Culture shock
Most international students experience a degree of culture shock when they first arrive in their new home, but there are ways to deal with the new environment.
What sort of things will you find different about coming to the UK?
It really depends on what life is like in your own country, and how much knowledge you have of the UK is prior to arriving. But international students often say the following are things that they found difficult to deal with when arriving in the UK:
- The drinking culture. The legal age you can start drinking alcohol in the UK is 18, and that's the same time many young people go to university - so the two often combine. A lot of student socialising involves drinking, and inevitably a lot of high jinx. If you come from a culture where alcohol is prohibited or not as widely drunk it can be quite intimidating. The thing to remember is there are lots of other students who don't drink and there are plenty of things that you get involved in that don't involve late-night drinking games.
- Attitudes towards other people. The UK is, in many ways, a very tolerant society. Blatant racism, sexism, homophobia or religious hatred are thankfully fairly rare. Universities, in particular, promote equality. However, unfortunately that doesn't mean that prejudices don't exist and you may be the victim of abusive language or even an assault. These things are illegal in the UK, so you have every right to report them to the police, or to your university.
- Attitudes towards studying. UK students often can be seen as very dismissive or their studies; spending too much time socialising and not in the library. Remind yourself that their failure is not your problem, but also that spending all of your time with your books isn't healthy.
- Attitudes towards students from other people. Students don't always have a good rep in the UK, and as a result get treated quite harshly. Just accept that it's a general attitude, focused on all students. They're not targeting you.
- The price of everything. Don't believe that living in the UK is going to be easy. It's an expensive place, and you'll need deep pockets just to live, let alone enjoy yourself.
- The squalor and poverty. If you think that everyone in the UK lives in castles or posh houses, think again. There are many areas of serious deprivation, often in inner cities where universities tend to be. Students often find themselves living in areas with high unemployment, crime and anti-social behaviour.
- The accents. Like any country, the UK has lots of different accents, and even British people living in one part can find it difficult to understand someone from a different area. It's worth finding out how people from where you'll be studying tend to speak.
What can you do to help with the culture shock?
Whereas some people handle the move to a different country well, others can find it very stressful. Here are some of the things you can do to ensure you don't suffer too badly:
The UK is, in many ways, a very tolerant society. Unfortunately that doesn't mean that prejudices don't exist.
- Arrive early. This allows you some time to settle in before things get busy.
- Talk to a counsellor from your university or college.
- Keep in touch with home and people from your country.
- Eat healthily and find a shop that sells food from your country (or get people to send you food parcels). A reminder of home is always comforting.
- If you're religious, remember your faith.
- Remind yourself that culture shock is perfectly normal - and only temporary.
Once you manage to cope with your culture shock, be prepared to do some hard work. It's not easy studying, adapting with local culture and trying to still have a social life all at the same time.
Reverse culture shock
When you arrive home, don't be surprised if you find yourself going through 'reverse culture shock'. After all, you will have changed whilst you were away. Your family and friends may have changed too and may not share your new attitudes.
To reduce the effect of the reverse culture shock, start by keeping in touch with your friends and family while you are your adopted country, and follow through by keeping in touch with friends you made there when you get back. Most of all, give yourself time to readjust. After all, it's been an overwhelming journey, and you've come a long way from home!
Print this page Email this page to a friend Add to favourites
