What should I expect when living in the UK?

Living in the UK may feel exciting, unfamiliar and a little surprising at first. Give yourself time to settle in. Most students need a few weeks to find their rhythm, and that’s completely normal.

A few things to know

• Weather changes quickly: it can be sunny, windy and rainy in the same day, so a waterproof jacket or umbrella is always useful.
• Queuing matters: people usually wait in line for buses, shops and services. It’s a small thing, but it’s noticed.
• Polite communication is common: British people often use indirect phrases like “could you possibly…” or “would you mind…”. It usually means they are trying to be considerate.
• Tipping is optional: some restaurants add a service charge. If not, tipping around 10% is common for good service, but it is not required.
• Sunday hours can be shorter: larger shops often close earlier on Sundays, so plan ahead for groceries.

The legal drinking age in the UK is 18, and you may be asked for photo ID when buying alcohol or entering some venues.

If you’re unsure how something works, ask your Scape team, university support team or another resident. You’ll get the hang of it quicker than you think.