My top tips for adjusting to life in the UK as an international student

Settling into your accommodation, managing groceries, meals and finances, and finding a social circle – all while adjusting to a new country and academic system – can feel overwhelming at first. It doesn’t exactly sound like the university experience you may have seen in TV shows and movies. However, given time – and with a few simple practices – what once felt like a mountain of hurdles will become much more manageable. These are my top tips for adjusting to life in the UK as an international student!

Do your research

Before arriving in the UK, I took some time to research day-to-day living in Warwick, which proved invaluable during the transition from home to university.

Start with the basics, learn to cook a few simple and nutritious meals and use your family’s kitchen as a practice playground. You’ll be thankful for these skills during busy weeks or moments of homesickness. Don’t forget to make a list of essential groceries to help plan your meals efficiently.

It’s also worth exploring which bank best suits your needs as an international student. Banks offer varying student-friendly accounts and add-on benefits. These are easy to set up and save you from stress later on.

Finally, Warwick offers a wide range of societies and sports clubs catering to every possible interest. Staying up to date with a few will ensure you can get involved right from welcome week.

Find a routine

Once you do finally move in, the first few weeks can feel chaotic. Between doing laundry for the first time, figuring out how to order groceries online, and cleaning your room, everything feels new. That’s completely normal – and temporary. 

Over time, you will start building a routine that works for you. You may prefer doing your laundry every Sunday, grocery shopping on Fridays after your last class, working out after lectures, or meal-prepping during the week. These little habits soon become anchors that help you manage your time and keep you organised.

Halfway through my first term, I realised that having a routine made me more productive and less distracted. I could focus on my academics and social life without constantly thinking about pending chores. You’ll keep refining and optimising this routine throughout your time at Warwick, discovering things about yourself along the way.
 

Everyone is in the same boat

The most important tip and realisation I had when I first arrived was that everyone around me was figuring things out too. Whether from the UK or abroad, this uncertainty was a common factor for all freshers.

Taking the initiative to talk to people can make all the difference. A simple place to start is at lectures and seminars – say hello to the person sitting next to you. Chances are, they’ll be thankful to you for making the first move. You might find a course buddy or a lifelong friend from these simple interactions, and these friendships can make university life immeasurably easier.

Remember, everyone wants to connect – they are just waiting for someone to take that first step. Take that first step!

Get involved outside of academics

Of course, your degree and coursework is your main priority, however, your university experience goes far beyond academics. Getting involved in societies, sports clubs, part-time work, and other extracurricular opportunities is one of the best ways to grow, meet like-minded people, and truly develop your personality.

I made the mistake of not getting involved in my first year, but you are never too late. I immersed myself in societies and extra-curriculars in my second year, and am deeply thankful for the friends, experiences and life skills I have learnt.

Most importantly, staying active outside academics keeps you balanced. It gives you a healthy outlet when coursework gets busy, while also helping you feel a part of the wider Warwick community.

A final word…

Adjusting to life in the UK as an international student can be intimidating at first, but it is truly one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. Hopefully, these tips make Warwick feel like home. Before you know it, you’ll be the one advising new students about how to make the most of their time here!