Adjusting to Uni Life in the UK

Settling into a new country isn't always easy, but hearing from someone who's done it might make it a bit less daunting! Sarosh has shared what helped him adapt to life in the UK - from the unexpected cultural quirks to the things that made him feel more at home.

Learn About British Culture in Advance

Before I came to the UK, I didn’t know much about British culture apart from what I’d seen in a few movies. But once I arrived, I quickly realised how different things were from the way people speak to their sense of humour. I remember being confused when someone greeted me with, “You all right?” I thought they were asking if something was wrong! Later, I found out it's just another way of saying hello. Little things like that caught me off guard at first, but they helped me learn fast. 

Keep an Open Mind

Things are definitely different from back home. I noticed that people here love queues, and personal space is a big deal. At first, I found it strange, but now I get it. Different doesn’t mean wrong, it just takes time to adjust. 

Be Patient With Yourself

In my first few weeks, I felt out of place. I didn’t understand some slang, I missed my family’s cooking, and I struggled with the accent. But I reminded myself that it’s normal to feel this way. With time, everything started to make more sense. Don’t expect yourself to figure it all out right away. 

Ask Questions

It’s okay not to know everything. When I first arrived, I didn’t understand a lot of things, like what “fresher’s week” was. I asked a friend, and they explained it. People are usually happy to help you just have to ask. 

Get Involved in Student Roles

I joined the student ambassador team at my university, and it was one of the best choices I made. Through campus tours, open days, telemarketing, and even writing blogs like this, I got to meet students and staff from all backgrounds. It helped me build confidence, improve my communication skills, and feel like I truly belonged on campus not just as a student, but as part of the university community. 

Stay Engaged with the Local Community

I joined the welcome team at my local church, which was a great way to connect with people outside of campus. Greeting newcomers and helping with church events made me feel like I was part of something bigger. These experiences helped me feel more settled and reminded me that I wasn’t just a visitor I was becoming a part of the community.  

I’m Sarosh James, an international student from Pakistan currently pursuing an MSc in Data Science at the University of Hertfordshire. I work as a Student Ambassador, supporting and guiding fellow students. Outside of academics, I’m passionate about sports and love playing cricket, basketball, and football.