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Visiting the UK

Life in the UK may be very different to what you’re used to. Here are some key things to know. 

VisitBritain.com has further practical information on how to plan your trip.

British culture

Talking in a different language is tiring, and you may find regional accents difficult to understand. Never feel embarrassed about asking people to speak more slowly or to repeat what they have said. It’s ok to ask lots of questions - people are willing to help!

Freedom of speech and the right to express opinions is important in the UK and it is all right for you to disagree with others, particularly in classes.

Emergencies

Telephone 999 for emergency services (fire, police and ambulance).

Communicating in the UK

It is likely that your mobile phone won’t work in the UK unless you have enabled international roaming, which can be very expensive. We recommend you have a mobile phone during your time in the UK and there are cheaper ways to do this:

Option 1: Unlock your current phone

Unlocking your phone makes it work with any compatible SIM card on any network so that you can use a UK SIM card in your current phone. To check if you need to unlock your phone, try inserting a SIM from another network – if it’s locked, it should say on the screen.

How do I unlock my phone?

New phones can be unlocked by contacting your network, while many older handsets can be unlocked using codes generated for free on the web. If that doesn't work, you can do it for a fee through a high street phone unlocker.

Find out more about mobile unlocking.

Option 2: Buy a cheap phone in the UK

Currently, the UK network provider EE provides a cheap mobile phone at under £20. In your first week here we can take you to the EE phone shop in the centre of York and help you to buy one.

Use free wifi to connect

Using wifi, apps like Skype and WhatsApp allow you to to make voice calls and send text messages for free. Connect to Eduroam or CityConnect on campus and York city centre. See campus information for help in getting online.

Smoking and alcohol

Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings in the UK; this includes all cafes, bars, pubs, nightclubs and restaurants.

You must be 18 years or over in order to buy alcohol in the United Kingdom. You may be asked for identification (e.g. passport) to prove your age.

Alcoholic drinks
UK plug

Electrical items

The United Kingdom uses a voltage of 230V with a frequency of 60 Hz. Only use a British standard fused voltage adaptor with three rectangular blades, and never try to force another plug type into the socket.  

Budgeting

To help you budget, these are general prices of common items:

  • Lunch snack/sandwich £3-£4
  • Cafe lunch £6-£8
  • Restaurant evening meal £20-£45
  • Cappuccino £2.50-£3
  • Can of Coke £1
  • Pint of beer or glass of wine in a pub £3.50-£5
  • Single trip bus ticket £1.50 - £2.50