The real learning starts when you leave your house and step into the real world. There is a huge difference between academic learning and real-world skills and one person should possess both. Studying abroad is not just about attending lectures or passing the exams, but it’s a full journey of learning from personality to skills. 

The world knows that the United Kingdom has been home to some of the top universities. Offering diverse cultures and opportunities, some things teach students beyond classrooms. As your go-to student accommodation in UK, Uninist understands the essence of making sure students get what they wish for. That’s why we have rounded up all the things you will learn living in UK. So, keep on reading to open doors to endless experiences and life lessons.

What are the Things You will Learn by living in UK?

There are many skills, personality traits, self-reliance, and many other things you learn when you actually start living alone. As one of the top tips for international students in UK, never shy away from the opportunity to do new things that can benefit you for life. Here are the top things you can learn by living in UK: 

1. Independence and self-reliance
2. Time management skills
3. Adapting to British culture 
4. Budgeting skills 
5. Navigating public transport 
6. Weather preparedness 
7. Building a global network 
8. Communication skills 
9. Cooking skills 
10. Balance between study and work 
11. Learning history and culture
12. Exposure to different learning styles 
13. Mental strength 
14. Learning how to network 
15. A new perspective on life

Independence and Self-Reliance

• The first lesson you will learn when you come to the UK for studies is being independent. From cooking your own meals to doing your own laundry, you get to start relying on yourself rather than anyone else.
• Making a monthly budget, grocery shopping, and traveling teach you how to balance studies with daily responsibilities. You will also learn to adapt quickly, which is a major life skill when you are in a new country.
• Independence is great, but it comes with a price. You have to leave your country, your house, your family for studies which is hard for every student, but this also teaches you how to take care of yourself.

Time Management Skills

• One of the most important skills for students is time management. The UK academic structure is different from many other countries. With fewer classroom hours and more emphasis on independent research, in this case time management is very crucial and managing your own time is essential.
• Balancing lectures, part-time jobs, and social life sharpens your ability to prioritize what’s more important.
• You will also learn how to plan your day around public transport schedules, assignments, and student society events. Also, if you get your work done on a timely basis you can enjoy some free and personal time.

Adapting to British Culture

• It is considered polite to learn and adapt to the culture of the country you are going to. So, living in UK exposes you to traditions like afternoon tea, football matches, and celebrating events such as Guy Fawkes night or Pancake day.
• You will also pick up British Humour, which is often sarcastic and witty, and it makes you more inclusive in the country.
• One of the most important parts of British culture is learning the unspoken rules of politeness and queuing(standing in line).

Budgeting Skills

• As you all know, the UK is not cheap at all, especially for students. The student accommodation in London, Birmingham, and Manchester has the highest rent and overall the country is pretty expensive. That’s why knowing the simplest budgeting tips can be a trick to a good lifestyle without worrying.
• You will learn how to stretch your weekly allowance by cooking at home, using student discounts, and shopping smartly from supermarkets. Student living in UK can be tough but with the right budget you will be able to manage most of your expenses.
• Apps like UNiDAYS or TOTUM will become your go-to for affordable living. Also, sites like Uninist will help you in finding the perfect affordable student accommodation in the UK.

Navigating Public Transport

• Public transport sometimes can be a little problematic like not finding a seat after a long day, but you will learn the art of adjusting. You will quickly get used to buses, trams, and trains, as public transport is the backbone of student life in UK.
• Understanding how Oyster cards in London or contactless payments work will save you time and money.
• You will also master reading train schedules and even enjoy the scenic countryside trips on your weekend getaways.

Weather Preparedness

• As we all know, the United Kingdom is famous for its unpredictable weather; you can see sunshine, rain, and clouds all within an hour. Adjusting to UK Weather can be tough in the start, but you will get used to it.
• You will learn to always keep an umbrella and a waterproof jacket or raincoat with you as you can experience rain any time of the day.
• Learning to adapt to grey skies and short winter days helps you build resilience and appreciate sunny moments even more.

Building a Global Network

• The best part about the UK universities is that many students from different parts of the world come to study there. So, the country is extremely diverse and just like you, you will have tons of international students.
• You will learn to work with people from different cultures, religions, and backgrounds which prepares you for a global workspace.
• Networking through societies, internships, and group projects creates lifelong friendships and career connections. So, you will be presented with the opportunity of being friends with people of different cultures.

Communication Skills

• Living in an English-speaking country will strengthen your English both academically and conversationally if English is not your first language.
• You will learn to understand different accents, from Scottish to Northern English, which also sharpens your listening skills.
• Communication skills are one of the most crucial things you can learn as they can even decide your survival. Presenting in seminars and participating in debates will boost your public speaking and confidence.

Cooking Skills 

• Many students arrive without knowing how to cook, but in the UK, dining out daily or ordering from food delivery apps can be very expensive and not budget-friendly.
• You will experiment with quick meals, learn to cook pasta, rice, curries, and even discover international cuisines. These cooking skills will remain useful for life.
• Learning how to cook for yourself will also save you money and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Balance Between Study and Work

• A big part of living in UK is managing a balance between studies and your part-time job. Whether it’s working in cafes, retail, or tutoring, you will learn the value of money and time.
• Juggling between work shifts and lectures improves your multitasking skills and responsibility.
• You will also be presented with the opportunity of gaining insights into the UK work culture, which is professional and highly punctual.

Learning History and Culture

• In the UK you can find ancient castles to modern skyscrapers; the country is filled with historical landmarks and each city of the UK has a history of its own. Exploring the museums and cultural spots in the country will help you in learning about the country’s history and culture.
• You will learn to appreciate museums, heritage sites, and centuries-old traditions embedded in the country.
• Exploring cities like Oxford, Edinburgh, or Bath teaches you more history about the UK than textbooks ever could.

Exposure to Different Learning Styles

• The UK education system focuses on independent learning rather than rote memorisation. You will learn to research, write essays critically, and analyse data instead of simply repeating notes.
• Learning methods like group projects and interactive classes also encourage creativity and problem-solving.
• By living in UK you will be presented with the opportunity to experience a different learning style which will be different from the way you used to learn in your country.

Mental Strength

• We all understand that living alone, constant classes, part-time jobs, and exams can be mentally draining and you will also experience challenges like homesickness, cultural shock, and financial stress.
• Over time you will learn how to endure it and most pass it, you will learn resilience, patience, and how to deal with setbacks which will make you stronger mentally.
• Using mental health tips like taking a break from studies, indulging in fun activities, etc, can help you relieve stress. Also, student support services, counselling, and societies help you cope and grow stronger.

Learning How to Network 

• Learning to network professionally is very crucial as a student. Career fairs, LinkedIn workshops, and university career centres teach you how to present yourself to employers.
• You will learn the art of writing CVs and cover letters tailored for UK companies. Attending lectures and industry meet-ups also helps you build valuable professional connections.
• Networking is a major skill and living in UK presents you with the opportunity to connect with different types of people. So, don’t waste this opportunity.

A New Perspective on Life

• Most importantly, living as a student in the UK will teach you to see life differently and will give you a new perspective on life.
• You will understand different worldviews, become more tolerant, and gain maturity. By the time you will finish college, you will return with not just a degree, but also invaluable life experience.
• When you live alone you learn many things and see how tough life can be sometimes. The learnings you will get by living in an entirely different country are what you will carry throughout your life.

Conclusion

Living in UK is a life-changing experience packed with learning and life-changing lessons, helping students to grow as a person. From learning independence and cooking skills to building connections and learning about different cultures, the country is packed with tons of new experiences. The UK is not just about getting a degree, it’s about becoming a better, stronger and more global version of yourself.

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