From culture shock to classroom confidence: adapting to UK learning
Moving to a new country is exciting, but adapting to a new learning system is challenging. That’s a different kind of adventure. As an international student, I expected cultural changes but I didn’t realise just how different the education style in the UK would be compared to what I was used to.
In this blog, I want to share what it was like adjusting to academic life in the UK, how I overcame those initial challenges and the small but effective tips that helped me along the way.
Cultural adjustments: more than just a new country
Landing in a new country is like stepping into a whole different world—exciting, overwhelming, and full of surprises. One of my biggest early challenges was adapting to the UK’s culture and education system. From trying to decode British accents to wrapping my head around academic terms, everything felt unfamiliar. Honestly, I used to think I spoke fluent English—until I heard a proper British accent! It humbled me quickly, and I couldn't help but laugh at myself for thinking I had it all figured out.
Back home, I wasn’t used to raising my hand or actively participating in lectures. Here, it’s encouraged and even expected. At first, I was nervous—even self-conscious—but over time, I realised that everyone is here to learn, just like me.
Tip: Attend induction and orientation events and chat with your classmates. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but the more you connect the faster you’ll feel settled.
Cracking the code of the UK education system
One of the biggest shifts for me was moving from a textbook-heavy system to one that focused on independent learning. The UK system emphasises critical thinking, referencing, group presentations and research-based assignments. Unlike back home where memorising and exams ruled there I had to think, analyse, and write in a structured way.
At first, it felt intense and unfamiliar, but I gradually got the hang of it, especially after attending a few academic skills workshops and reaching out for help when I needed it.
Tip: Don’t wait until deadlines approach. Make use of the university’s online library, visit Herts Academic Skills (previously known as CASE), explore Uni databases, ask questions in seminars and learn referencing early—it’ll save you so much stress!
Communicating and collaborating the UK way
Communication with tutors and staff in the UK was quite different from what I was used to in India. Back home, it’s common to speak more casually or approach professors directly without much formality. But in the UK, being polite and professional—especially in emails—is essential. You’re expected to use proper greetings like “Dear” or “Hi,” end with “Kind regards” or “Best wishes,” and always say “please” and “thank you.”
Another key difference is that you usually need to book an appointment before meeting your tutor or module leader. You can’t just walk in and expect a discussion—you need to email them in advance and agree on a time.
Group projects also felt different. In India, it’s not unusual for one or two people to carry most of the workload. In the UK, everyone is expected to contribute equally, respect deadlines, and value each team member’s perspective.
Tip: Don’t hesitate to clarify expectations early on, whether with your tutor or your group. Being respectful, clear, and organised makes everything go much more smoothly.
Asking for help – the smart way
Asking for help is a big part of learning in the UK, but I quickly realised that lecturers and tutors have busy schedules and can’t always respond right away. That’s why it’s important to be patient and plan—don’t leave things until the last minute.
If you need support, there are other great options too:
- Ask Herts (Academic Support at Herts) – They help with writing, referencing, and study skills.
- Herts Academic Skills Team (previously known as CASE) – Offers 1:1 appointments and workshops for essay writing, research, and critical thinking.
- Your personal tutor – Great for general academic or wellbeing advice.
- Library Help Desk – Super helpful with finding resources and using the online library.
- Peers and classmates – Sometimes, a quick chat with someone in your class can clear up confusion.
Tip: Always ask early, and don’t be afraid to follow up politely if you haven’t heard back. There’s plenty of support around—you just have to use it!
Productivity tips that helped
Balancing studies, part-time work, and social life wasn’t easy at first. But once I created a proper routine, everything started falling into place. I used tools like Google Calendar and Notion to track lectures, assignments, and job shifts—it helped me stay organised and avoid last-minute stress.
As someone who can be a bit forgetful sometimes, I also set reminders for assignment deadlines and even alarms for online classes (yes, it saved me more than once!). I made it a habit to write weekly to-do lists—whether it was finishing coursework, meeting friends, applying for jobs, or just taking time to relax, I planned it all.
Tip: Block time for everything that matters—study, rest, social life, and job hunting. It helps keep you balanced and focused. And don’t forget, your university’s support teams are always there if things start to feel overwhelming.
Study hacks that worked for me
Before starting any assignment, I’d read the assignment brief at least a hundred times (literally!)—just to make sure I fully understood what was expected. It really helped me focus and plan better.
I also made full use of the Canvas resources—watching tutorial videos, checking sample papers, and using the university’s online databases for research. These tools gave me a solid foundation before I even began writing.
Sometimes, I’d study in the LRC (Learning Resource Centre) with friends—we’d discuss ideas, share tips, and motivate each other to stay on track. Talking things out often made tricky topics much clearer.
Tip: Don’t skip the study support that’s already available to you! The resources on Canvas, the library tools, and even a quick chat with a friend can make a big difference.
Adapting to a new academic system wasn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding journeys I’ve taken.
Every challenge taught me something new—about the UK, about learning, and most importantly, about myself.
If you’re an international student feeling overwhelmed, just know you're not alone, and you’ve got this. Stay curious, ask for help, and keep moving forward—confidence will follow.
I’m Sejal Sudhir Chauhan, an international business student from India living my dream of studying abroad! Currently diving into the world of global business through my MSc in International Business.
I’m all about learning new things, meeting people from different cultures and grabbing every opportunity to grow (with a coffee in hand, of course!).