8 Common Mistakes UK International Students Make (And how to Fix Them)
Moving to the UK for studies is an amazing opportunity. Still, it comes with its fair share of challenges, especially for international students who are unfamiliar with the country.
This is why international students in the UK are prone to making costly mistakes that could affect their stay in the country and their ability to complete their studies successfully.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 8 common mistakes UK international students make, and how to avoid them. Whether you’re already in the UK or preparing for your big move, these insights will save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Key Takeaways
Some of the most common mistakes UK international students make are budgeting issues, ignoring visa and immigration rules, choosing the wrong accommodation, or even poor time management.
Avoiding these mistakes will ensure you have an excellent time during your studies in the UK.
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8 Common Mistakes UK International Students Make
Here are ten of the most common mistakes international students make in the UK, from visa mistakes to accommodation mistakes.
Poor Budgeting
Many international students underestimate the cost of living in the UK, especially in cities like London. Between rent, groceries, transport, and social activities, expenses can pile up quickly. Without a solid budget, it’s easy to run out of money before the end of the semester, especially when you haven’t accounted for accommodation, transport, food, and leisure expenses
How to Fix It:
Use budgeting apps like Monzo, Revolut, or YNAB to track expenses.
Set a monthly spending limit for essentials, entertainment, and savings.
Take advantage of student discounts on food, travel, and shopping.
If you’re allowed to work, find a part-time job that fits your schedule to earn extra income.
2. Ignoring Visa Regulations
Your student visa has specific rules regarding work, study, and travel. Many students make mistakes like working more than the allowed hours, failing to renew their visa on time, or traveling without checking re-entry requirements.
How to Fix It:
Understand your visa conditions and know how many hours you can work and if you need to register with local authorities.
Set reminders for visa renewal deadlines and start the renewal process early.
If traveling outside the UK, check visa re-entry requirements to avoid complications.
If unsure, always consult your university’s international student support team.
3. Not Registering with a GP (Doctor) and NHS Services
Healthcare in the UK operates differently from other countries. Many international students forget to register with a General Practitioner (GP) and assume they can just walk into a hospital when sick. This can lead to unnecessary delays in receiving medical attention.
How to Fix It:
Register with a local GP as soon as you arrive as lets you access free NHS services.
Always keep a copy of your NHS number for medical appointments.
Use NHS 111 for non-emergency medical advice instead of going straight to A&E.
Check if you need any vaccinations or health screenings required for international students.
4. Choosing the Wrong Accommodation
Many international students make the mistake of choosing accommodation based purely on price without considering location, safety, or facilities. Some end up in poor-quality housing, while others realize too late that their apartment is too far from campus.
How to Fix It:
Consider location carefully before committing, as living too far from campus may mean higher transport costs and longer commutes.
Choose reliable student accommodation providers to avoid scams and low-quality housing.
Think about security, access to supermarkets, and public transport links when selecting a place to live.
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5. Struggling with Culture Shock and Not Seeking Help
Adapting to a new culture can be overwhelming. Some international students feel lonely, miss home, or struggle to adjust to British customs and academic expectations. To fix this, try to get more involved in student societies and cultural events to meet new people. Also, connect with international student groups in your university.
6. Not Understanding British Social Norms
The UK has unique social customs, from queuing etiquette to British humor. Many international students find it confusing at first and worry about unintentionally offending people.
How to Fix It:
Observe and learn from locals. This includes small things like saying "please" and "thank you" all go a long way.
Get familiar with British humor, sarcasm, and politeness. It’s a key part of social interactions.
If unsure, ask! Most people appreciate curiosity about their culture.
7. Poor Time Management and Study Habits
University coursework in the UK is often self-directed, meaning students must manage their schedules well. Some struggle with balancing assignments, social life, and part-time work.
How to Fix It:
Use a planner or apps like Notion, Trello, or Google Calendar to organize deadlines.
Start assignments early to avoid last-minute stress.
Find a quiet study space and develop a consistent study routine.
If you are struggling, attend academic workshops or book tutoring sessions through your university.
8. Signing Rental Contracts Without Reading
Some students rush into signing rental agreements without understanding the terms and conditions, leading to unexpected costs, strict rules, or even housing scams. Some scammers pose as landlords and target international students, so it is important to stay vigilant.
How to Fix It:
Read the contract carefully. Check deposit policies, cancellation clauses, and responsibilities for repairs.
Ask for a written tenancy agreement and make sure it’s legally compliant.
If unsure, consult your university’s housing support services before signing.
FAQs
What is the problem faced by international students in the UK?
Accommodation issues, culture shock, homesickness, financial issues, language barriers, etc., are some of the issues international students face in the UK.
Which is the most common mistake students do in UK?
Not sticking to visa/immigration rules, whether it has to do with attendance or travel outside the UK, can lead to your visa being revoked by UKVI
How Student Luxe Helps
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