Living in the UK
Learn more about daily life and culture in the UK, including holidays, religion, driving and healthcare.
British culture
You can learn about British culture, from currency and language to acceptable manners, by reading the guidance provided by the British Council.
Religion and faith
You are free to follow any religion and faith in the UK.
The largest faith community is Christian, followed by Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism. There are also many people who are non-religious, secular, atheist, agnostic and humanist.
The University of Bath Chaplaincy can provide a list of local religious groups and places of worship in Bath.
The Students' Union also has a range of faith societies.
Public holidays
There are several public holidays a year in Britain, known as bank holidays.
Driving
In the UK, people drive on the left-hand side of the road. Check to see if you can use your licence to drive in the UK.
If you intend to drive in the UK there are other requirements to be aware of including vehicle tax, MOT certification and insurance. For more information, visit the UK Government's Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency website.
Healthcare
Read our guidance on how to get healthcare if you are an international student, including what costs you may have to pay.
Food shopping
You can find supermarkets and grocery stores in every town and city across the UK. Some of the biggest supermarket chains are:
- Tesco
- Sainsbury's
- Asda
- Morrisons
- Aldi
- Co-op
- Lidl
- Waitrose
- Iceland
Find a supermarket near where you live.
Working in the UK
If you are a Tier 4 visa holder there are restrictions on working in the UK. Please see our visa advice pages for details.
You also need a National Insurance Number to work in the UK. The SU Jobs Team can offer advice regarding National Insurance and paying tax.