5 things you may not know about studying in the UK

If you're getting ready to jet off to study in the UK, here are some little-known quirks about life and schooling in England you need to consider to prepare yourself.

Is gray your neighbor's favorite color, or is grey your neighbour's favourite colour?

English being the main language in the UK is a no-brainer.You’re probably thinking you’re the dog’s bollocks at the language. But if all of your knowledge comes from the classroom, read my lips: FORGET ABOUT IT. YOU ARE NOT THE DOG’S BOLLOCKS.

As a foreigner, especially if you are a non-English speaker, sometimes you’ll find it difficult to digest the local dialects.

Mind you, there are tons of dialects in the UK which vary from town to town, and some of them can be hard to understand, even for English speakers. Go native and fit in with the locals often, watch the whole series of Harry Potter over and over again, or American movies are fine - just make sure there’re Hugh Grant in them.

You never know one day you will put it to use!

Buying upon arrival is easier than packing

Buying upon arrival sometimes requires extra funds, but it will save you the headache of trying to pack everything and dragging it halfway across the world. – August 5, 2015.Buying upon arrival sometimes requires extra funds, but it will save you the headache of trying to pack everything and dragging it halfway across the world. – August 5, 2015.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting to take along every single belonging to UK, but come on - there are certain items that should never make it into your suitcase. Chances are you’ll want to buy new things in your host country anyway.

Unless you’re truly moving to the middle of nowhere, you’ll be able to find the items you need for daily life around you.

Buying upon arrival sometimes requires extra funds, but it will save you the headache of trying to pack everything and dragging it halfway across the world.

Don’t worry too much about accommodation

While the pre-departure support and advice you receive from the study abroad office was second to none, you realise there are just some things that briefings, orientation session and information booklets couldn’t have prepared you for.

So here’s one important note before you plunge into an awesome year in UK: accommodation is provided if you asked for it!

But of course, do not assume that you will be given housing automatically, even though you (as an international student) will be given priority over other local students.

A good rule of thumb - start looking once you have been accepted and arrange accommodation with your university right away! Otherwise, opt for a flatshare, which is sometimes cheaper and way more fun.

Try not to slack off!

Two of the world's three top universities are British (just in case you were wondering which ones, they are University of Cambridge and University of Oxford), according to The Times Higher Education 2015.

In UK universities, you'll be relieved to realise there aren't many assignments, pop quizzes and large reading assignment throughout semester.

But, just because you won’t be swamped in homework doesn’t mean you should be slacking off.

Take advantage of the world-class education in all its forms, and you'll be sure to come back with richer experiences!

You can still travel on the cheap

The average cost of living in the UK is almost RM40,000 a year, and you can expect to pay a lot more if you stay in London. – August 5, 2015. The average cost of living in the UK is almost RM40,000 a year, and you can expect to pay a lot more if you stay in London. – August 5, 2015.

Do you know it’s really easy and convenient to travel around UK and its nearby countries? The UK has a pretty good rail system and cheap flights. As a student, you can flash your NUS card (national union of students card) and get lots of discounts!

You will be able to visit another country every long weekend or holiday break! But here's some sobering news – the average cost of living in the UK is almost RM40,000 a year, and you can expect to pay a lot more if you stay in London.

So be mindful of all the extra expenses on food and transport when you decide to go for a long weekend away. – August 5, 2015.

Go through the most affordable & cheapest countries to study abroad for Indian students.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/features/article/5-things-you-may-not-know-about-studying-in-the-uk