Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Navigating the UK as an international student
Hi my name is Raida and as an international student from Bangladesh embarking on my masters in the UK, I was prepared for a big life change. Even though I have briefly visited England before, what I wasn't quite prepared for, however, was the delightful surprises the UK threw my way! Buckle up as I share some of the most unexpected yet fascinating parts of adapting to life in the UK.
Weather Whimsy
Forget predictable seasons! The British weather switches between sunshine and showers, warmth and chills, all within an hour. Always check your weather app before heading out to decide what shoes and outerwear to have on. An umbrella and raincoat are must-have items with you, just in case. And on sunnier spring/summer weekends, it's great to have a pair of fun sunglasses.
Impeccable Manners
In the UK, you will often find people saying “sorry”. Expect apologies for bumping into you, for interrupting, even for existing in the same queue. It's polite and is also endearing. Holding doors open, offering seats, and generally practicing politeness seem ingrained in British culture. Goes to show just how friendly and welcoming people here can be. Prepare for a wave of unexpected chivalry and genuine kindness!
First Buses
Buses reign supreme in Leeds. The well-connected bus routes take you where you need to go around Yorkshire. Download the First Bus app to easily navigate the timetables and routes. Many bus routes are discounted so carry your Leeds Beckett Student ID card to show the driver to claim your discount. There’s also the Leeds Beckett Free Shuttle Bus which travels between the City and Headingley campuses from Monday-Friday nearly every hour during term time. Check out the timetable here and hop on!
Early bird catches the...shop?
Say goodbye to late-night shopping sprees if you fancy them. Most shops in Leeds close earlier than I was used to back home. Shopping malls and retail stores close at around 5pm, however, major supermarkets stay open till about 8pm so the grocery shopping trips can easily be accommodated on the way home from class. There are also the 24-hour convenience stores such as Sainsbury’s Local for any emergency essentials which is very useful for me when I often “surprisingly” run out of milk at 10pm.
Travelling to hidden gems
It is tempting to restrict oneself to just museums, galleries and heritage sites when in the UK. There are an uncountable number of hidden gems to visit across the UK! Just in Leeds I have walked around the city in just 3 hours on many occasions, such as during the Light Night Shows and Christmas Markets and had a different experience each time. There are so many more amazing places to see around Yorkshire itself – surf the Visit Leeds website and keep an eye on the Global Village pages to book affordable and sometimes free trips to other amazing British places like York, Whitby and Lake District.
It has just been around 6 months into my journey and these surprises were stepping-stones to understanding and appreciating a new culture. The UK is best described the way Forrest Gump’s mother describes life “it’s like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get”. Stay tuned for more adventures and insights from an international student in the UK!
