UofB International Welcome Guide: Coping with Culture Shock

As you prepare for the experience of studying in the UK, we would encourage you to come with an open mind: having preconceived ideas is likely to stifle your encounter with UK people and culture. There are, however, a few UK cultural norms that may be helpful for you to know:

• Punctuality is important—if a lecture of a meeting starts at 09.00 (9.00am), arrive by 08.55 (8.55am)
• It is common to see women in roles of authority and women expect to be treated with the same respect as their male counterparts
• Cleaners, technicians and porters are considered as employees rather than servants