Back-to-school season is upon us. It’s time to buy school supplies, consult course schedules and, for Americans studying abroad, time to make sure you have a passport, the visa you need and plane tickets at the ready. It can be one more layer of stress to an already hectic season – and I know, because I’ve been there myself.
I did my bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan, but studied abroad at the University of Oxford for a summer. I later completed my MA and PhD at University College London, so I’ve been around the block when it comes to higher education in the United Kingdom. While studying in Britain is bound to be a new experience, there are some key differences from studying in the United States which, if properly accounted for, can make your transition a lot smoother.
A “major” difference for undergrads
If you’re going from the US to the UK for undergraduate studies, whether for a study abroad program or your whole degree, there’s a critical difference in what to expect. While colleges in the US have general education requirements, and then a major decided by the student, things are a little different in the UK.
Rather than declaring a major upon arriving and having taken introductory classes, undergrads in the UK know what their degree will be before even arriving on campus. That’s because, rather than applying only to a school, British students finishing their secondary education will apply to a degree program in a specific topic – such as law, history or physics – and classes in this subject will make up the vast majority of their degree program.
Avoid extracurricular confusion
All work and no play can burn a student out, so extracurriculars can be a crucial stress-busting technique.
However, if you’re interested in participating in campus sporting events, you may be in for a surprise. Generally speaking, British universities don’t participate in inter-school sports rivalries, with a few notable exceptions (the annual boat race between Oxford and Cambridge in particular). This means that athletic students are far more likely to participate in more casual, recreational leagues, local county leagues, or intramural sports.
Even if you’re not specially interested in sports, your British university will typically offer a variety of student-run clubs and organizations you can sign up for, such as drama societies and dance classes. These can be great, low-pressure ways to try new activities and make friends, and can sometimes provide an opportunity to try an activity most Americans aren’t exposed to, like polo or ceilidh dancing (traditional Scottish group dance).
Living arrangements
You’ll need a place to sleep while you’re studying, of course, and that can present a challenge, especially if you’re expecting American-style on campus housing. While many British universities do offer some on-campus housing, particularly at Oxford and Cambridge – famous for their “college” system – it’s generally expected that the majority of students at British universities live off-campus for the vast majority of their studies.
That said, housing expectations not only varies from school to school, but are also based on the individual student’s circumstances. Many UK universities offer “housing guarantees” for first-year international students, including both undergraduates and postgraduates, which mean that they will place you in a student hall for your first year of study. Students should apply for “student halls” well in advance. This can be worth taking advantage of, both as a way of making friends when you first arrive, and to save yourself the stress of finding an apartment or shared house before arriving on campus — which, while doable, can involve a lot of false starts and frustrating virtual tours via Zoom or other video platforms.
Making the grade
Finally, this is school after all, and you’ll want to get the best grades you can manage. While generally speaking, the advice for keeping your grades up can translate well between the US and the UK (go to class, read the materials, start studying for your exams well in advance, and ask your professors for help if you need it), you should be aware that your grades will be calculated in what’s likely a different way than you’re used to.
While many American universities have undergraduates graded on a variety of things, including pop quizzes, smaller projects, and even attendance, as well as midterms and finals, things in the UK work a bit differently.
Whether you’re an undergraduate or pursuing your master’s, you’ll generally be graded exclusively on exams and a very small number of papers.
While this does raise the stakes for any given grade opportunity, remember that it also means you can’t be caught unaware. If you’ve had a rough week early in the term, there’s time to get back on track.
Before you go …
While these tips are important to bear in mind, it’s inevitable that once you arrive, there will be surprises in store. It’s important to remember that no one expects you to know everything right away, and there’s no shame in asking for help. With that in mind, good luck in your program, and congratulations on starting your British adventure!
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Read more in Dispatches’ archives here about studying in Europe.
Ellery Weil
Dr. Ellery Weil is a writer and historian based in London. She was born in Washington, DC, raised in Maryland, and attended undergrad in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before moving to the UK to attend grad school at University College London, where she earned her PhD in History. She lives in London with her husband, where you can find her writing, reading, petting dogs in Regent's Park, and exploring the city's antique markets.
