living in the uk

Page last updated:
23 May 2023

Welcome to Leeds! As an international student there will be practical things that you’ll need to do, emotional things that you’ll need to deal with and cultural things that you will have to adjust to whilst you settle into life in the UK.

Lots of things will seem new and strange, but others will feel very similar to home. The following information is given as a starting point, but don’t forget that the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance team are here to help with any issues that you may want to discuss further.

When you arrive

There are a few essential things to do when you arrive in the UK. It's important that you don't ignore these, as some are conditions of your visas, and the others are essential to allow you to do the more fun things down the line.

Many students settle into their new environment easily, although people can take different lengths of time to adjust to life in a new country. Sometimes being in a different country can affect you in unexpected ways. It’s important to know that these feelings are completely normal. You may have some disappointments, you may have some worries and doubts about coping and fitting in. But it does get better!

You will begin to see things differently. You will adjust, understand and enjoy the new culture here in the UK as well as sharing your culture and experiences from back home with your new friends. You will find that you have made the necessary changes to allow you to cope with everyday situations and you will be able to start to enjoy this new phase of your life and study.

If you're worried about anything, please don't hesitate to contact the SIAC team at siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, or get in touch with the relevant support teams.

Skills for Learning

Find a range of tips and advice about studying in the UK on our Skills for Learning website, which will help you refine the skills you'll need to thrive as a Leeds Beckett student.

British culture

British people may be very different to people in other parts of the world and many international students find some aspects of the British way of life unusual. This does not mean that British people are unfriendly, but they might take a little while to get to know you. In Britain, social relationships between men and women can be more relaxed than in other cultures. It must not be assumed though that this means a willingness to develop a more intimate relationship!

People in this country can feel uncomfortable when their ‘space’ is invaded and other people seem to get too close. Personal space is part of a person’s cultural expectation. If you stand or sit too close to a person in this country, they may move away from you until the distance between you feels comfortable to them. This is not a rejection of you, but it is simply an indication of different customs.

When men are together there is very limited body contact and usually plenty of body space. When women are with men and they are touching, this can be seen as encouragement, but be careful that you don’t send out or interpret the wrong messages. When men are with women – be gentle – a woman has the right to say ‘no’.

Try to respect the privacy of those living with you in a university residence or a shared house. Don’t enter rooms unless you’re invited to. If you find that other people don’t observe your privacy, tell them what your expectations are.

To be ‘on time’ for an appointment is not only regarded as polite in the UK but also very important, as many people have many appointments and classes in a day and cannot wait for a person who is late. If you know that you will be unable to keep an appointment, telephone or send a message and ask for another appointment.

British people love to queue and it’s an important part of UK culture to wait your turn. Try to remember this when you’re in situations such as waiting at the bus stop; at a taxi rank; checking-out at the supermarket; buying tickets; or in a restaurant or café (if all tables are occupied). If you ‘queue-jump’, this means that you do not wait your turn but proceed straight to the front of the queue, people will probably think you are very rude and may even be angry with you.

Try to remember to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’ if you accidentally bump into someone – this makes situations much easier.

In the UK many young people socialise in pubs and clubs. These are popular meeting places, but you may be worried about accompanying other students into a pub, particularly if your culture forbids the drinking of alcohol. Remember, you don’t have to drink alcohol if you do not want to! You can order soft drinks (fruit juice or mineral water), often also tea or coffee.

From 1 July 2007 there was a total ban on smoking anywhere indoors, unless you are at home. This includes Leeds Beckett buildings, shops, cinemas and public transport. It may also apply to your accommodation. If you smoke anywhere you shouldn’t, you could be fined from £50–£1,000. Follow the rules and be aware of other people’s health and feelings, even when you are outside – they might not like you smoking near them!

The population of Leeds comes from many different cultural backgrounds, so it is easy to find foodstuffs from all over the world. You will soon learn where you can buy food at a reasonable cost.

Many large shops and supermarkets are now open seven days a week, usually closing around 17:30 or 18:00. On Sundays, most small shops will be closed but some larger shops will be open until 16:00.

Post Offices are usually open from 09:00–17:00, Monday to Friday and 09:00 – 12:00 on Saturdays. Smaller Post Offices are well signed and can also be easily identified by a tall red postbox in the street in front of the building or nearby.

Major Post Offices often have machines outside so that you can buy stamps outside these hours. Stamps are also on sale at the shops on campus. Water, gas or electricity bills can be paid over the counter in a Post Office or online at the Royal Mail website. If you need a UK driving licence application form or to pay car tax you can also get them from the Post Office.

British people may be very different to people in other parts of the world and many international students find some aspects of the British way of life unusual. This does not mean that British people are unfriendly, but they might take a little while to get to know you. In Britain, social relationships between men and women can be more relaxed than in other cultures. It must not be assumed though that this means a willingness to develop a more intimate relationship!

People in this country can feel uncomfortable when their ‘space’ is invaded and other people seem to get too close. Personal space is part of a person’s cultural expectation. If you stand or sit too close to a person in this country, they may move away from you until the distance between you feels comfortable to them. This is not a rejection of you, but it is simply an indication of different customs.

When men are together there is very limited body contact and usually plenty of body space. When women are with men and they are touching, this can be seen as encouragement, but be careful that you don’t send out or interpret the wrong messages. When men are with women – be gentle – a woman has the right to say ‘no’.

Try to respect the privacy of those living with you in a university residence or a shared house. Don’t enter rooms unless you’re invited to. If you find that other people don’t observe your privacy, tell them what your expectations are.

To be ‘on time’ for an appointment is not only regarded as polite in the UK but also very important, as many people have many appointments and classes in a day and cannot wait for a person who is late. If you know that you will be unable to keep an appointment, telephone or send a message and ask for another appointment.

British people love to queue and it’s an important part of UK culture to wait your turn. Try to remember this when you’re in situations such as waiting at the bus stop; at a taxi rank; checking-out at the supermarket; buying tickets; or in a restaurant or café (if all tables are occupied). If you ‘queue-jump’, this means that you do not wait your turn but proceed straight to the front of the queue, people will probably think you are very rude and may even be angry with you.

Try to remember to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’ if you accidentally bump into someone – this makes situations much easier.

In the UK many young people socialise in pubs and clubs. These are popular meeting places, but you may be worried about accompanying other students into a pub, particularly if your culture forbids the drinking of alcohol. Remember, you don’t have to drink alcohol if you do not want to! You can order soft drinks (fruit juice or mineral water), often also tea or coffee.

From 1 July 2007 there was a total ban on smoking anywhere indoors, unless you are at home. This includes Leeds Beckett buildings, shops, cinemas and public transport. It may also apply to your accommodation. If you smoke anywhere you shouldn’t, you could be fined from £50–£1,000. Follow the rules and be aware of other people’s health and feelings, even when you are outside – they might not like you smoking near them!

The population of Leeds comes from many different cultural backgrounds, so it is easy to find foodstuffs from all over the world. You will soon learn where you can buy food at a reasonable cost.

Many large shops and supermarkets are now open seven days a week, usually closing around 17:30 or 18:00. On Sundays, most small shops will be closed but some larger shops will be open until 16:00.

Post Offices are usually open from 09:00–17:00, Monday to Friday and 09:00 – 12:00 on Saturdays. Smaller Post Offices are well signed and can also be easily identified by a tall red postbox in the street in front of the building or nearby.

Major Post Offices often have machines outside so that you can buy stamps outside these hours. Stamps are also on sale at the shops on campus. Water, gas or electricity bills can be paid over the counter in a Post Office or online at the Royal Mail website. If you need a UK driving licence application form or to pay car tax you can also get them from the Post Office.

Explore Leeds

Leeds is a vibrant city which has something for everyone. From designer clothing outlets to thrifty charity shops, cinemas to bowling alleys, we have it all. The best way to find out what the city has to offer is to explore it yourself, but we've also put together a guide to Life in Leeds to help you figure out what you can get up to whilst living here.

Staying safe

Whilst Leeds is a friendly city with over 50,000 students, like anywhere, it’s important to be aware of your personal safety and not take any risks. You should not walk alone at night, carry lots of money or take shortcuts through parks or playing fields.

You may see people begging and asking for money on the streets, particularly in the centre of the city outside the main shopping areas. You can give them a small amount of money if you want to - but you should not feel like you have to. Don't give money to people asking to borrow it from you, they probably won't give it back. If anyone at the university asks you for money, please inform us by emailing or siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk or by speaking to security.

Make sure you keep your house doors and windows shut and locked when not home, and avoid leaving expensive items on display, as this could make your house a target for burglary. Consider purchasing contents insurance to protect your valuable items. Mark your postcode on to your laptop and other valuables with an invisible pen – sometimes belongings are recovered by the police and the postcode will help to identify the rightful owner.

Contact student immigration advice and compliance

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