Life in the UK

If this is your first time, you may wonder what it is like to live in the UK. This brief guide will help you get a quick grasp of climate, transportation, health care, and accommodation in the UK.

Climate

England has a colder climate compared to southern countries. Summer days are usually warm and sometimes rainy. Winter days are mostly cold and wet, but it doesn't snow that much. Towards the North of the country, temperatures get much lower; it can get very cold, and it snows more often.

Transportation

Britain is one of the most developed countries in the world for local and intercity transportation. The rail system connects most of the country. Intercity trains are fast and have modern facilities. For example, the journey time from London to Edinburgh is 4 hours; London to Manchester is 2 hours. Cheap return tickets can be purchased if booked in advance.  There are also intercity bus services available but not preferred as they are not as fast as the trains. Travelling in London is also very easy by Underground, Overground and bus services. Map of city transportation shows all city districts, covered by route lines. Some bus services are available to all city districts, 24 hours uninterrupted.

Accommodation

There are various accommodation alternatives for students in England. Families are renting out accommodations, such as dormitories, private rooms, and shared rooms. In a family rented accommodation, students stay in one of the rooms and can benefit from some parts of the house, according to the agreement. Dorm, room rent, shared room, bed and breakfast, half board, full board or self-catering are the possibilities. In the dormitories, students can stay in single or double rooms. Some rooms have bathroom and kitchen facilities. Sometimes students share a kitchen and bathroom. As an alternative, room rent in a house is quite common in England or a few friends together can rent a house. As it is usually furnished rented houses, students do not need to buy furniture.

Health

There is a free health care service in England, but only students that have a visa for more than 6 months can benefit from this service. Students must register with a health centre when they arrive, in order to receive their service number and health service. Students who have less than 6-month visas are recommended to get health insurance policies in place from their own countries before they come.