Culture Shock
What is it?
'Culture shock' is the way in which people are affected when moving from familiar surroundings and their own culture to a new area where the culture is quite different. It is very normal to experience this as an international student coming to the UK to study, especially if it is for the first time.
How might it affect me?
You can be affected by culture shock in a number of ways. Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms and not everyone will realise that it is happening to them.
You might experience:
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Becoming upset easily or feeling emotional
- Feeling depressed
- Feeling angry or irritated
- Feeling anxious
- Feeling unable to concentrate
- Physical symptoms – headaches, stomach aches, trouble sleeping, tiredness
For further information about culture shock and how to help yourself please see the iCity page about Culture Shock (you should get access to iCity when you pre-enrol online).
Useful websites
UKCISA – the UK Council for International Student Affairs has a useful information leaflet on culture shock.
It also has information on reverse culture shock which can sometimes occur when you go back home after living in the UK.
Education UK also has information about British culture.
HOST is a voluntary organisation that brings together international students at universities and colleges in the UK with friendly British residents who welcome students to their homes for a short visit. Hosts give students an experience of the culture and way of life in Britain.
Go to New Students: First Few Weeks