Living in the UK

Britain is a cosmopolitan place where people from all over the world gather, not only students and visitors, but also people who have made Britain their home. These pages will provide you with information about living in Britain as well as student life.

Student life in Britain
British culture and history
Student facilities at the university
Services
Sports and leisure activities
Religion, politics and law

Student life in Britain. All British universities have a wide range of facilities on campus. Whatever your interests are there are clubs and societies that cater for them, like cinema, music, drama and more - giving you the chance to meet like-minded people and make new friends.

There are well stocked libraries with quiet places to study, careers advice centres, sports facilities and cafes as well as plenty of entertainment. There are many international associations for you to join. And, as a student in Britain you benefit from subsidized entry to many venues like theatres and cinemas as well as having the opportunity to benefit from reduced price travel.

British culture and history. Britain has a fine tradition of culture - music, the arts, architecture and literature. You will find a wide variety of cultural activities to explore like museums, art galleries, concerts, bookshops and the theatre. There is history to explore - ancient landmarks, historic towns, industrial heritage and of course, beautiful countryside.

Student facilities at the university: Freshers week. Freshers week is usually during your first week at a university. It is a time for settling in and finding out more about the institution and student life. Help and advice will be offered to you and you will find out where to go for further advice. During the week various functions will be organized with the social side of things very much evident - an excellent time for making new friends! During freshers week you will be introduced to the Students' Union. Nearly all universities have a students' union and you will automatically become a member. The Union represents students at national level but is also a benefit to individuals through offering advice about fees, awards, accommodation, employment and other welfare issues. There are other organizations in Britain specifically to help students, indeed international students!

Public services. Once in Britain you will need to familiarize yourself with the range of services available. The post office and public library are good places to start. They are a good source of information on all sorts of things: welfare benefits, local clubs and activities, housing and newpapers. The Citizens Advice Bureau can also give advice on personal and legal problems and information on the state services.

Driving in Britain. If you wish to drive in Britain you must hold a valid driving licence. International students who are in the UK and intend to study for more than twelve months are obliged to obtain a UK licence by taking a driving test. However, licences issued in EU member states and a few other countries can be exchanged for a full UK licence without having to take the test. The vehicle you drive must be registered, insured, taxed and if it is over three years old it must have an MOT certificate. The application forms for tax and vehicle registration can be obtained from a post office. Drink driving laws are very strict and rigorously enforced. Unless you want to pay a large fine or spend some time in prison, do not do it.

Shops and shopping. There are a large range of shops in Britain, some of which are closed on Sundays, although shops in many big cities and supermarkets are often open on Sundays. Shops are usually open from 0900 until 1800 except local shops which may have their own more specific opening hours. There may be one or two customs that may differ from your practice at home; bargaining is not customary - you are expected to pay the price marked on the goods, you are also expected to queue for services if a shop is busy. In general, supermarkets and street markets are the cheapest places to buy food, street markets are particularly good for fresh fruit and vegetables.

Other services. You will be able to find launderettes and dry-cleaners in most shopping areas There are no fixed rules about tipping. There are many restaurants and 'take away' establishments serving food from all over the world, prices vary depending on the standard and type of restaurant. Hairdressers can usually be found locally as well as in the main shopping areas.

Sport and leisure activities. Britain has much to offer in addition to educational opportunities. Below are some suggestions. Participation in some of these activities may help you to broaden your experiences and enjoyment of Britain.

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The Arts. Cinema and theatres exist all over Britain so you don't have to be based in London to take advantage of what is on offer. Most cities also have concert halls, museums and art galleries providing the opportunity to visit well known exhibitions and discover some of the lesser known arts and artists. Many art galleries are free and students are often able to get reduced rates into theatres and cinemas.

Sports. There are lots of sports in Britain which you can take part in. You will be able to find out about local teams or sport centres through your institution and there may be the opportunity to use the facilities at the university, and even join university teams. The library in your areas will also be able to tell you about local facilities.

Travelling within Britain. You may want to use some of your vacations to travel around and see more of Britain. Each area has a tourist information service that will provide you with information about places of interest, places to stay and the different ways to travel. The British Tourist Authority is a good starting point.

Eating out and socializing. One of the most popular socializing activities in Britain is eating out or visiting a local public house - known as a 'Pub'. Pubs serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. To buy alcohol in Britain you must be over eighteen years of age and places that sell it must have a licence to do so. A huge variety of cuisines are available in Britain and there is usually a type of restaurant to suit everybody's taste and budget.

Religion, politics and law. Religion. Because there are many ethnic groups and people who have come from overseas to settle in Britain every major religion is represented. Big cities will have a place of worship for most religions. Freedom of worship is a legal right in Britain and religion is regarded as highly personal.

Sexual equality. Sexual discrimination is against the law in Britain and women are entitled to be regarded as equal to men in all areas of life. This is why it is not at all unusual to see women pursuing their own careers, earning the same as men, socializing together, or going out alone.

Politics. The British political system is rather unusual in combining monarchy with parliamentary democracy. The monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II, has relatively little political power. She remains the Head of State and political power rests with the elected government.

Law. Britain's police force is organized on a regional basis. There is no split between political, civil or traffic police as there is in some countries. Broadly speaking, the individual is well protected by the laws in Britain.

The British Council, registered in England as a charity no. 209131, is the United Kingdom's international network for education, culture and development services.

© The British Council 2000 (document adapted).