It’s exciting to be accepted to a UK university. The prospect of exploring a new place and getting a world-class education are something all international students look forward to.

1. What to Expect When You First Arrive at a UK University
1

2. It’s exciting to be accepted to a UK
university. The prospect of exploring a new
place and getting a world-class education are
something all international students look
forward to. However, once you’ve gotten over
the initial excitement and sorted out your
accommodation and other factors, you may
start feeling nervous. You may not know what
to expect at university. While first arriving at
university will be exciting, it’s also going to be
stressful. In addition to adjusting to a new
environment, you’ll face many challenges.
Fortunately, knowing what to expect at
university is something that’s bound to help
with nervousness and feeling overwhelmed.
This guide will go over what to expect from
your first few weeks and how to make the
most of this exciting time.
2

3. What to Expect at University and How to Make the Most of It
No two university
experiences are the
same. Every
individual has a
different experience
at a UK university.
However, knowing
what to expect at
university beforehand
can drastically
improve your
experience and
prepare you for what
lies ahead. Here’s
what to expect from
your first few weeks.
3

4. Arriving in the UK
When you step off the plane, you’re starting a new and exciting
period in your life. Studying at a UK university can bring you
several opportunities.
So, what should you expect when you land? Whether or not
your journey was very long, you’re bound to feel disoriented and
overwhelmed. However, depending on your arrangements and
the UK university you’ve selected, you can expect to be
welcomed at the airport.
Many UK universities offer pick-up services from the airport to
ensure students know exactly where they need to go. Being in a
new country can be challenging in the beginning, but your UK
university will probably be there to help. You can also expect to
meet university representatives and other international students
at the airport. While this depends on the day you land the
arrangements you’ve made, it’s an excellent opportunity to meet
new people and get to know your new environment.
4

5. Paperwork and the
Enrolment Process
One of the most challenging and
stressful parts of your first week at a
UK university is taking care of the
paperwork. As a new student, you’ll
have to finish the enrolment process
and register as a student. When it
comes to what to expect at university
during your first week, a lot of it has
to do with administration. Make sure
to work out your timetable, fill out all
the necessary forms, register for the
classes you want, and get your
student card.
While this can quickly become
daunting, don’t be afraid to ask for
help. Whether it’s the student office,
the international office, or other
international students, you should
feel free to reach out for assistance.
5

6. Settling in and Becoming
Familiar with Everything
Your new surroundings can seem
impossibly difficult to familiarise
yourself with during your first week.
However, stay calm. Knowing what to
expect at university makes this
process easier. Once you’re shown to
your accommodations, you’ll likely
receive a tour of the facilities, so you
know where everything is.
Additionally, you can expect a
welcome pack from your UK
university outlining your
responsibilities, introducing the
university and city, and even
providing you with a campus map..
6

7. Freshers’ Week
7
What to expect at university soon after arrival includes one of the
most important events you’ll attend – Freshers’ or Orientation
Week. Freshers’ Week at a UK university is an incredibly exciting
one and serves to welcome all new students to the university and
the campus. Both academic and social events are held during this
week, and students are given the opportunity to explore societies
and organisations, meet other students, attend different fairs and
workshops, and much more.
Whether you’re more interested in academic or extracurricular
activities, Freshers’ Week gives you the chance to explore your
new surroundings and immerse yourself in university culture.
You’ll also probably get a tour of the campus and be able to
familiarise yourself with the different buildings and facilities.
If you want to make the most of your UK university experience
and take advantage of Freshers’ Week, we suggest signing up for
activities you’re interested in and not shying away from meeting
new people. Making friends during this first week will help you
feel more at home and give you a group to hang out with once
you start your classes.

8. First Week of Classes
Many students wonder what to expect at university in
terms of classes and lectures. The answer is you can
expect lectures and university work to be very different
from high school. While the first week of university is
exciting and focused on fun activities, it’s eventually time to
study. Your classes may be more advanced, or you may
come across classes you don’t like. During add/drop week,
you can replace these and opt for classes more suited to
your interests or career path.
If you want to excel at a UK university, it’s critical to take
your academic career seriously. Depending on your
courses, you can expect both lectures and tutorials. While
lectures are usually led by the teacher and don’t have a lot
of student input, tutorials are very interactive and allow you
to ask questions and partake in discussions. Whether it’s
discussing what you learnt during the lectures, clarifying
concepts, or expressing your opinions on the topic, don’t
be afraid of using your voice and making the most of this
opportunity.
8

9. Final Thoughts
University itself can be an
overwhelming transition. When
you add studying abroad and the
possibility of culture shock to the
mix, it can become even more
daunting and can leave you
feeling helpless. However,
knowing what to expect at
university and being prepared for
the challenges ahead can
empower you and make you feel
more comfortable as you
navigate these new waters and
begin a new adventure. We hope
this article on what to expect
during your first few weeks at a
UK university was enlightening
and helps you adjust to your new
environment
9

10. 10