Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Things I have learned so far in the UK
Hi my name is Saritha and I came to the UK in September 2023 to pursue my MBA. As an Indian student going abroad for the first time I already expected a 180 degree shift in my life. There are many things I found surprising here in the UK where some I really loved and others I am still trying to make manage. So let’s get into one by one.
The weather
The Weather here in the UK is somewhat unpredictable. The UK is known for its random rainfall. So it’s good to invest on a good waterproof jacket and an umbrella. The temperature here is moderate. And as an Indian I was wanting to experience all the four seasons which is otherwise not possible in India. I even experienced my first snowfall last December and January.
Cultural diversity and language
UK has diverse culture. The city of Leeds is one of the most diverse cities in the UK home to over 169 nationalities. Coming from India, and that too a resident from the city of Mumbai, I can sometimes relate Leeds as my home town. You get to communicate and share culture with so many people, get to celebrate different festivals and you may even learn a new language.
Although the primary language is English, there are various accents and dialects. For example, there is Yorkshire accent, Birmingham accent, London accent etc. So it takes some time to understand it but you will become an expert very quickly.
Academic style
The academic style here is entirely different from where I am coming from. It actually took me by surprise but in a positive way. The course which I am enrolled, we don’t have exams instead we have assessments, but it’s not for the fainted hearted I can assure you that. Here, it is more of a practical based approach rather than just cramming theories two days before the exam. Everything here has a schedule and the tutors are very helpful. I learned how to use references, and improved my critical thinking.
Politeness
This quality is the most surprising for me because I thought those days are gone but nope, people in UK can even be ranked as the politest. Once you arrive in UK, it’s very common to hear phrases like “please”, “thank you”, “sorry” every day. Also, it’s common to hear others address you as “my dear”, “love”, “hun”. I say these gestures are enough to make someone’s day beautiful.
Queueing is another quality of the British that has taken me for surprise. The people in UK are very disciplined and always prefer to stand in a queue. Standing in a line to catch a bus or train or in front of a take away/restaurant is a part of British culture. This is one thing I wish I can take back to India, I remember those days where I am pushed to get into the local trains of Mumbai.
Cuisine
Coming from India I lean more toward some spicy, masala type food. So that has taken time to adjust to. But there are a variety of restaurants that offer traditional food of various nations. For me, whenever I miss home, I go to this one restaurant near the city centre called The Kerala Restaurant, it is well priced, and you get authentic South Indian food there.
These are some of the things that surprised me when I came to UK.
The UK is such a beautiful country, the people here are great and the education is one of the best in the world.
It will take time to settle yourself as is the case of any country you plan to move to for study, because you miss the comfort of your home. Once you leave home, you are a free bird and in front of you is a vast world of opportunities and beauty; a new life awaiting to reveal.
