Dos and don’ts for international students in the UK: A practical guide

1. Participate actively in seminars

UK universities value independent learning and classroom discussions. Seminars are designed for interaction, so you’re expected to share opinions, ask questions, and engage with course material rather than just listen passively.

2. Learn proper referencing rules

Plagiarism rules are strict. Make sure you understand referencing styles like Harvard, APA, or MLA, and use tools or university resources to check your citations.

3. Learn how British public transport works

Trains may require advance booking for cheaper tickets, and buses often don’t accept cash in some cities. Understanding peak times, routes, and travel cards can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and delays.

4. Use student travel discounts

Get a 16–25 Railcard and, if you live in London, a student Oyster card to reduce travel costs. Many cities also offer discounted bus passes that can significantly lower your daily commuting costs. Make sure you have the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), as it helps you access over 1000 benefits. IDP students get ISIC at 15% off.

5. Register with a GP as soon as you arrive

Sign up with a local GP (General Practitioner) or your university health centre so you can access the NHS (National Health Service)when needed. Registering early ensures you won’t face delays if you fall ill or need medical advice.

6. Open a UK bank account

A local account makes it easier to manage rent, bills, and salary payments from part-time jobs. It also helps you avoid international transaction fees and simplifies everyday financial management.

7. Do respect queues everywhere

Queuing is practically sacred in the UK. Whether you're waiting for a bus, ordering coffee, shopping at supermarkets, or entering events, always join the back of the line and wait your turn. Queue jumping is seen as extremely rude.

8. Do say “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” often

British communication relies heavily on polite phrases. Saying “please,” “thank you,” “sorry,” and “excuse me” regularly helps you come across as respectful.

9. Do respect personal space

British people tend to value personal boundaries. Avoid standing too close during conversations or becoming overly physical when greeting someone unless you know them well. A handshake or simple “hello” is usually enough in formal settings.

10. Do be punctual

Being late for lectures, appointments, interviews, or group meetings is often viewed as disrespectful. Arrive on time—or even a few minutes early—for academic and professional commitments.

11. Do learn British humour

British humour is often sarcastic, dry, and self-deprecating. Friends may tease each other casually, which is usually meant as friendliness rather than insult. Understanding this can help avoid awkward misunderstandings.

12. Do engage in small talk

The weather is a surprisingly common conversation starter in the UK. Small talk about weather, sports, travel, or university life helps break the ice.

13. Do understand pub culture

Pubs are common social spaces for students. You don’t need to drink alcohol to participate—many students visit pubs for food and socialising. Learn basic etiquette like ordering at the bar and waiting for your turn.

14. Do respect diversity

The UK is multicultural and generally inclusive. Be respectful toward different religions, cultures, sexual orientations, and lifestyles. Universities often have highly diverse student communities.

15. Do keep your voice down in public spaces

On public transport, in libraries, and in shared spaces, people generally speak softly. Talking loudly on calls or playing music publicly is often considered inconsiderate. Being mindful of your volume helps you blend in socially.

16. Do be open to culture shock

Feeling overwhelmed initially is normal. Food habits, communication styles, weather, and independence may feel unfamiliar. Give yourself time to adapt and seek support if needed.

17. Do knock before entering shared spaces

In student accommodation or shared housing, knocking before entering someone’s room is considered respectful and helps maintain personal boundaries.

18. Do bring a small gift when visiting someone’s home

If you’re invited to someone’s house for dinner or a gathering, it is considered polite to bring chocolates, flowers, or snacks. It is widely seen as a small token of appreciation.

19. Do offer to split bills fairly

When dining out with friends in the UK, it’s common for people to split the bill or pay for exactly what they ordered. Don’t assume one person will cover everyone unless they explicitly offer.

1. Don’t underestimate living costs

Cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh can be expensive. Plan your budget carefully, considering rent, groceries, transport, and social expenses to avoid financial stress.

2. Don’t ignore visa requirements

Always keep your visa documents updated and stay informed about immigration rules. Missing deadlines or breaking conditions—even unintentionally—can affect your ability to stay and study in the UK.

3. Don’t ignore RSVPs or constantly skip social invitations

If someone invites you to a house party, dinner, or university event and asks you to confirm attendance, make sure you respond. Ignoring invitations or repeatedly declining them can come across as impolite and may make it harder to build friendships—attending even occasionally helps you feel more connected.

4. Don’t interrupt conversations frequently

British conversations often involve taking turns while speaking. Interrupting someone repeatedly or speaking over others may come across as rude, especially in classrooms, meetings, or social gatherings.

5. Don’t forget table manners in formal settings

If you attend formal dinners, networking events, or university functions, basic dining etiquette matters. Wait until everyone is served before eating, use cutlery properly, and avoid speaking loudly while dining.

6. Don’t assume everyone in the UK is “English”

The UK includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—each with distinct identities and cultures. Being aware of these differences shows cultural sensitivity and respect.

7. Don’t worry if friendships develop slowly

British people may seem polite but reserved initially. Building friendships can take time, so don’t feel discouraged if connections don’t happen immediately.

8. Don’t ignore shared accommodation etiquette

Clean up after cooking, avoid leaving dishes overnight, and respect quiet hours in student housing. Being considerate helps maintain a positive living environment with flatmates.

9. Don’t be overly direct in sensitive conversations

British communication can be indirect. Extremely blunt comments may come across as rude in academic or professional settings.

10. Don’t overuse first names in formal settings

In academic or professional environments, avoid immediately addressing professors or seniors by their first names unless they invite you to do so. Using titles like “Dr” or “Professor” shows respect.

11. Don’t ask overly personal questions early on

Questions about salary, religion, relationship status, age, or finances may feel intrusive when meeting someone for the first time. British people often share personal information gradually, so it’s best to follow their lead rather than push for details.

12. Don’t assume sarcasm always means criticism

British people often use sarcasm, banter, and understatement in everyday conversations. Misinterpreting every sarcastic comment as an insult can lead to unnecessary awkwardness. Take time to understand the context.

13. Don’t assume everyone enjoys physical greetings

Hugging, touching shoulders, or standing very close may make some people uncomfortable, especially when you’ve just met them.

14. Don’t complain loudly in public service settings

If something goes wrong in a restaurant, shop, or university office, remain calm and polite. Aggressive public confrontations are generally frowned upon.

15. Don’t break accommodation contracts without checking terms

Ending rental agreements early can lead to financial penalties. Also, don’t fall for accommodation scams. Always verify housing listings before paying deposits.

16. Don’t assume shops stay open late

In many smaller cities, like Durham, York, or Canterbury, many supermarkets and high-street shops shut by late afternoon on Sundays, so leaving your shopping until the evening could mean finding everything closed.

17. Don’t forget to carry proper winter clothing

Many international students underestimate how cold UK winters can feel, especially with wind and rain. Invest in warm layers, a good coat, and waterproof essentials to stay comfortable.

18. Don’t stand on the wrong side of escalators

In busy cities like London, people typically stand on the right side of escalators and leave the left side clear for those in a hurry. Blocking the left side can quickly frustrate commuters.

19. Don’t forget that driving is on the left side of the road

In the UK, vehicles drive on the left side of the road, which may be the opposite of what you have seen in countries like the United States, Canada, China, Russia, France, Germany, etc. If you plan to drive or even cycle, take extra time to adjust, look the correct way when crossing streets, and stay alert—especially at roundabouts and pedestrian crossings.

Adapting to life in the UK isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about understanding local social cues and showing respect for cultural differences. Once you understand the unwritten rules of British life, settling in becomes far easier, and you’ll be able to enjoy everything your UK student experience has to offer.

Ready to start your UK journey? Speak to an IDP expert for free today.