Settling in to student life and finding support

There are many ways to become accustomed to your new life in the UK and plenty of friendly events to get you started. From guided campus walks to mentoring sessions with older students, there are lots of chances to adapt to your new life in the UK.

Most UK schools, colleges and universities will hold a welcome event for international students. This will usually involve a talk or speech by a member of staff or current international student, and you'll often be given a welcome pack, providing you with maps, information and guides.

 

Special events for international students may also include days out to visit local culture and heritage sites, language-focused talks to get you used to local accents or trips to explore nearby cities and countryside.

 

These events will also give you a chance to meet other international students: some might be from your home country, while others may have come from all over the world. It's a great chance to talk and socialise with students who are going through the same experience as you.

You may also be invited out in the evening, for a meal or party to welcome international students. Again, this is a great way to get to know people and might be an early chance to explore your new surroundings.

Your institution might be a small school or a huge university. Either way, you'll need to get used to the layout, routes between classes and faculty buildings. Your institution will probably provide you with a map or guide to help you find your way around.

If you are a student with a disability your school, college or university should be able to provide you with a specially adapted map detailing accessible campus routes.

Your institution may also run orientation sessions where you are taken around the campus or town. This is a good chance to get used to new road systems, public transport and also see where nearby shops and supermarkets are.

If you are attending a UK university (or certain colleges) then you will probably arrive during or just before freshers' week. This is a fun, busy and social week at the beginning of term, designed to welcome new students to the institution.

Freshers' week is usually accompanied by a freshers' fair, which is when all the societies and groups advertise for new members. You can find out what's on - from dance clubs to song writing circles - and join any that interest you.

Freshers' week is also focussed on socialising. Expect lots of student events, club nights, promotions and even (at some universities) a freshers' ball.

 

It's important to remember that should you need help or support, there are plenty of options available. A good first port of call is your teacher or personal tutor. If they can't help you with your query they'll be able to point you in the direction of someone who can. Many institutions have international officers or departments with extensive experience of helping international students.

Some college and universities also have international student representatives. These will be other students who can speak on your behalf. The National Union of Students (NUS) office or UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) are also both good sources of information - they may be able to represent you and give you advice on a range of international student issues.

If you are studying at a UK boarding school you will find an excellent level of care, and student welfare is taken very seriously. Most schools can arrange for you to contact your parents or guardians very easily and you will usually have a dedicated house master or mistress who looks after your well-being.

You can find out more in the making friends and living with your housemates sections.