The culture of England and the United Kingdom is very diverse. Consisting of four countries; England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – each sector of the UK has its own identity and traditions.
Our guide to the UK for international students will tell you everything you need to know about living abroad for your studies.
How to Immerse Yourself in British Culture
Life in the UK can seem daunting at first for international students. Instead of trying to avoid culture shock, try to embrace it.A great way to do this is to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the United Kingdom.
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in British culture is to visit museums. Many museums across the UK are free to visit and are a great way to learn about the history of where you study.
Food is a big part of the culture wherever you study, and the same is true in the UK too. Trying out local food and drink is a fun and authentic way to immerse yourself in British culture, be it fish and chips or a classic cup of tea.A walk around the area, as simple as it may seem, is a great way to learn more about the locals and lifestyle of the place you are studying. As you stroll, you’ll learn more about British architecture and maybe even come across famous monuments and landmarks.
Attending events is another great way to learn more about culture in the UK. This can include festivals, sporting events and live shows. Sporting events such as football and rugby are a large part of British culture.Lifestyle.
Climate
The weather in Britain is unpredictable but rarely extreme. Although the UK is known for having rain most days of the year, there are different seasons. It is also said that you can experience all four seasons in a single day.
- Summer – June to August
- Autumn – September to November
- Winter – December to February
- Spring – March to May
- Festivals in the UK
Festivals are a huge part of British culture and are celebrated at more than 800 music festivals. Although music festivals are one of the UK’s main attractions, other types of festivals also include wellness, art, literature and food.Food festivals showcasing national and international cuisines are becoming increasingly common across the UK and every city has its own.
Another option is to complete a foundation year, such as the International Foundation Year in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in Kingston. A foundation year allows you to spend a year at the Center for International Studies to learn about your area of interest before continuing with the first year of your three-year degree at university.
International tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree in the UK can be expensive, so you need to find the right course for you.
Master’s Degree
A postgraduate master’s degree is completely optional, but provides an excellent opportunity to gain a better understanding of a particular subject area.A master’s degree also means that you will have more career options once you graduate. Many masters courses in the UK only last one year; However, you can opt for two years of training by adding work experience to your studies.
Postgraduate preparation programs are also available, such as the Pre-Master’s program in Business and Management. This program provides the path to a master’s degree and offers two study options. two trimesters or a shortened 12-week fast track.
Tuition fees for a master’s degree can be the same as for a bachelor’s degree.Fees vary depending on the university and course of study.
Educational Assessment System at UK Universities
The UK has a unique assessment system for higher education. The aim of the system is to describe your academic achievements more specifically. Each rating is followed by a word that describes the quality of the work. These are:
- First class: 70% and above – excellent to outstanding
- Upper second class: 60-69% – good to very good
- Lower second class: 50-59% – satisfactory
- Third class: 40%-49% – Satisfactory
- Fail: 0-39% – Unsatisfactory
- Food and traditions
Food
Food culture in the UK is often based on gatherings and social interactions.The typical meal in British culture consists of fish and chips, a full English breakfast, a Sunday roast and a cup of tea.
One of the first things you are offered when entering a British home is a cup of tea. A cup of tea (or coffee) is the basis of many social interactions in the UK.
Surprisingly, the UK’s national dish is not fish and chips, although it has been for some time. Recently named the UK’s most popular dish, Chicken Tikka Masala is said to have originated in the South Asian community in the UK.Religion and Beliefs
The United Kingdom, known for its multiculturalism, is, not surprisingly, diverse in its religious beliefs. Although the Church of England has long been the official government-recognized religion, it now represents less than half of the United Kingdom’s religious population. Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism are also widespread in the UK.
