Things To Prepare Before Studying Your Masters In The UK
If you’re planning to study your masters in the UK, you’ve made a great choice! The UK is only second behind the USA with the best universities and most popular destinations worldwide. The UK offers everything from vibrant events to beautiful vistas – you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
However, living in the UK can be weirdly amusing, exciting and engaging. The UK is a varied island filled with quirky stories, intriguing history and cultural traditions. Below are some points to prepare and look forward to ahead of your journey to the British Isles for your masters degree1.
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Sports
British people are passionate about sports. Whether it’s rugby, football, tennis, or cricket, you’ll hear people talking about sports daily. Sports can unite or divide the country, with fierce rivalries and tense competitions.
No matter what sport you follow, you’re sure to find fellow fans in the UK, even if you support a different team or player.
Accents
The United Kingdom is a small country, but it is home to a wide variety of accents. Some accents are so strong that even native Brits have a hard time understanding them. This is because the UK has a long and complex history, and the different accents reflect the different cultures and regions of the country.
If you are visiting the UK, it is important to be prepared for the different accents. You may find it helpful to have a dictionary or translator with you. You may also want to be patient and understanding when trying to communicate with people with strong accents.
With a little patience and effort, you will be able to understand and enjoy the different accents of the UK. You may even pick up a new accent of your own!
Weather
British people are known for talking about the weather, and for good reason. The weather in the UK is notoriously unpredictable, and it can change in an instant. You can experience rain, wind, sunshine, and snow all in a single day.
It’s not uncommon for the weather to be cold, and then suddenly warm up enough for people to go out in shorts and set up a barbecue.
The best way to prepare for the unpredictable weather in the UK is to pack for all eventualities. Bring a strong umbrella, a coat, some jumpers, and shorts or dresses for the summer.
Food
British cuisine is not a one-size-fits-all. Each region has its unique dishes, and there is no definitive answer to the question of what is the ultimate British meal.
Some popular British dishes include fish and chips, tikka masala, cottage pie, Yorkshire pudding, and trifle. But there are many other regional specialities to explore, such as haggis in Scotland, pasties in Cornwall, and black pudding in Northern Ireland.
So when you’re travelling in the UK, be sure to try some of the local cuisines. You might just find your new favourite dish!
History
The UK has a rich and diverse history, which can be learned about through history, museums, national galleries, monuments, castles, statues, and many more landmarks which are mostly open to the public.
History museums, such as the British Museum, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Imperial War Museum, have exhibits on a wide range of topics, from the Roman occupation of Britain to the Industrial Revolution.
National galleries, such as the National Gallery in London and the Tate Modern, have collections of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from around the world.
Monuments, such as Stonehenge, the Tower of London, and Edinburgh Castle, offer a glimpse into the past and can help you to understand the history of the UK.
Castles, which were built for defence or as royal residences, can be found in all parts of the UK and offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Statues of famous people, such as Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, and David Bowie, can be found in public squares, parks, and other places.
The British Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK. It has a collection of over 8 million objects, which span over 2 million years of world civilization. The museum’s collection includes objects from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China. It also has a collection of objects from the British Empire, including artefacts from India, Africa, and the Americas.
By visiting these places and learning about the history of the UK, you can gain a better understanding of this fascinating country.
Culture
The United Kingdom is a multicultural society, with a wide variety of cultures and traditions. This can be a source of culture shock for some people, as they may be used to a more homogeneous culture.
One of the most noticeable aspects of the UK’s multicultural society is the diversity of accents. In London, for example, you can hear people speaking with a variety of accents, including Cockney, Received Pronunciation, and West Indian. This diversity of accents can be a challenge for people who are not used to it, as it can be difficult to understand people who speak with a different accent.
Another aspect of the UK’s multicultural society is the diversity of cultures. In London, you can find areas that are predominantly Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, or Caribbean. These areas are often home to grocery stores, restaurants, shops, and religious buildings that cater to the specific culture.
The UK’s multicultural society can be a source of both challenge and excitement. It can be challenging to adjust to a new culture, but it can also be an opportunity to learn about new cultures and meet new people.
Phrases/Terms
British people often use phrases and terms that can be misunderstood by people from other countries. For example, the phrase “not bad” can mean several things, such as good, very good, terrible, normal, or just plain not bad at all. Similarly, the phrase “in a second/minute” can mean immediately, in a while, soon, or whenever you have time.
The meaning of these phrases can vary depending on the person and the context in which they are used. However, there are some common terms that you may come across in Britain that have a specific meaning. For example:
- Cuppa – a shortened version of a cup of tea. You may hear the expression “Fancy a cuppa?”
- Bloody – used to emphasise (good and bad) a comment or word. For example, “That’s bloody awesome” (good), or in place of a swear word “Oh bloody hell” (bad).
- All right? – This is commonly used as a greeting and doesn’t always require a response. If you do, keep it simple like “yes/no, and you”
- Dodgy – To describe something suspicious or questionable. For example, “That person looks really dodgy.”
- Pint – A pint is said when someone wants to order beer in a pub or other establishments. Pint is also used as a measurement on milk cartons.
Masters in the UK
Whether or not you choose to do your masters in the UK, we hope this short guide can help you kick-start your life here.
- Newcastle University. How to prepare for a masters after a break from university. https://belong.ncl.ac.uk/blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-masters-postgrad-tips-mature-students ↩︎
https://belong.ncl.ac.uk/blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-masters-postgrad-tips-mature-students