What it’s really like to live as a student in the UK
Jonathan, Cardiff University student ambassador
Why student life in the UK is different from what many expect
Before I decided to study abroad, I had a very different picture of what student life in the UK would be like. I imagined a busy city, lots of independence, and a completely new lifestyle – but I also had worries based on stereotypes. In reality, student life in the UK for international students is far more welcoming and friendly than I expected.
One of the biggest surprises was how kind people are. Whether I was lost, confused, or unsure about something, people were always willing to help. That made my first few weeks in Cardiff much easier, especially because it was my first time living away from my parents. I didn’t know anyone here, but having my brother studying in Swansea (just an hour away) gave me some comfort.
Living independently came with responsibilities: buying groceries, keeping my space clean, figuring out public transport, and learning to ask for help when I needed it. I also quickly realised how diverse the UK is. You meet people from all over the world, each with their own culture, stories, and experiences. Balancing studies, social life, and everyday tasks was an adjustment, but it’s something you grow into.
Overall, international student life in the UK is full of surprises – mostly good ones!
Finding student accommodation in the UK
Accommodation is one of the first big decisions you make. When I arrived, I lived in Eclipse Student Accommodation, a private student residence. I had my own bathroom and shower, but shared a kitchen with one other person. Later, during my Cardiff University years, I moved into shared student houses, and honestly, I’m glad I had shared a kitchen with another person as that helped me learn how to live with other people and adjust to cohabitation in my following years.
When I first moved to Cardiff, I didn’t have many choices at first because I applied late, so I picked Eclipse simply because it was available and close to where my classes were. In hindsight, I wish I had known where all my lessons were going to be. As a Foundation Year student, my classes were unexpectedly far away, so I ended up taking buses more often than I expected.
Move‑in day was a mix of nerves and excitement, but it didn’t take long for my accommodation to feel like home. My favourite thing about living there was the fast internet and how close it was to the city centre. Cardiff is incredibly walkable, which makes daily life much easier.
Cost of living in the UK for international students
The cost of living in the UK for international students can feel high at first, especially if you compare it to your home country. Eating out regularly is pricey, so I quickly learned that cooking at home saves a lot of money. Rent, food shopping, public transport, and social activities add up, so budgeting realistically is important.
One thing that helped me was finding student discounts and learning where to shop for cheaper groceries. Cardiff is great for this – there are plenty of affordable supermarkets and lots of student deals around the city. The Student Beans app is one I use regularly – mostly for transport; cheaper coach tickets, and cafés; cheaper drinks from coffee shops.
I definitely made budgeting mistakes early on, but you learn fast. For me, that was learning to record my expenses on my laptop which helped me visualise my spending and clearly track where my money goes.
My best tip is to track your spending for the first few months then you would understand roughly how much your average should be aside from the occasional extra for an event or membership fee!
What a typical day looks like for a student in the UK
A typical weekday for me usually starts with lectures or classes, followed by independent study either at home or in the library. After classes, I often meet friends, go for a walk, or explore the city. Cardiff has so many nice spots to relax – parks, cafés, and riverside paths.
I also joined clubs and societies, which became a big part of my routine. One of my favourite experiences was joining the Ultimate Frisbee club. I started during my foundation year because I knew someone running a training session. I ended up loving it and continued throughout my first year. Even though I stepped away in later years due to my workload, it taught me that it’s okay to try something new and also okay to stop if it no longer fits your life.
Weekends are usually more relaxed: cooking, cleaning, studying, or meeting friends. Sundays are special because I go to church, and that community became one of the things that made Cardiff feel like home.
My daily habits definitely changed after moving to the UK, especially becoming more independent and organised.
Working part-time while studying in the UK
Part-time work can be a helpful part of student life. Many students work to earn extra side money. Your employability would also benefit from these jobs. Balancing work and studies takes good time management, but it’s doable if you plan ahead.
If you decide to work, look for jobs that fit your schedule and don’t overwhelm your academic commitments. Even a few hours a week can make a difference financially and personally.
Challenges international students commonly face
Every international student faces challenges and that’s completely normal.
For me, the biggest ones were:
- Missing food from home – this has now become a blessing in disguise because I have learnt to cook quite a few dishes from home and the repertoire is only growing!
- Not understanding local slang –this sometimes made me feel left out. What helped was simply being brave enough to ask, “What does that mean?”
- Finding friends – you don’t need to attend every event. Instead, join sports clubs or societies based on your interests. Having a shared passion makes connecting with people much easier.
- Trying new things – and learning that it’s okay to stop if it doesn’t work out.
Homesickness, academic differences, and adapting to the weather are also common challenges, but they get easier with time. Asking for help and building a support network makes a huge difference. Do feel free to drop a message to me or any other ambassadors and we’d love to assist you!
Tips for international students moving to the UK
Here are the things that helped me most:
- Find communities around you - for me, it was the Malaysian Society, a local church, and even gaming groups (like VALORANT Discord servers).
- Prepare yourself mentally - living independently means cooking, cleaning, waking up on time, and managing your own life.
- Be open to new experiences - try societies, sports, and events. You’ll might just pick up a new hobby.
- Ask for help - people in the UK are friendly and willing to assist.
- Explore your city - Cardiff is incredibly walkable and full of hidden gems. A stroll around the famous Arcades are always nice and relaxing for me.
- Build a support network - friends, societies, and communities make everything easier.
My top tips for Cardiff students
If you’re coming to Cardiff, apply for the Young Persons My Travel Pass. It gives you cheaper bus tickets, which is incredibly useful - even if you plan to walk most of the time. Cardiff is very walkable, but having the pass saves money when you need it.
My single best piece of advice: Don’t be afraid to try - and don’t be afraid to stop. You grow the most when you give yourself permission to explore.
FAQs
Is the UK expensive for international students?
It can be, especially if you eat out often. But cooking at home, using student discounts, and budgeting early make it manageable.
How much does it cost to live in the UK as a student?
It depends on your lifestyle, but rent, food, transport, and social activities are the main expenses. Cardiff is generally more affordable than many UK cities. I am more than happy to give you a breakdown on my personal expenses – just drop me a message and we can chat about it!
Can international students work while studying in the UK?
Yes - most students can work part-time depending on their visa conditions. It’s a great way to gain experience and earn extra income.