Going to study in the UK? Here are tips for adjusting – YP

If you are picky and prefer certain brands for your everyday essentials, you can search the websites of UK stores to see if they have what you need.

Boots and Superdrug are common drugstores in the UK. Before you leave Hong Kong, check their websites to see if they sell the items you want.

However, some products are harder to find in the UK. For example, there aren’t as many different types of sanitary pads in the UK as there are in Hong Kong, so I usually pack a few packs in my suitcase.

Skincare products are more expensive in the UK, so it’s a good idea to bring them with you from Hong Kong. Handheld fans and hand warmers are not common in the UK, and you may need them to cope with the summer heat and winter cold.

If you’re worried about homesickness, you can bring your favorite Hong Kong snacks with you. But first check out online Chinese supermarkets like Oriental Mart and WaNaHong to see what you can buy in the UK. Prices are higher, so be mindful of your budget when shopping.

Supermarket chains like Sainsbury’s or Tesco usually have a section where you can find a limited selection of Asian spices and snacks.

Ingredients for Asian food are available in grocery stores such as Tesco. Photo: AFP

Don’t pack too much

On the other hand, many people make the mistake of packing too many clothes. You will probably have to go shopping once you arrive, so try to pack only the essentials and your favorite pieces.

When temperatures drop in winter, radiators provide sufficient warmth indoors.

When you go outside, all you need is a warm down jacket with thinner layers underneath. Thermal underwear like Uniqlo’s Heattech is a lifesaver in the colder months.

Tips for living alone

Whether you go to boarding school or university, home life will be very different. When you live alone, the most important thing is to stay organized. You’ll need to manage everyday tasks like doing laundry and cooking meals, while also keeping up with your schoolwork.

Homework takes more time than you expect, so make sure you factor time into your schedule.

Even if you enjoy the occasional taste of home at a restaurant, eating out all the time isn’t affordable. You can learn how to cook your favorite dishes, but for busier days, you can stock up on microwave meals from the supermarket.

If you don’t already have these skills, it’s a good idea to learn them before you leave.

Even though you’re far away from your family, that doesn’t mean you have to be alone. You can call home to stay in touch with loved ones there. But also take time to organize activities with new friends and build your new community. Movie nights are a great way to come together, and even simple activities like grocery shopping can become a time of bonding.

While it’s fun to live with your friends, it can also bring a lot of stress. When you live in a boarding house or dorm, you’re constantly at school and it can feel like your world revolves around studying.

To maintain a healthy work-life balance, remember that there is a world outside of school. If possible, get off campus for a day—even a food trip can have a positive impact on your mental well-being.

If you live alone, you have to do other tasks in addition to homework, such as cooking and doing laundry. Photo: Shutterstock

Getting used to the culture shock

When many people move from Hong Kong to the UK, they experience culture shock due to the fast pace of life. They may find that there are fewer entertainment options in the UK and that public transport is not as convenient.

Give yourself plenty of time to get used to the new surroundings and find a routine that helps you feel calm.

Another tip for dealing with culture shock is to focus on the positive. Many people get frustrated with what they don’t like about another culture and end up not enjoying their time abroad. Instead, focus on what makes you happy and enjoy your time there.

It’s hard to avoid homesickness completely, so bring a few things that will make your new apartment more comfortable. You can also look for groups with people who have a similar cultural background to you. But also remember to expand your social circle and make friends with people from all backgrounds.

Moving abroad is all about new experiences. Don’t be afraid of new people or things outside your comfort zone. Instead, embrace the unknown and use it as an opportunity to grow.