There may be aspects of life in the UK that are unfamiliar to you. The following information may help you to settle in more quickly, and make you feel comfortable with your new surroundings.
Please remember that everybody is different, and any generalisations should be treated as such.
Making friends
British people are considered to be more reserved than people from other countries, and it may take some time to get to know others. However, you will find that people are generally polite and friendly, and socialising with your housemates and friends from your course will help you to settle in quickly.
If you are invited to someone's home, try to arrive on time - but don't get there too early, as they may still be preparing for your arrival. You are not obliged to take a gift, but it can be a nice gesture to take a bottle of wine, a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates.
It is worth noting that if you stand or sit too close to a person in this country, they may move away from you until they feel comfortable about the distance between you. This personal space varies from one culture to another, and is not a rejection but an indication of different customs. You should respect the privacy of those who you share accommodation with, and only enter their bedrooms when invited.
Queueing
It is customary in the UK for people to queue and wait their turn, for example at a bus stop, waiting for a taxi, in a shop, at the supermarket check-out, going into a nightclub, or buying tickets for the cinema or theatre. You are expected to wait in the queue and, if you move to the front before your turn, people may become angry with you as it can be considered to be quite rude.
Pubs and alcohol
The pub is a traditional place for socialising in the UK, and most pubs serve alcohol, soft drinks (fruit juices, water), tea, coffee and often food. You usually pay for your drinks when you order them, at the bar. There is no obligation to drink alcohol, so if your culture does not permit it, you are still able to order non-alcoholic drinks and should not feel uncomfortable in doing so. You are not allowed to drink or buy alcohol if you are less than 18 years of age.