International students in the UK

Imagine living in a new environment, so different and far away from home. Exhilarating? You bet. But when the excitement tones down, things that you found fascinating at first may now seem strange and a little frightening.

Culture shock

The truth is, all international students experience a degree of culture shock when they first come to the UK. Whereas some people handle it well, others can find it very stressful. Here are some of the things you can do to lighten up:

• 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 (if you meet any in the UK);
• Eat healthily and find a shop that sells food from your country - 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 life all at the same time.

Accommodation

Take the initiative to arrange accommodation as soon as you can, if possible before you arrive in the UK. Since the options are varied, it is good to make a list of your priorities beforehand. Listing preferences such as location, price and facilities will help you determine your choice.

Many universities and colleges own and run their own accommodation for their students, which can include halls of residence, houses (for small groups) and flats (for students who are married or have children).

Because of your status as an international student, in most cases you will be prioritised for a place in your university/college accommodation. Even if you would eventually prefer private accommodation, it's a good idea to start out in places like halls of residence, both for your convenience and your social life. The hall's management can give you information on health and emergency services, while the other students can tell you a thing or two about the local area. The company of your hall mates will also help you feel less homesick, especially during the first few months of your stay.

Health

The NHS provides free and subsidised treatment for people who live in the UK. As an international student, you may be entitled to NHS treatment if you are:

• Enrolled on a course lasting for six months or more;
• Enrolled on a full-time course in Scotland, no matter how long it lasts.

If your course is less than six months long, you may still be eligible for treatment under the NHS if you are from a country that has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. 

To receive any treatment through the NHS, firstly you have to be registered with a doctor (GP). You should register with a local GP as soon as you have a permanent address - don't wait until you are ill. A list of local GPs is available from public libraries, and the student services at your university/college should be able to help you further. If you live in halls, the management usually has arranged for the students to register with the nearest practice. Alternatively you can phone NHS Direct at 0845 4647.

Once you register and receive your NHS card, don't forget to take the card with you whenever you go to see your doctor or any other NHS health-care provider (e.g. a dentist or an optician).

If you are not entitled to NHS treatment you will have to pay the full cost of any treatment you receive in the UK. This can be expensive, so make sure you have medical insurance that covers you while you're living abroad.

Looking forward

After finishing the course, you've got the choice either to stay in the UK or go back to your home country.

If you wish to stay on to work, getting a work permit or visa can be difficult. Until now, it has not been easy for the majority of non-EEA graduate students to stay in the UK, unless you're doing training (for a professional or specialist qualification) or work experience before returning home. Check the Home Office for the latest news on UK policy.

If you choose to go back home, raise extra money by selling furniture and other stuff that you won't need to take with you. Find out from your airline what your baggage allowance is, and if you are faced with excess baggage charges, consider selling more things, or ship them back through a freight company as it's cheaper.

Also check whether you are entitled to claim back the VAT you paid for certain purchases like electrical goods. Bear in mind that the goods you want to claim VAT off must be bought no more than three months before your departure.

Finally

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 and 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 in the UK, and follow through by keeping in touch with friends you made in the UK when you come 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!