The climate is different in every corner of the world. Some places offer summer vibes, while some can never be enough of chilly vibes. And, when you move to another city or country, the first thing you will notice is the change of weather. While some cities may be warm, some may be cold, there is a huge variation in cities in the United Kingdom.
Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow have colder weather, whereas cities like London and Bringhton have warm weather. To some people, change in weather does not affect that much and to some it affects a lot. So, how to adjust to UK weather? When you are living in student accommodation in UK, the temperature control can manage stuff but what happens when we go out? That’s why Uninist is back with another blog that makes student living easy and hassle free. In this blog, we have gathered all the tips, tricks and hacks for students to easily adjust to UK weather. So, let’s get into it!
How is the Climate in UK?
The very first thing you need to do is to understand where you are going and what kind of weather you might find. When in the UK, here are some things to consider with respect to weather:
- Mild and Unpredictable: The UK does not have unpredictable weather like many countries, but it can still shock you sometimes. The climate in UK is generally mild, but it can change very quickly and you might experience rain, sunshine, and wind on the same day.
- Four Distinct Seasons: UK has four distinct seasons, spring is mild and fresh, summer can be warm but not extremely hot, autumn is cool and breezy, and winters are damp and cold.
- Frequent Rain: What will not come as a surprise about UK weather is the rain. Although it doesn’t pour heavily all the time, light rain or drizzles are common throughout the year.
- Temperature Range: The temperature range in winter is around 2-7 degree celsius, while summer ranges from 15-25 degree celsius. This tells how cold the winters can get on an average and how hot the summers can get on an average.
How to Adapt to the UK Weather- Tips For Students
Now that you know what to expect with respect to UK weather, how do you adapt to it? Here are some of the tips for students to adapt to the UK weather:
- Clothing tips
- Health and lifestyle tips
- Technology tips
- Travel and commute tips
- Academic and weather preparations
We have divided our tips in five categories so that students are fully prepared. So, let’s dive in!
Clothing
- One of the top tips for international students in UK is to always dress in layers. Layering is the key to protect you from the weather. Weather can shift multiple times in a day so you have to be prepared, a light t-shirt, sweater, and a waterproof jacket can keep you prepared for sudden weather changes.
- Invest in waterproof gear and umbrellas are very handy, always keep a small umbrella with you in your bag in case sudden drizzling occurs. Also, a waterproof jacket with a hood and waterproof shoes are a good investment.
- If you are living in a city where winter has more dominance then you have to understand that winters in UK are damp and cold, so carry gloves, scarves, and woollen hats. Thermal wear can also help during colder months, especially if you are not used to low temperatures.
- Another most important clothing tip for students from our side is to invest in comfortable and durable footwear. Many cities in the UK are walking cities, so comfortable shoes that are also water resistant will make your student life much easier.
Health and Lifestyle
- Believe it or not, health can be easily affected by the change in weather. There are many reasons such as shorter daylight hours in winter, many students feel low in energy. In the case of low energy what can help you the most is to spend time outdoors when the sun is out, you can even take vitamin D supplements, but instead go for the more natural source.
- Staying hydrated can help in times of cold weather. The cold weather might make you feel less thirsty, but drinking enough water is crucial to avoid dehydration.
- One thing that also affects your health is your mood and seasonal affective disorder(SAD). As a very common thing, many students are not aware of. There are some ways to fight the SAD like light therapy lamps or maintaining a routine with exercise and social activities can help you keep your mood balanced. In short, knowing the top tips to improve mental health should be a person’s top priority.
Technology
- Over the last few decades, technology has advanced so much that now people have weather forecasts in their hands. Earlier, you had to watch a weather telecast to get to know the weather but now you can keep a track on the weather by using your mobile and weather apps.
- Some of the best weather apps in UK are BBC Weather, Met Office, and AccuWeather and if you are looking for free weather apps in UK then BBC Weather is a very reliable choice. The BBC Weather is simple, accurate, and free to use without any hidden cost.
- If you are a person who likes to be completely prepared before leaving your student accommodation and want the most accurate weather app in the UK then the Met Office is a great choice. The Met Office is widely considered the most accurate weather app in the UK because it is developed by the UK’s official meteorological service. The app provides live radar, strom alerts, and daily/hourly forecasts.
- If you are an android phone user then we have something for you as well. The best android weather app in UK is AccuWeather and the app is ranked as the best because of its user-friendly interface and real-time updates.
Travel and Commute
- Travelling is a very huge part of students’ lives and it can be disrupted because of weather. When using public transport, it can help you in avoiding wind and rain, but wind and rain can delay trains or buses. So, as a tip, always check live updates on travel apps.
- Also, keep some buffer time before classes and exams and if you can see that the weather can be shifted then try to leave a little early, this is how you can avoid the rain and wind.
- We all know that cycling is a popular source of traveling in the city, but cycling on wet roads can be slippery and dangerous. Use reflective waterproof jackets for safety. You can also walk but carry an umbrella and raincoat with you.
Academic and Weather preparations
- As we have mentioned in the above tips, always carry a small foldable umbrella with you so you can be prepared for the rain. Carrying an extra sweater can help you in classrooms and libraries in case you feel cold.
- Sunny days in the UK are rare, so make the most out of it by indulging in outdoor activities. Also, on rainy days explore museums, cafes, or indoor student events.
- Many UK shops like Primark, Decathlon, and Uniqlo offer affordable clothing suitable for the climate in the UK. Do not forget to look for student discounts on stuff like coats, jackets, and shoes.
Conclusion
Life can be beautiful when you have a knack of experiencing new weather every day. Now that we have reached the end of our blog, we hope you know the answer to UK weather. We understand UK weather can be unpredictable yet predictable. From university to student accommodation in UK, no matter what city you are living in, being prepared is the key.
However, it’s tough to get used to the weather in the start, but over time you develop that resistance towards the weather. So, make sure to be prepared and think in advance by using weather apps, wearing protective clothing, and being prepared for sudden change in weather. Moreover, Uninist is always here to deliver tips, hacks, or tricks that can help students in the UK be it weather or student accommodation, we always help.
FAQ
Is UK weather really unpredictable as people say?
Yes, the climate in UK is known for being unpredictable. You can wake up to sunshine, encounter rain by afternoon, and in the night you can experience freezing winds. This is why students in the UK are often advised to dress in layers and check the weather apps before leaving the student accommodation or the university.
What is the best weather app in UK?
The best weather app in UK depends on the needs of the person. BBC weather app is simple and free, Met Office is very accurate, and AccuWeather is best for people with an android phone. You should prefer an app that gives you the update quickly with an easy interface.
How can international students adjust to the weather in the UK?
As a student in the UK, the weather comes as a surprise when an international first lands in the UK. Adapting to the climate involves wearing jackets, investing in waterproof jackets, and using weather apps to plan the day. Students should also maintain a healthy lifestyle by staying hydrated and getting vitamin D, and embracing both rainy and sunny days. Over time, you will get used to it.
Where to buy waterproof and protective gear in the UK?
Many stores in the UK sell waterproof and protective gear to fight extreme weather. The most reliable stores from where you can buy suitable gear are Primark, Decathlon, and Uniqlo.
What is SAD?
SAD is seasonal affective disorder which messes with a person’s moods because of changes in the weather. Many students don’t notice that the unbalanced mood patterns are because of SAD, but it affects most of the people. It’s the reason behind it.