US Student Guide to the UK

Home to nearly seventy million people, the UK is considered an island country off mainland Europe’s northwestern coast. Four nations  comprise the region: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. 

• England population: Nearly 60 million people call England home. England boasts the largest population in the UK. 
• Wales population: There are slightly more than 3 million people in Wales. 
• Scotland population: About 5.5 million people reside in Scotland. 
• Northern Ireland population: Slightly fewer than 2 million people live in Northern Ireland. 

Most visitors to the UK don’t realize that the region’s physical geography varies –– although much of the UK is lowland terrain, there are also mountains and lake districts. England’s landscape alone, only one country in all of the UK, is simultaneously urban and city-like while also boasting countryside, remote rolling hills and valleys, and more. Adventuring throughout the UK is quite an exploration all on its own. 

This varied topography also means that the weather in the UK varies, too. There’s a common misconception that the UK is rainy year-round. In fact, the summers are relatively mild and hot, with temperatures averaging around 85 degrees Fahrenheit and winters dipping down into the low 30s. While the UK can be rainy, it’s sunny throughout the year and snowy in parts of Scotland, Northern England, and Wales in the winter.

This varied topography also means that the weather in the UK varies, too. There’s a common misconception that the UK is rainy year-round. In fact, the summers are relatively mild and hot, with temperatures averaging around 85 degrees Fahrenheit and winters dipping down into the low 30s. While the UK can be rainy, it’s sunny throughout the year and snowy in parts of Scotland, Northern England, and Wales in the winter. International students in the UK will get to experience all four seasons and all different kinds of weather distinctly.

Many major cities in the UK are popular among young students. The first is London, the renowned capital of the UK. Nearly 500 languages are spoken in this diverse city alone, and it is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and more. 

Other popular major cities include Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Nottingham, and Belfast. Thousands and thousands of young students live throughout the UK, particularly in these major cities, so you’ll have chances to meet many fellow students from all over the world when you attend university in the UK. (More on the UK’s incredible international diversity below.

The UK is considered a relatively safe place, ranked 45th among the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are low, and the region has a comprehensive police force. By comparison, the US is ranked 129th. 

Although the UK is safe for students, as with any place, students should take precautions, including being aware of pick pocketers, avoiding traveling alone at night, keeping belongings secure and on their person, and knowing the region’s emergency numbers: 999 or 112. That’s just smart street sense.

While English is the national language, of course (making it easy to immerse yourself from the first day!) the UK is made up of many rich cultures with a large international population, with nearly 17 per cent of residents in England and Wales born outside the UK. 

This past year, over six hundred thousand international students were studying in the UK, with most students coming from China, India, Nigeria, the US, Hong Kong, Italy, France, Pakistan, Romania, and Spain. Attending university in the UK means stepping foot on internationally diverse campuses and learning more about new cultures! 

Hear from UK university alumna, Raquel Villanueva, a graduate of the University of Westminster, about her experience in the UK: 

‘Studying at the University of Westminster was academically enriching and a transformative cultural experience. It was like opening the door to the world. My academic journey was not just about coursework; it was about the diverse experiences and the people I met along the way.’ 

Another great way to learn more about different cultures? The food! Check out just some of what the UK has to offer. 

The UK’s longstanding history signifies that the region is packed with fascinating museums, monuments, attractions, and more. To name just a few:

• The British Museum 
• Tower of London 
• Stonehenge
• Edinburgh Castle
• Westminster Abbey 
• Giant’s Causeway 
• Windsor Castle 

And that’s just scratching the surface!