Designed By Life in the UK
Coming to SWYM and studying in the UK is likely to be one of the most exciting adventures of your life, so be prepared! You may find the experience of coming to live in a different country difficult at first. Don't be surprised if, after the initial excitement of arriving in the UK wears off, you find it strange or begin to miss home. You won’t be alone. We will talk more about this at the international induction.
The lifestyle of the South West of England is perfect for relaxing: you can head for the beach, go to a country pub or take in the fresh air and sunshine in beauty spots on the moors. And it’s also a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a bit more of an adrenaline rush. The wild scenery of Dartmoor, Exmoor or Bodmin Moor and the amazing coastal footpaths provide an exciting challenge for hikers, climbers, horse riders, cyclists and other sports people; while the coast and rivers are perfect for sailors, swimmers, water-skiers, windsurfers, kite-surfers and sunbathers! Surfers can find some of the best surf in the country on the north Devon and Cornwall coasts and international surfing competitions are often held in Cornwall. In contrast, the gentler landscapes of rolling hills, rivers and attractive market towns and villages throughout the South West are perfect for exploring in a leisurely fashion.
The South West is one of Europe’s top holiday destinations – as a student here you’ll be able to enjoy all the region has to offer all year round. The Weather in the UK is not amazing! The British talk about the weather a lot because it constantly changes. Be prepared for light to heavy showers, warm sun and light snow at some point throughout the year. You will need some warm jumpers and a thick coat and a rain coat!
The food you can buy in the UK reflects the many ethnic influences in British society. Most supermarkets sell ingredients from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, as well as food from many other parts of the world. The British are increasingly healthy eaters and there is a very wide range of organic produce available in shops and supermarkets. You’ll still find the famous English breakfast and Fish and Chips, but you’ll also see a very diverse range of meals and menus while you’re in the UK. Families in the UK often eat a traditional “Sunday roast” on Sundays, but those same families are likely to enjoy new types of meals, anything from Italian pizza to Singapore Noodles.
The British tend to eat three meals a day: breakfast, lunch (this is often quite a small meal) and then an evening meal (often called dinner or supper). Tea is still the traditional British hot drink and is usually taken with milk several times a day.
As in most other European countries, it is acceptable in the UK to drink alcohol in moderate amounts, and pubs and wine bars form an established part of British social life. All pubs and bars sell non-alcoholic drinks too. People also meet to drink tea and coffee, and you’ll find a vast range of different coffee shops in every UK town or city.
For current information check out the following web site: www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather
Please visit the following website to find out more about living in the South West of the UK: www.visitsouthwest.co.uk