London calling? Or Manchester? Maybe Bristol? No matter where you’re heading, these tips for studying abroad in England will make your experience smoother and more budget-friendly.
Take our advice and sign up for the ultimate English study abroad adventure.
With its student-centered education system and high-quality universities, England constantly ranks as one of the best countries to study abroad. Take your education to the next level, boost your resume, and see what the country has to offer. Whether you’re traveling abroad for the first time or you’re an experienced jet-setter, these studying abroad in England tips will help you make the most of your experience.
Here’s our advice for studying abroad in England:
15 best tips for studying abroad in England
1. You won’t have a language barrier, but this doesn’t mean that there won’t be any differences.
Especially if you’re fluent in English, you might expect the culture shock in England to be less intense. While it is true that you won’t have as much of a language barrier as you would in a non-English-speaking country, it’s still important to factor in cultural differences.
For example, the same words might have different meanings in British English and American English. Plus, in England, they use different types of plugs and drive on the left side of the road.
2. England and the United Kingdom are not the same.
England and the UK cannot be used interchangeably. England is one of the four countries that make up the UK, along with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. So while there are great universities in the whole UK, this article will focus only on study abroad tips in England.
3. Look outside London for a more budget-friendly experience.
England is an expensive country overall, but choosing a destination other than London will make a big difference in your budget. According to ECA International’s Cost of Living report, London is the fourth most expensive city in the world. Birmingham, another major city in England, ranks 115th on the same list. Smaller cities such as Sheffield, Norwich, and Exeter are also home to some great universities and offer a cheaper cost of living than big cities.
4. Familiarize yourself with the education system.
You’ll get used to different teaching methods when you study in England.
In England, there are different teaching methods. Most universities have lectures, where the university professor speaks to a large group of students, and seminars, where students work in smaller groups. Assessment methods also vary—you might have to sit an exam, complete a group project, or write an essay.
5. Register with the NHS.
If you spend most of your year at your university in England, you need to register for the National Health Service, also known as the NHS. This will ensure that you have access to emergency health care or can see a GP for an ongoing health condition. If you’re going to England only for a semester or for a summer program, there’s a good chance that your program provider will take care of this for you, so make sure to check.
6. Book your accommodation early.
First-year students often choose to stay at the halls of residence provided by the university. Located on campus, they are a hassle-free accommodation option that is often available for international students. Since they have limited spaces, booking early on would be crucial.
Other accommodation options, such as private residences and houses, might be easier to find later on. Still, you’ll need to allocate time to research and make the best decision. If your study abroad program doesn’t include accommodation, start looking as early as possible.
7. Prepare for the unpredictable British weather.
England is notoriously rainy. But when it’s sunny, it can get quite warm. In any season, you would need a rain jacket, layers, and sneakers. Make a packing list and put a good rain jacket at the top of that list!
8. Set up a bank account or get a travel card.
Using your local bank card might give you some hefty bank fees or possibly get your card blocked. International students doing their whole degree in England often opt for a student bank account. For exchange students and students studying on shorter programs, investing in travel credit cards, switching to more international bank plans, or bringing enough cash are good ideas.
9. Look for student discounts.
Get those student discounts and hop on a train to see more of England!
As a young student, you can benefit from many discounts in England. For example, if you buy a 16-25 Railcard for £30, you get one-third off train travel in the UK. If you often take the bus between different UK cities with National Express, the Young Persons Coachcard costs £15 and gives you one-third off as well.
Students also benefit from discounts in cinemas, theatres, and shops. With an ISIC card, you can use your discounts in many places in England and elsewhere in Europe.
10. Make the most of all the budget travel options.
Being in England means that there are many cheap ways to travel to other UK and European cities, be it by bus, by train, or by plane. Weekend in Paris? Yes, please! Festival in Barcelona? Let’s check flights!
Besides traveling, you can find many free activities in England. For example, The Natural History Museum and The Science Museum in London are both free.
11. Join societies.
Societies are university clubs that bring together students with shared interests. These could be sports, performing arts, hobbies, and anything else you can think of. Clubs like Chocolate Lovers Society or Harry Potter Society aren’t unheard of! By joining a society, you can meet like-minded people, enjoy fun events, and learn new skills.
12. Make use of public transport.
If you don’t live near your university, getting a public transport pass can be useful. For example, in London, the 18+ Student Oyster photocard helps students save money. Other cities also offer discounted tickets or bus passes for students.
13. Experience pub culture.
Get a pint of beer. Grab some fish and chips. Find a local pub that serves the traditional Sunday roast, a British classic.
Or check if your university is organizing a pub quiz. Going to the pub is a big part of English culture, and you will experience it firsthand.
14. Check out concerts, festivals, and cultural events.
From the famous Glastonbury Festival to the colorful Notting Hill Carnival, England has many fun festivals you can go to. The country also regularly hosts international artists in music and performance venues across the country. You’ll have the perfect opportunity to crown your study abroad experience with a festival or a world-class concert.
15. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If time is speeding by and you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to use the many support services available to you.
Finally, everybody talks about how great it is to study abroad. While it’s an amazing experience that will open many doors, it can also be overwhelming to be in a different country. Luckily, universities in England offer different support services to international students struggling with mental health issues, university courses, or orientation.
Sign up for a FREE MyGoAbroad account to save and compare programs side-by-side
Next steps to study abroad in England
- Decide how long you want to go: A year, a semester, or for the summer—how long would you like to study in England? Decide depending on your budget, career goals, and academic responsibilities.
- Browse the best study abroad programs in England: From psychology to medicine, creative writing to physics, English universities offer a wide range of study programs.
- Choose where to go: England has big, cosmopolitan cities as well as smaller student cities. Research the best cities in England and decide which one has the most suitable program for you.
- Plan your budget: To get an idea of how much your study abroad experience will cost, use travel resources that give information about scholarships, insurance, accommodation, and visa costs.
- Gather necessary documents and apply: Your university or program provider might require additional documents, such as a visa or passport copies, or a minimum GPA to consider your application.
Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and get matched with 5 study abroad programs in England
Studying abroad in England? These tips will help you know what to expect
These tips for studying abroad in England will help you make the most of your time abroad.
Our advice for studying abroad in England will get you ready for a life-changing experience. With interesting courses, friends from all over the world, and off-the-beaten-path university societies, student life in England can be pretty cool. Now it’s your turn to experience it!
Look for the Perfect Study Abroad Program Now
Start Your Search