If someone asked me to define life as an international student in the UK, I wouldn’t answer with just words—I’d answer with moments. The scent of fresh rain on stone streets, mugs of coffee, fruit juices held close to the chest on grey mornings, the soft hush of libraries, and spontaneous fits of laughter during game nights. Life here is more than a schedule; it’s a layered experience—an unfolding narrative of discovery, resilience, and quiet joy.
As an international student navigating this world, I’ve found that each day is both structured and serendipitous, routine yet revealing. The student life here isn’t limited to lectures and grades—it includes cooking your own meals, adjusting to British humour, joining societies you’d never considered back home, and learning what it means to truly live independently.
Morning: Where Stillness Meets Structure
I begin each day in my studio apartment. It’s compact, yes—but it’s mine. And that makes all the difference. For many international students, especially those coming from shared homes or large families, the concept of living alone is equal parts liberating and intimidating. My studio is a sanctuary: one where the kettle is always on, where fairy lights twinkle against the grey British skies, and where every inch has slowly been decorated to reflect a version of home.
Living in a studio has taught me more than any course module possibly could. I’ve learned to fix minor plumbing issues with YouTube’s help, grocery shop on a budget, and meal planning for the week. These aren’t just chores; they’re lessons in self-sufficiency. When I light a scented candle and open the blinds to let in the moody morning light, I feel grounded. My day officially begins when the city does—quietly and purposefully.
I usually rise around 6:30 AM. There’s a peacefulness in the early morning hours that I cherish. I take a few minutes to stretch, journal a bit, and sip a cup of masala chai—a taste of home that anchors me. Breakfast is often quick: toast, oats, or sometimes leftovers from last night’s dinner. But it’s in the act of preparing food for myself that I’ve discovered something gentle and important—the joy of caring for yourself without waiting for someone else to.
The Walk to University: A Personal Pilgrimage
Stepping out into the brisk UK air, wrapped in layers (almost always), I head toward my UK university. It’s a short walk, but it’s one of my favourite parts of the day. The streets are wet from the ever-present drizzle, and the trees sway ever so slightly in the wind. There’s something undeniably poetic about the British morning—an unhurried grace that makes you feel like you’re walking through the pages of a novel.
This daily commute is more than transportation—it’s transition. From solitude to community, from my private world to the shared ecosystem of campus life. Along the way, I often spot familiar faces: students I’ve met at a society event, classmates from my seminar, or the cheerful café barista who knows my regular order.
Academic Life: More Than Just Lectures
Lectures in the UK are refreshingly different from what I was used to back home. At my university, professors don’t just lecture—they engage. The environment is deeply interactive. You’re expected to read ahead, contribute meaningfully, and, most importantly, bring your own cultural and academic perspectives into the room.
For international students, this is both a challenge and an invitation. I remember feeling nervous the first time I voiced my opinion in a class discussion. But what followed was not dismissal—it was curiosity. The more I shared, the more I realised that my experience added value to the academic fabric of the room. This is the true spirit of study abroad—you’re not just here to learn, but to enrich the learning of others.
Coursework can be demanding, especially when adapting to a new academic culture. Referencing styles, essay expectations, independent study loads—all of it takes time to master. But the support is there. From tutors who genuinely care, to international student advisors who answer the strangest of questions with kindness, the system is designed to help you thrive.
Library Hours and Solo Study
After lectures, I often head to the library. There’s something uniquely motivating about being surrounded by other students, each immersed in their own academic mission. I find a quiet corner, set up my laptop, and sink into readings or write up assignments.
But studying in the UK doesn’t mean sitting alone with your head buried in books 24/7. Collaboration is encouraged. There are group study rooms, academic writing workshops, graduate programs, and even peer-to-peer learning groups. There’s a constant buzz on campus—a sign of students who are not just chasing grades, but chasing understanding.
Lunch: Community Over Cuisine
Around midday, I usually grab lunch with friends. It’s rarely anything fancy—sometimes a packed lunch, other times a quick bite from a food truck or campus café. But lunch is never just about food. It’s about connection.
We talk about everything—from childhood memories to weird British idioms we’ve picked up. It’s during these conversations that the experience abroad becomes real—not because you’re far from home, but because you’ve found a new version of home here, too.
Afternoon: Projects, Passions, and People
My afternoons are a delightful mix of structure and spontaneity. Sometimes it’s group project meetings, sometimes society events, and sometimes it’s just a spontaneous hangout on the lawn outside the student union.
Student activities are a core part of the student life here. I’m part of the cultural society, Indian society, sports club and the creative writing club. These aren’t just extracurriculars—they’re extensions of your identity. You find people who share your passions, but also those who challenge your views and stretch your creativity.
One of my best memories is participating in a themed quiz night hosted by the Literature Society. We didn’t win, but we laughed until our cheeks hurt. These are the moments that don’t show up on your transcript but are etched into your soul.
Game Time: Laughter is Universal
One of the most underrated joys of living abroad is game night. In my accommodation common room—or sometimes right in my studio with a few close friends—we play board games, card games, indoor games like carrom, pool, and foosball, outdoor games like badminton and cricket or even set up multiplayer games on someone’s laptop.
We’ve played everything from Uno and Codenames to virtual charades. Once, we even hosted a Cricket tournament in our room, with some tiny objects that acted like the equipment. Games transcend language. You don’t need perfect grammar to roll dice, shout in victory, or sulk in mock defeat. It’s in these moments that I’ve felt the strongest sense of belonging.
Evenings: Soft Landings and Silent Growth
As the sky shifts into soft blues and deep greys, I walk back to my studio. Some evenings, I pick up groceries. Others, I cook while listening to a podcast or music that reminds me of home. Cooking has always been a therapy for me. It is something I enjoy the most.
Dinner is often simple but satisfying. Sometimes it’s a traditional dish from home, other times a fusion experiment gone right—or wrong. But even culinary mishaps have become part of the fun. After dinner, I usually call my family. These calls keep me rooted. They remind me that while I’ve grown, I haven’t grown apart.
Nights: Reflection and Rest
Before bed, I slow down. I journal occasionally, or maybe just draw something. scroll through photos from the day, or just sit quietly and breathe. Some nights, I catch up on readings. Other nights, I let myself rest completely.
Student life in the UK is about learning to listen to yourself. There’s pressure, yes. But there’s also space. Space to pause. To think. To feel. And this rhythm—the balance between doing and being—is what makes the UK lifestyle so special.
Final Thoughts: Becoming in the Becoming
Looking back, the most remarkable thing about this life is how ordinary it becomes. How quickly unfamiliar turns into habit, and how those habits slowly shape who you are. The student journey isn’t linear—it loops, doubles back, leaps forward. But every step matters.
The UK doesn’t just host international students—it holds space for them to become. To stumble, to learn, to thrive.
And while the right accommodation certainly helps (shoutout to Uninist for making that part seamless), what truly defines this time is everything in between: the games, the meals, the late-night conversations, the silent victories, and the slow, steady blooming of independence.
This isn’t just a day in my life. This is life. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Authored By
Rijuka Jain
FAQ
What was the biggest cultural shock you experienced as a Jain Indian student in the UK?
One of the most significant cultural shocks was related to food. As a Jain, I follow a strict vegetarian diet with no onion or garlic, and adapting to British supermarkets and restaurant menus was initially very challenging. I had to learn how to read ingredient labels meticulously and often cook at home to feel confident about what I was eating. Over time, I discovered Jain-friendly and vegan alternatives, and even introduced my culture to others through shared meals.
How did you balance your cultural values with the UK lifestyle, especially when it came to socializing?
At first, I felt out of place in social settings where drinking or certain types of food were common. But I soon found that student life in the UK is incredibly diverse and inclusive. I joined societies, hosted Jain-style dinners, and spent weekends playing games or exploring museums with friends who respected my lifestyle. You don’t have to compromise your values—you just have to find your community.
What helped you cope with homesickness during festivals like Diwali or Paryushan?
Homesickness peaked during festivals, especially since they’re deeply spiritual and family-oriented in Jain culture. What helped was recreating the spirit of these festivals in my own space—lighting diyas, playing Jain stavans, preparing prasad, and calling family. I also connected with other Indian and Jain students to celebrate together. These shared experiences created a sense of home away from home.
How different is the academic system in the UK compared to India, and how did you adjust?
The UK academic system emphasizes independent study, original thought, and critical analysis. Unlike India, where the approach can be more guided and structured, here you’re expected to manage your own learning. The initial cultural adjustment was tough, but I learned to schedule my time, ask questions in seminars, and use campus resources like writing centers and office hours to succeed.
Can international students still hold onto their cultural identity while adapting to UK culture?
Absolutely. Adapting doesn’t mean erasing who you are. In fact, bringing your culture with you enriches your study abroad experience and the experiences of those around you. I carried my Jain values with me—in my food, my habits, my festivals—and I learned to integrate them into the UK lifestyle without compromising who I am. It’s all about blending, not replacing.
