80% of traders hailing from Yorkshire – think local cheese, handmade crafts and indie food stalls. Entry is free, and the market runs from mid-November to just before Christmas.

For students travelling in, York’s Park & Ride can be a quiet win: return tickets cost about £3.90 with free parking and up to three kids travelling free, which at least keeps transport to the market itself cheap. 

York residents also get 10% off at traders with a valid local ID, handy if you study there year-round.

Food prices are broadly in line with other big UK markets – expect £6–£8 for a hot main and £4–£6 for hot drinks – but the slower pace means you’re less likely to panic-spend just to get away from the crowds. 

Realistically, £15–£25 can cover a drink, a snack, a simple meal and maybe a small gift, especially if you travel in by bus or train on a discounted railcard.

Bath: Georgian Backdrop, Mixed Reviews on Value

Bath’s Christmas Market is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and remains one of the UK’s most photographed festive events, wrapping hundreds of chalets around the Abbey, Abbeygate Street and Milsom Street. 

It’s completely free to attend, with a strong focus on local makers and even sustainability perks such as a 50p discount on hot drinks if you bring a reusable cup.

But the market has also made headlines for being pricey. Recent coverage highlighted pigs in blankets at around £9 and warned of intense crowds, with some visitors dubbing it “the worst” Christmas market while the council strongly defended it as one of Europe’s most successful.

For students, the key is timing and expectations. Visit for the architecture and atmosphere first, and the food second. If you budget £15–£20 for a main and hot drink, plus another £10 for a treat or a small artisan gift, you can enjoy Bath without feeling fleeced. 

Aim for weekday mornings or the market’s designated “quiet shopping” hours to avoid getting stuck in spending-fuelled gridlock.

Birmingham: Frankfurt Flavours Without the Airfare

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market brings an authentic German feel to Victoria Square and New Street, complete with schnitzel, bratwurst, glassware and wooden decorations. 

It’s open daily through November and December, typically from around 10am until the evening, making it an easy after-lectures trip for Midlands students.

The big win here is the cost of entry: the market is a free public event, with no ticket needed, and you only pay for what you eat, drink or buy. Food and drink prices tend to sit in the same ballpark as Manchester and York, so planning roughly £20–£30 for a hearty snack, a drink or two and a modest souvenir is sensible. 

Sharing a chimney cake or portion of fries between friends is an easy way to keep that towards the lower end.

London’s Winter Wonderland: Go Off-Peak or Go Big

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is more Christmas theme park than traditional market, with more than 150 rides and attractions, circus shows, an enormous ice rink and a revamped Santa Land. 

It’s a must-see once during your student years – but it’s also the easiest place to overspend.

Everyone needs an entry ticket. Off-peak sessions can be free, while standard slots are about £5 and peak times £7.50 per person. Once inside, rides, skating and big attractions are extra. 

Bundled packages, such as the “Arctic Adventure”, which includes several icy attractions plus £20 of ride and game credit, start from around £43.45.

If you’re treating Winter Wonderland as your big seasonal blow-out, a realistic student budget is £40–£60 for entry, one headline attraction and food. To keep it cheaper, book a free off-peak slot, skip the big circus shows and focus on one paid ride plus a drink and snack – that can bring your spend down towards the £25–£30 mark.

So, How Much Should You Allow Overall?

Looking at 2025 price lists from Manchester and Edinburgh, a single hot drink at a major UK Christmas market generally runs between £4.50 and £8, a street-food main like a bratwurst or loaded fries between £6 and £9, and a sweet treat like churros around £7–£9. 

Add in the odd deposit for mugs and you’re soon into double figures for one round. Bigger extras such as Ferris wheels or ice skating usually sit in the £10–£15 bracket.

As a rough guide, if you’re mostly there for a wander and a photo, £10–£15 can cover one drink and a snack. For a fuller evening – main, dessert, hot drink and either a small gift or one ride – £25–£40 is more realistic, especially in big-city markets. Anything beyond that tends to be driven by cocktails, multiple attractions or impulse gifts.

The trick is to decide your number before you see the lights, check in with your bank app halfway through and remember that the best parts of Christmas markets – the music, the atmosphere, the time with friends – are still free.

What Makes Universities in the UK Great Places to Study?

The United Kingdom is renowned for its world-class universities, a rich academic tradition, and a welcoming environment for students from around the globe. 

From prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge to modern, innovative universities like Imperial College London and the University of Warwick, the UK offers something for every student. 

But what exactly makes universities in the UK such great places to study? Let’s delve into the factors that set them apart.

Academic Excellence: A Global Benchmark

The UK has long been synonymous with academic excellence, with many of its universities consistently ranking among the best in the world. 

Institutions like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, collectively known as Oxbridge, boast centuries-old traditions of academic rigour and innovation. These universities have produced countless Nobel laureates, prime ministers, and thought leaders, making them beacons of intellectual pursuit.

Even beyond Oxbridge, universities like Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), and the University of Edinburgh are celebrated for their research outputs, teaching quality, and global influence. 

For example, Imperial College is a leader in science, engineering, and medicine, attracting students passionate about cutting-edge technology and solutions. Furthermore, the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) ensures that universities maintain high standards, giving students confidence in the education they receive.

Diverse Course Offerings

Another hallmark of UK universities is the sheer variety of courses available. From traditional subjects like literature, history, and law to emerging fields like artificial intelligence, environmental science, and digital marketing, UK institutions cater to a wide range of academic interests.

Universities also offer flexible study options, including combined degrees that allow students to tailor their education. For instance, a student can combine English Literature with Computer Science or study a specialised course like Sustainable Architecture at institutions like the University of Bath or the University of Sheffield.

Moreover, many universities are pioneering interdisciplinary approaches, which encourage students to think beyond their primary field of study, fostering innovation and adaptability – skills highly valued in the modern job market.

International Student Appeal: A Truly Global Community

One of the most striking features of UK universities is their international student population. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), over 600,000 international students enrol in UK universities annually, making the country one of the most popular destinations for higher education.

The reasons for this global appeal are manifold. Firstly, the UK’s degrees are recognised worldwide, offering excellent career prospects. Secondly, universities often provide robust support systems for international students, including visa guidance, language support, and cultural integration programs.

For example, the University of Manchester offers an International Society where students can connect with peers from over 150 countries, helping them feel at home while fostering a global outlook.

A Focus on Employability

UK universities emphasise employability, equipping students with practical skills and industry connections. 

Many courses include placement years, internships, or projects in collaboration with companies, ensuring students gain real-world experience alongside academic knowledge.

Institutions like Loughborough University, renowned for its strong ties with industries, have dedicated career services that prepare students for the job market. Similarly, London Business School and the University of Warwick offer globally respected business programs with alumni networks spanning major corporations worldwide.

Campus Life: A Rich Student Experience

Vibrant Campuses and Student Societies

Life on a UK university campus is about more than just academics. Universities provide a rich, vibrant atmosphere where students can explore hobbies, join societies, and make lifelong friends. 

Whether it’s debating in the Oxford Union, participating in drama clubs at the University of Bristol, or playing Quidditch (yes, it’s a thing) at the University of Exeter, there’s something for everyone.

Student unions across the UK are incredibly active, ensuring a lively calendar of events ranging from cultural festivals to charity fundraisers. These unions also advocate for student rights, contributing to a supportive campus environment.

Historical Charm Meets Modern Facilities

Many UK universities blend historical charm with cutting-edge facilities. Studying in centuries-old libraries like Bodleian Library in Oxford or Cambridge’s Trinity College Library is an inspiring experience. 

At the same time, modern institutions like Cranfield University boast state-of-the-art labs and digital resources for a seamless learning journey.

Campuses are often picturesque, with sprawling greens, riverside views, and architectural marvels. The University of St Andrews in Scotland, for instance, offers a stunning coastal setting, while urban universities like King’s College London provide access to vibrant city life.

A Gateway to Culture and Adventure

Rich Cultural Heritage

The UK’s rich cultural heritage is another major draw for students. Studying here means being immersed in a country that’s home to iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Stonehenge, and Edinburgh Castle, as well as world-class museums, theatres, and galleries.

Students often take advantage of discounted travel to explore cities like London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff, enjoying everything from Shakespearean plays at the Globe Theatre to live music at Glastonbury Festival.

Proximity to Europe

The UK’s geographical location also makes it a fantastic hub for exploring Europe. Weekend trips to Paris, Amsterdam, or Barcelona are easily accessible via budget airlines or the Eurostar. 

This proximity enhances the overall student experience, providing a mix of cultural immersion and academic rigour.

Support Systems and Inclusivity

Student Well-being

UK universities take student well-being seriously, offering mental health services, academic support, and mentorship programs. Universities like Durham and Nottingham have dedicated well-being teams, ensuring students feel supported throughout their academic journey.

For international students, specific orientation programs and buddy systems are in place to ease the transition, making the UK a welcoming destination for all.

Diversity and Inclusion

The UK prides itself on being inclusive and multicultural. Students from diverse backgrounds bring their perspectives, enriching classroom discussions and fostering mutual respect. 

This diversity not only enhances the academic experience but also prepares students to thrive in global environments.

The Alumni Advantage

Graduating from a UK university connects students to vast alumni networks that often play pivotal roles in career advancement. 

Institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and London School of Economics (LSE) have alumni in top positions across politics, business, and academia. These networks open doors to mentorship, internships, and job opportunities.

Conclusion: A World-Class Choice

Universities in the UK offer a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural richness, and career-focused education, making them ideal for both domestic and international students. 

With their global reputation, diverse course offerings, and vibrant campus life, UK universities continue to shape leaders, innovators, and thinkers.

Whether you’re drawn to the historical charm of Oxbridge, the cutting-edge facilities of Imperial, or the cultural melting pot of Manchester, studying in the UK is an investment in your future – and an unforgettable journey of growth and discovery.