• Population: 67.8 million
• Capital: London
• Demographics: 84% English, 8% Scottish, 5% Welsh, 3% Northern Irish
• Type of government: Constitutional monarchy
• Regional Memberships: The UK is no longer a part of the EU, at the result of Brexit, and is not a part of the Schengen region. The Northern Ireland (UK) border with the Republic of Ireland remains a debated issue regarding travel inside and outside the EU region.
• Currency: British Pound
• Common foods: English breakfast, bara brith bread, shephard's pie, fish and chips, haggis

English is the official language of the UK. Other languages spoken include Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, and Cornish.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

Students staying in the UK longer than 3 months may require a Tier 4 General Student Visa. Visit the UK Visa and Immigration page for more information about obtaining a student visa.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• It is recommended to purchase a local SIM card for longer stays in the UK.
• Some major cell phone providers in the UK include EE, Vodafone, O2, Sky Mobile, and Talk Talk. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased and renewed monthly, with costs varying depending on your chosen data limit.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• Internet infrastructure in the UK is highly developed, especially in major cities and tourist areas.
• Free WiFi is accessible at most hotels, restaurants, and airports, potentially minus local businesses in smaller towns and rural areas.

Electricity

• The UK uses primarily Type G electric plugs and sockets. You will need to purchase a plug adapter in order to charge any electronic device or appliance purchased in the U.S.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

The British Pound is the official currency in the UK.

Banking Tips

• Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the UK, especially in more populated areas. Consult your local bank about international transaction fees, exchange rates, and to let them know of your travels to the UK so that your cards do not get blocked.
• It is always a good idea to have at least a small amount of local currency in cash readily available for smaller daily purchases, and in case of emergencies. You can exchange cash in the US before your travels to the UK, or once you arrive in-country.
• There are a few major banks that operate in the UK, including HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Bank Group, Barclays, and NatWest. All of these banks will have ATMs readily available in larger cities to extract local currency using a US-based debit card.

Climate

• The UK has a temperate maritime climate with warm summers and mildly cool winters.
• Temperatures range maximally from about 0 degrees Celsius in the winter to 32 degrees Celsius in the summer.
• October to January tends to have the most rainfall in the UK, and the wettest parts of the country average 130 inches of rain per year.

Packing

• It is recommended to pack warm clothes for the winter, including winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. Layers are the easiest way to adjust to the changing weather in the UK.
• Lighter clothes are OK for the warmer months, but a jacket is good no matter the season.
• Rain gear such as as jacket, umbrella, or rain boots are also recommended at all times of year.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• British cities have good public transportation systems, including buses, trains, and trams with regular departures and well-connected routes within and outside of cities.
• Timetables on local buses are meant to serve schools and businesses, so there may not be as many bus options in the evenings and on the weekends. Daily bus passes are cheaper than buying separate tickets for each ride.
• There are two types of taxis in the UK: metered cabs and minicabs that can only be hailed by phone. These tend to be cheaper, but you be careful of unlicensed minicabs operate in some larger cities.
• ead about all public transport in London, including average fares, maps, and information about the London Pass.

Airports

• Main airports: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Luton, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, and more.
• Common airlines: Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Emirates, EasyJet, Qantas, and more.

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.