Once you start your degree, it won’t be long before your days are filled with fascinating lectures, exciting university club events and fun social activities with your new friends. There’s so much to see and do, but it can get a little overwhelming. So, we’ve put together this guide to surviving international student life in the UK to help.
Making the most of your time at university
Be organised and manage your time
When you arrive at university and see just how many things there are to do, you may be tempted to say yes to everything. Although we like the idea of being a part of every student-run club, it’s important to manage your time so that your studies aren’t neglected.
Create a simple timetable that plans your semester. Add important information like exam dates, society events and any social occasions you’ll be celebrating. This allows you to see when you’ll need to be studying and when you have time to explore a new hobby or interest.
It’s about finding the right balance. As long as you’re organised, you’ll be able to get the absolute most from your time at university - learning new skills and enjoying amazing life experiences.
Find a student society that you’re interested in and join it!
At university, there are lots of different societies you can be a member of. A society is a student-led club that focuses on or celebrates a specific hobby or interest. It might be a sporting society like a running club or one made up of other international students from your home country.
Whatever you’re interested in, joining a society is a great way of making new friends and exploring something you love. At Newcastle University, we have lots of different societies to choose from.
You’ll attend group meetings and social events - perfect if you love being busy. Even if it’s something you’ve never tried before, university is the perfect time to learn a new language, take up a brand-new hobby or contribute to a worthwhile cause.
Explore everything the university has to offer
Once you’ve arrived, take some time to really explore which facilities are open to you on campus and where everything is. Knowing exactly where lecture halls, libraries and group study rooms are will make your life easier during the semester.
Having a good idea of the campus layout will ensure you’re always the first in your seat for lectures and seminars. This will also allow you to help anyone else who's looking a little lost - a great way of meeting new people.
Knowing where all of the best quiet study spots are will be useful when it comes to exam periods. The city will have a range of creative spaces that are great for inspiring both individual revision and group project work.
Visit the UK’s famous landmarks
The UK’s rail network allows you to easily explore all of the famous landmarks that are here. Students can apply for a railcard so they can take advantage of discounted tickets.
Here are some of the landmarks you can visit in your spare time:
- Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament - London is easy to access by train and is home to must-see landmarks like Big Ben
- Edinburgh Castle - head to Scotland and explore the spectacular fortress that’s watched over the city since the 11th century
- The Roman Baths - catch a train to Bath and visit the bathhouse and temple that was first used by the Romans hundreds and hundreds of years ago
- Angel of the North - located just outside of Newcastle, view this breathtaking sculpture that stands 20 metres high
- The Lake District - enjoy the stunning scenery and beautiful scenery at Cumbria’s Lake District National Park
There are many more sights we could add to this list because there are just so many amazing places to visit. No matter which city you go to, you’ll find a welcoming and diverse society. Each place has its own unique character and charm, so exploring really is the best way of getting the most from your time in the UK.
Talk to the university support team
If you're ever feeling a little worried about anything while at university, then you can talk to the international student support team. They’re on hand to offer advice about budgeting and adapting to your new surroundings.
You may never need their help, but it’s good to know that they’re ready to provide expert advice if you ever need it. Here at Newcastle University, we offer a range of services to international students to make sure their time here is as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
If you’re thinking about studying in the UK and you have any questions about what life is like here for international students, then we can help provide answers.
Our guide to studying at a UK university
It’s easy to see why you’re considering the UK for your undergraduate degree. From the world-leading universities to the incredible career prospects, the UK has everything international students are looking for.
Studying abroad is a major life decision, so you need to make sure you have all of the information you need to make the right choice. To make things as easy as possible, we’ve put all of that useful information in one place - our guide to studying at a UK university.
Download your free copy now using the link below and learn everything about visa application, accommodation and the different types of university here.
