Student Life in the UK: A Practical Guide from Bank Accounts to Winter Survival
After months of preparation, you’ve finally submitted your university applications. In the coming months, interviews will begin, and hopefully offers will follow — a season that feels both exciting and nerve-wracking. When that email notification appears on your phone, your heart genuinely skips a beat. After celebrating with family and friends, reality quickly sets in: visas, accommodation, flights, insurance.
Yet what truly unsettles most people isn’t the application process itself, but the rhythm of life after arrival. How do you open a bank account? Which mobile provider should you choose? How different are supermarkets? Why does everyone complain about the British winter? And how exactly are you supposed to respond to “You alright?”
These details may seem small, but they gradually shape your sense of stability — and even influence whether you might want to stay after graduation. What follows are practical notes on everyday matters that turn out to be far more important than they first appear.
1. Bank accounts: deal with it early and expect delays
In the UK, daily life revolves around having a functioning bank account. Rent, deposits, part-time wages, utilities, and phone contracts are commonly handled through Direct Debit. Without a bank account, many basic arrangements become unnecessarily complicated.
Traditional banks such as Barclays or HSBC are reliable and allow cash deposits, but opening an account usually requires a student status letter, proof of UK address (often your tenancy agreement), and sometimes an in-person appointment. During the start of term, waiting a couple of weeks is quite normal. This isn’t inefficiency — it reflects a system that values procedure and verification.
For that reason, many students begin with digital banks like Monzo or Revolut. Identity checks can be completed within days, and cards are delivered directly to your accommodation. The earlier you set up your account, the easier it becomes to manage living costs, especially since some bills are cheaper when paid by Direct Debit.
2. Mobile and internet: reliability over price
Arriving without stable internet can feel really stressful. Many students purchase an eSIM or travel SIM before departure, but without a UK number, setting up banking, contacting landlords, or arranging deliveries can be inconvenient.
Applying online in advance or visiting a store shortly after arrival is usually the best approach. giffgaff’s rolling monthly plan is popular among students for its flexibility. EE offers strong coverage but tends to be more expensive. Vodafone UK often provides student discounts, and Voxi includes unlimited social media usage in certain plans.
It’s worth remembering that many British buildings are older, with thick walls that weaken signal strength indoors. Reception on the Underground or in large shopping centres can also be inconsistent. Checking coverage in your accommodation area helps avoid frustration later. For students — especially those on one-year Master’s programmes — flexibility is generally more valuable than committing to a long contract simply to save a small amount.
3. Supermarkets and loyalty schemes
Dining out in the UK is usually reserved for celebrations or social occasions. Most people cook at home regularly to save money. Making thoughtful supermarket choices can significantly affect your overall spending.
Supermarkets broadly fall into three tiers:
- Aldi / Lidl: budget-friendly
- Tesco / Sainsbury’s/Morrisons/ASDA: mid-range, balanced choice
- Waitrose: more premium
Loyalty cards are almost essential. Many discounts apply only with membership pricing. Locals also know to check the evening “reduced” section, where fresh items are discounted near closing time. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but it’s a normal part of navigating life in a high-cost country.
4. Registering with a GP and the NHS
This is something many international students overlook. Under the UK healthcare system, minor illnesses are usually assessed by a General Practitioner (GP) before any specialist referral. Registering with a local NHS GP soon after arrival saves stress later.
In the UK, appointments are rarely immediate due to high demand. Pharmacies like Boots offer advice for minor issues so not every problem needs a doctor’s visit. For those on regular medication, bringing a sufficient supply from home can prevent complications.
5. Winter, daylight, and vitamin D
British winters require adjustment. Daylight hours shorten significantly, with sunrise around 9am and sunset as early as 4pm. Grey skies are common. Many residents supplement vitamin D during this period — not as a trend, but as a practical habit.
Short days can influence mood and energy levels, and even your immune system. A few small lifestyle habits help:
- Layer clothing to adapt to temperature changes
- Plan heating usage carefully and share costs with housemates
- Take advantage of clear days and natural light whenever possible
6. The subtle distance in British social culture
“You alright?” usually means “hello” rather than a genuine inquiry. A simple “Good, thanks. You?” is entirely sufficient.
Queuing is taken seriously, and cutting in line is considered rude.
The word “sorry” often functions as social lubrication rather than an actual apology.
Brits are generally friendly but maintain personal boundaries. The first term can feel quiet as friendships develop gradually. This is less about exclusion and more about cultural pacing. Give yourself time, and allow relationships to form naturally.
7. Maturity in ordinary moments
Studying in the UK is not only about earning a degree. It is often your first experience managing life independently — bills, insurance, transport cards, healthcare, budgeting, and countless small decisions.
At the beginning, it can feel overwhelming. A few months later, you may notice that you’ve quietly grown more capable and resilient. Receiving an offer is a clear milestone, but the real growth happens in the ordinary days that follow. Preparing carefully and understanding everyday realities can make the entire journey smoother — and far more meaningful.