Is it Worth Living in the UK in 2023?

The UK has been the preferred study destination for some of the most important minds in history. Did you know, one in four world leaders has studied in the UK? If you’re an international student considering studying here, that puts you in some incredibly impressive company!

What are the benefits of living in the UK in 2023?

World-renowned for its schooling, home to some of the best universities in the world, and famous for its incredible student experience, the UK is a natural choice for many international students. 

Whether you want to study at a cutting-edge specialist college in a bustling city, or at a prestigious university surrounded by lush forest, there’s something for everyone. 

There’s so much to consider before starting your life in the UK - from visas and the cost of living, food and accommodation, to scholarships and options for after you graduate.

While they all share a currency - the pound sterling - and an official language - English - the UK is actually made up of four distinct countries – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - each with their own capital cities, traditions, cultures, landscapes, histories and places to explore. 

However, wherever you are in the UK, you will experience the same, high quality of living. Here’s what you can expect from life in the UK. 

The UK is a highly multicultural country and generally respectful of all beliefs and cultures. You will see this multiculturalism reflected in everything from the food you can buy, to places of worship, art and music, and the architecture around you. Discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability is against the law, so you can feel safe and welcome as your authentic self. 

Home to icons like Harry Potter and Shakespeare, Edinburgh Castle and Snowdonia, the Giant’s Causeway and the red telephone box, you’ll recognise so much of the UK from pop culture, your lessons at school, and world news. 

Make sure to immerse yourself in the UK lifestyle, as this will help you adapt to your new home quickly. Attend sporting matches - particularly cricket, soccer and rugby - enjoy live music at festivals, get tickets to the theatre, hike through nature and enjoy fish and chips by the seaside with your friends - all easy ways to embrace UK culture. 

Back to food, you’ll be happy at how easy it is to find international food. Spices, produce and snacks from your home country will all be readily available, and international restaurants are incredibly popular. Whether you’re searching for an authentic Indian curry, Chinese yum cha, or Vietnamese bahn mi, or want to sample a classic English roast dinner on a Sunday, traditional haggis, or afternoon tea with a scone, you’ll find something to love in the UK’s food scene.

When it comes to the climate, the UK experiences four distinct seasons, and the weather is very rarely extreme. 

Summer runs from June to August, during which time you can expect sunshine and warmth. Temperatures in the UK are generally moderate, but heat waves do happen sometimes, which can see temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees celsius. The leaves turn beautiful shades of gold and red in the Autumn, which goes from September to November. You’ll want a thick winter coat for Winter – December to February - as you’ll experience quite a bit of rain, but may be treated to snow! In Spring, nature comes to life and the days in March through May tend to be warm and pleasant. 

Travel around the UK is extremely easy, with every location well connected. Trains are often the best option for exploring the country, as they’re faster than buses, relatively affordable if you book in advance, and can offer some incredible views of the countryside. Alternatively, you can catch buses, trams, drive, use the famous London Underground (also known as ‘The Tube’) in London, or fly to your destination. With busy international airports located around the country, it’s easy to get to the UK from anywhere in the world. 

Where can I learn more about studying in the UK?

There are a range of resources out there to help you learn more about studying in the UK as an international student, but it’s important to know which resources you can trust and will provide you with reliable information.

Remember that you can always reach out to your chosen college or university for assistance or support - they’ll have teams dedicated to helping international students. 

The gov.uk website is your go-to for all information about visas. The British Council will likely have a website specifically for your home country, so it’s easy to find information about studying in the UK relevant to you. The UK Council for International Student Affairs provides advice for international students, covering topics such as immigration, fees and wellbeing. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is perfect for when you’re searching for courses, and will also be the service you use when applying for your chosen course.