Featured Tips
10 tips for newly arrived international students in the UK
by
Oxford International
Published on
Just landed in the UK? Congratulations! You’re about to start an amazing experience. But let’s be honest, those first few weeks can feel overwhelming. New country, different rules, unfamiliar systems. It’s a lot to take in.
Don’t worry. Thousands of students go through this every year, and they figure it out. You will too. Here are ten practical tips to help you settle in smoothly and enjoy your time here.
1. New rules for international students in the UK
First things first – you need to understand what you’re allowed to do on your student visa. The new rules for international students have changed recently, so even if you have friends who studied here before, some things might be different now.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa application | Apply for a UK Student Visa before the course begins |
| Work rights | Up to 20 hours each week during term time |
| Graduate route | Permission to stay for two years after completing studies (three for PhD students) |
| Dependents policy | Limited for certain postgraduate courses beginning in 2024 |
| University compliance | Attendance and engagement must meet UKVI standards |
The work rights bit is important. You can work part-time during term, but work over 20 hours and you’re breaking your visa conditions. That’s serious. Track your hours carefully.
Attendance matters now more than ever. Universities monitor who shows up because they have to report to UK Visas and Immigration. Miss too many classes without good reason, and you could lose your visa.
2. UK student accommodation tips
Finding somewhere to live is probably your biggest immediate concern. Here’s what you need to know about costs:
| Average monthly rent (GBP) | Accommodation type |
|---|---|
| 530 | Private landlord rentals |
| 615 | University halls |
| 650 | Private halls |
Start looking early. The best places go fast, especially university halls. Don’t transfer money to anyone before you’ve verified they’re legitimate. Scams targeting international students are common.
Source: Save the Student National Accommodation Survey 2025
University accommodation is usually your safest bet for the first year. It’s more expensive than sharing a flat, but everything’s sorted: utilities, internet, usually furniture. Less hassle when you’re still figuring everything out.
Private rentals are cheaper but come with more responsibility. You’ll need to set up utilities, pay council tax (though students are usually exempt) and deal with landlords directly.
3. NHS and healthcare for international students
You’ve paid the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application. That means you can use the NHS – Britain’s public healthcare system.
But you still need to register with a GP (general practitioner, a local doctor). Do this in your first week. You’ll need your NHS number, which you should have received when you paid the surcharge. If you can’t find it, call 111 and they’ll help you track it down.
Emergency care is free if you go to A&E (Accident and Emergency). But for everything else (checkups, prescriptions, ongoing treatment) you need to be registered with a GP.
Prescriptions cost £9.90 each in England (free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). Dental care and eye tests cost extra. Budget for these.
4. UK cultural adaptation tips
Culture shock hits everyone differently. Some things that might throw you:
| Challenge | Adaptation strategy |
|---|---|
| Homesickness | Regular calls with family |
| Language barriers | Attend university language clubs |
| Cultural confusion | Ask questions politely |
| Making friends | Take part in student events |
British people apologise constantly, even when nothing’s their fault. They queue obsessively (never cut in line). They’re generally reserved with strangers but warm up once you know them.
The humour is different too. Lots of sarcasm and self-deprecation. Something that sounds rude might actually be friendly banter. When in doubt, watch how others respond.
5. Smart money management tips
Money goes faster than you expect. Here’s roughly what you’ll spend monthly:
| Expense Type | Average Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 500–900 |
| Food | 150–250 |
| Travel | 60–120 |
| Miscellaneous | 100–150 |
Open a UK bank account in your first week. You’ll need it for work, rent and to avoid international transaction fees on your home country card. Most banks offer student accounts. Take your acceptance letter and passport to a branch.
Get a student discount card. The NUS card or TOTUM gives you discounts at restaurants, shops, cinemas, basically everywhere. It pays for itself quickly.
Track your spending. There are apps for this, or just use a simple spreadsheet. It’s easy to overspend when everything’s in a different currency.
6. Scholarship opportunities for internationals
Even if you didn’t get funding before arriving, look for scholarships throughout the year. Universities often have emergency funds for students facing financial difficulties. Some professional organisations offer grants for specific fields of study.
Enhance Your English Skills with Oxford International
Learn MoreCheck your university’s international student office website regularly. New opportunities pop up all the time. The British Council also lists scholarships specifically for international students from various countries.
7. University support services for international students
Your university has an entire department dedicated to helping international students. Use them. Seriously.
They can help with visa questions, academic concerns, accommodation problems, even just feeling homesick. They’ve seen every issue before and know how to fix it.
Most universities also offer free counselling services. Mental health support is important, especially when you’re far from home dealing with academic pressure.
8. Improve your English communication skills
Even if your English is good, you’ll probably struggle at first with accents and fast conversation. That’s completely normal.
| Goal | Practice method |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary improvement | Learn a few new words daily |
| Pronunciation practice | Record and compare speech with native examples |
| Grammar correction | Write short paragraphs and review with peers |
Join a conversation club or language exchange. Universities run these specifically for international students. You’ll improve faster talking to people than studying alone.
Watch British TV with subtitles on. It helps you connect written and spoken English while picking up common phrases and cultural references.
9. Explore the UK beyond campus
Don’t spend all your time in the library. The UK has incredible history, beautiful countryside and vibrant cities to explore.
Get a young person’s railcard – it saves you a third on train tickets. National Express buses are even cheaper for longer trips. Plan weekend adventures with other students. It’s more fun and cheaper when you share costs.
Many museums and galleries are free. Take advantage of that. London’s major museums don’t charge admission, and most cities have at least one free museum.
10. Maintain wellbeing and work-life balance
This is probably the most important tip. You’re not a machine.
Sleep properly. Eat actual meals, not just instant noodles. Exercise, even if it’s just walking. Join a sports club or gym. Many universities offer cheap student memberships.
Don’t skip social activities because you’re studying. Friends keep you sane. They’re not a distraction from your education, they’re part of what makes this experience valuable.
And remember: everyone struggles sometimes. If you’re having a hard time, talk to someone. The international student office, your personal tutor, university counselling service – help is available.
FAQs about settling in the UK
Q. What are the latest rules for international students in the UK?
A. Recent updates involve dependent eligibility, attendance monitoring, and post-study work permissions.
Q. How to find affordable accommodation?
A. Start searching early, use university housing portals and always verify landlords before any payment.
Q. How to access healthcare?
A. Register with a GP after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge and keep your NHS number for medical use.
Q. Are students allowed to work while studying?
A. Yes, up to 20 hours each week during study periods and full-time during holidays.
Q. How to adapt to British culture quickly?
A. Engage with local communities, join university clubs and participate in cultural activities.
Begin your UK study journey with confidence
Studying in the UK is a rewarding adventure that combines quality education with cultural enrichment. Understanding key regulations, managing finances wisely and embracing diversity help create a strong foundation for success.
Prepare well, explore your new environment and make every moment of your UK study journey count.
Whether for daily communication or professional growth, Oxford international English have the right course for you.
Published on – 12 January 2026
The Oxford International English Schools Team
The OI English Schools Team brings together experienced educators, academic leaders, global learning specialists, and marketing team specialists dedicated to helping students achieve language excellence across our 9 global English Schools in the UK, Canada, the USA, and Australia. With over 34 years of English language education expertise, supporting 317,000+ students worldwide, our mission is to help students learn English with confidence through innovative, real-world learning experiences and cultural immersion that empower our learners to achieve their dreams.
