British Culture 101: Fun Facts For International Students

As an international student living in the UK capital, you’ll have the chance to dive into a vibrant and exciting new culture while completing your studies. This exciting country is home to all sorts of cultural gems – there’s more to life in the city than drinking tea and eating fish and chips!

So, take advantage of the central location of your student housing: London life is waiting to be discovered. These fun facts should give you a head start.

Food

A lot of the time, British food has a bad reputation, and many believe it’s nothing more than fish and chips and takeaway shops. This is definitely not the case – if you’re looking to experience the best of traditional English cuisine, here are the must-try meals to add to your foodie bucket list.

Sunday Roast: No matter where you’re based in student housing, London can offer you some of the best roast dinners. Usually eaten on a Sunday with family and friends, this hearty meal is a celebration of all things British. People pile their plates high with roast meat (beef, chicken or pork), vegetables, roast potatoes and a generous serving of gravy. 

English Breakfast: This indulgent weekend treat is the perfect hangover cure – or can just be enjoyed after a study session in the library. Meals are made up of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, hash browns, black pudding and toast. All washed down with a great cup of tea.

Sports

Sport is a social affair here in the UK, and when there’s a big game on you’ll find the locals crowding in the pubs and singing their team anthem.

Football: This is by far the most popular sport in the country. The UK is home to some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City to name a few.

Cricket: This is a great sport to enjoy during the summer months. Grab a cool drink and sit out on the lawn with your friends as you watch the professionals, or join a club and try it for yourself.

Music

The UK music scene is world-renowned, being the birthplace of some of the biggest stars:

•   The Beatles

•   Adele

•   Amy Winehouse

•   Elton John

•   David Bowie

...and many more!

The capital is a hub of creativity and you're at the heart of it in your central student housing. Londonis without a doubt one of the most exciting places to be if you’re a music fan.

Royalty

You’ll be living close to royalty when staying in your student housing. London is full of regal buildings too, all making for great culture-fuelled day trips. Visit Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Kensington Palace… the list goes on!

As you can see, visiting the UK offers far more than a great education. There’s a rich culture to experience and London is the ultimate city to get the best of both.

Author Plate

Sophie Smith works as an independent consultant and offers advice to young people looking for London-based student housing. London has a wide range of options when it comes to student living, and Sophie’s helpful suggestions make deciding where to stay even easier. Her expert tips and tricks stem from her first-hand experience studying in the city and living on a budget, so she is more than qualified to support others doing the same.