Before you arrive

United Kingdom consists of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. People from all around the world, of all cultures, beliefs and religions live here. The UK has a vibrant and cosmopolitan feel that will make you feel welcome. See educationuk.org to find out more about life in the UK.

The weather in the UK changes often, but it is not extremely hot or cold. It could rain and be sunny all in one single afternoon. It is a good idea to pack a coat to bring with you. During the summer, in some parts of the country temperatures may reach 20 degrees and in the winter they do not often drop below 0 degrees Celsius.

To help you settle in, we will organise fun events where you can meet your new teachers and classmates. You can also get involved with sports, societies and groups at LJMU, or go along to fun student events taking place on campus.

Learning a new language can take some time, so try not to worry if you don't know how to speak and write well in English at first. You can help others understand you more easily by speaking clearly and slowly, and repeating yourself when necessary. If you don’t understand someone, you can politely ask them to repeat what they have said. Over time you will become confident and comfortable with speaking, writing and reading in English. You may also start to understand different accents, slang words and phrases.

Liverpool has shops and supermarkets that sell international food, so you will be able to buy what you’re looking for. There are also many restaurants that serve food from around the world, so you’ll be able to find something to remind you of home.

Moving to a different country to study is exciting, but sometimes students also feel a little nervous as they prepare to leave their home. It is normal to feel this way, and we will do everything we can to help you settle in to living in Liverpool and the UK. The teachers and staff at the International Study Centre are always here for you if you need to speak to someone.