10 Things You Must Do While Studying in the UK
The UK has so many interesting historical sites to visit and great activities to do; it can be hard to know where to even start. If you’re having that dilemma, begin by taking part in these ten can’t-miss activities.
- Visit London
If you’re not already studying in the UK’s capital city, visiting London should be at the top of your list of things to do. The vibrant city has something for everyone: world-class theater, fascinating museums, beautiful parks, cool markets. London is also renowned for its nightlife, and there are plenty of clubs throughout the city that offer student deals.
- Explore a Castle
Castles can be found everywhere in the UK, from the remotest parts of the countryside to the centre of major cities. While you’re studying in the UK, be sure to go to least one. You could go to one near your university, or you could go on a road trip and check out some of the most popular castles in the UK. No time studying in the UK is complete without a visit to one of its many royal palaces.
- Attend a Football Game
Football is one of the most popular sports in the UK, and fans are known for their enthusiasm and loyalty to their chosen team. Even if you’re not a sports fan, you’ll enjoy taking part in all the madness at a football stadium, especially if two teams with a heated rivalry are playing each other.
- Go on a Pub Crawl
Pubs are a quintessentially British thing, and over the centuries UK residents have perfected the art of the pub crawl. Grab your friends and head out for a night of drinking pints in classic wood paneled, dimly lit pubs. You can plan where you’re going beforehand, or you can just be spontaneous and see where the night takes you. Either way, you’re sure to finish the night with plenty of great stories to tell people back home.
- Hike Through the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are one of the most scenic places found in the UK. If you’re really ambitious, you could hike the West Highland Way, a 96 mile trail that goes from Milngavie to Fort William and takes hikers through some of the most beautiful vistas in Scotland. If you’re into mountain climbing, you could hike up to the top of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain the UK. Or, you could just go for a casual trek on one of the Highlands’ many short hiking trails.
While the British shore may not be too warm, it’s as picturesque as anything found in the Mediterranean. There are tons of places to check out, from the white cliffs in Cornwall and Dover to the craggy beaches of Scotland to the historic pier in Brighton. Any of these beaches are great for a day trip, or you could spend your summer hopping from beach to beach, checking out the best the UK has to offer.
- Visit a Museum
It may surprise you to hear that most museums in the UK are free, including famous museums like the British museum in London, the Scottish Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, and the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of museums, it’s worth checking out a free museum near your university to help you get a better sense of the history and culture of the UK.
- Go to the Edinburgh Festival
Every August, thousands of visitors head to Edinburgh for the annual festival. There are tons of events happening during the Edinburgh Festival, including the Book Festival, which draws in big-name authors, and the Fringe Festival, which puts on hundreds of plays by independent theater companies. The Edinburgh Festival is a must-see for any fan of the arts.
- Eat a Full English Breakfast
A full English breakfast consists of fried eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, hash browns, tomatoes, black and white pudding, toast, bacon, and sausage. This tasty meal is served in restaurants throughout England, and it offers enough food to fill you up all day.
- Take Part in a Quirky UK Event
Finally, round out your time in the UK by participating in one of the many quirky events that can only be found in Great Britain. You could try cheese rolling in the Cotswolds, bog snorkeling in Wales, pea shooting in Cambridgeshire, or partying with Vikings at Up Helly Aa in the Shetland Islands. Any of these events are sure to be an unforgettable addition to your time studying in the UK.