Culture shock
What is culture shock?
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Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines it as-”a sense of confusion and uncertainty sometimes with feelings of anxiety that may affect people exposed to an alien culture or environment without adequate preparation”.
It can be difficult making friends with people who have had a completely different upbringing, have different traditions, eat different food, like different music etc. Culture shock can affect anyone and in varying degrees.
Some things that may be different than what you are used to!
The Weather
The weather tends to be grey, cloudy and rainy for most of the year with a short summer. Additionally, the sun sets really early in the winters. This can have a negative impact on your mood..however, it does makes you appreciate the sun a whole lot more!
The Drinking Culture
Hanging out at pubs or spending a Friday night pre-gaming to visit clubs is quite the norm. That’s not to say everyone does it - you'll never be forced into doing anything and there's definitely people who aren't too big on drinking - it’s just a matter of finding them!
The Food
British food is known to be kind of heavy on calories, and may be more bland than you’re used to. It might be worth carrying some staples of your own cuisine to uni/ most bigger cities should have a department store that caters to your culinary requirements!
The Humour
The British have a classic, sarcastic, dead-pan sense of humour that tends to air on the side of self-deprecation that can take some getting used to.
The Politeness
In the UK, it’s expected to smile and greet people, even strangers, in public settings-shops, lifts etc. You get used to it with time and will find yourself naturally adapting! Additionally, they apologise profusely over anything and everything.
"You Alright?"
Translates to Hi or Hello to a person not from the UK. Please don’t launch into a tirade about your feelings-they don’t care.
Some of our Top Tips!
Attend all the orientation events held by your university! - At the beginning of university, everyone is in the same boat, no one knows each other and everyone’s looking to make friends! There usually are orientations specifically for international students-it may be easier to make friends with people who are likely facing the same struggles you are! ALthough it’s important not to isolate and not bother making local friends- which may cut you off from integrating with the larger student body.
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Have things that remind you of home - Many people bring familiar snacks, put up pictures of their friends in their rooms and have regular contact with their friends and family back home. It's important to strike a balance though- you don’t want to remain wistful and nostalgic about the past which keeps you from making your future.
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Be open-minded - A lot of things may be new to you but don’t let that isolate you! No one’s going to be nasty to you if you ask questions if you’re unsure about things.
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Engage with societies representing your culture! - Don’t overcompensate and completely abandon your roots either! Bigger universities might have a society dedicated to you country/culture that may help you make friends with similar values, cultures and ideas of fun!
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Don’t abandon the things that make you happy/that help you get through tough times - It’s important to recognise that loneliness/homesickness can hit the best of us at any time. Whether it be art, baking, music, your favourite TV show-use them in times of need to tide you through the rough times.
There’s no right or wrong way to cope with culture shock. Just do what works for you and what makes you happy and keeps you sane.