When I first touched down in London from India, bursting with excitement and ready to conquer the world of medicine, I thought I was well-prepared. Fluent in English and armed with visions of "Downton Abbey," I felt ready for anything the UK could throw at me. Or so I thought. The real culture shock hit me with the force of a double-decker bus when I first struggled to understand the local accents—it was as if every British show I'd watched had suddenly been switched to an incomprehensible dialect.

Not just the linguistic hurdles, but soon enough, the British weather began to cast its gloomy spell over me. Coming from the sun-soaked tropics of India, I quickly felt a Vitamin D deficiency settling in. It seemed like no sooner had I stepped out of a lecture hall at 4 PM than the skies decided it was time for an early night, turning pitch black and decidedly soggy. My umbrella quickly became my most faithful companion, a true British initiation!

I also found myself raising an eyebrow or two at British cuisine. It’s a different ball game—foods might taste unfamiliar, be cooked in ways you’re not used to, or come across as bland or heavy compared to the vibrant, spice-laden dishes from home. If you're navigating the brave new world of self-catering accommodation and cooking isn't your forte, you might find yourself turning to the ready-cooked meals aisle more often than you'd like. My advice? Hunt down a local shop that sells familiar ingredients. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will your body, especially if you balance those unavoidable fast food indulgences with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Consider it your culinary adventure in the land of beans on toast and meat pies!

Additionally, Navigating the academic landscape in the UK was a whole new experience for me, far removed from what I was used to back in India. The emphasis on research and self-learning was something that I had not been exposed to and adapting to this hands-on, exploratory approach to learning took some getting used to but it eventually added a rich layer to my educational journey.

And then there were the cultural festivities—take Halloween, for example. Coming from India, where the closest thing to ghosts and goblins is our folklore, seeing everyone dressed up in bizarre costumes and celebrating Halloween was utterly bewildering. It felt like stepping into a bizarre, alternate universe where everyone suddenly embraced their inner monster—quite literally!

Most of us international students understand that life in the UK will be different from what we're used to, but it's often the unexpected details that catch us off guard. Culture shock can temporarily shake one's confidence, but it's important to remember that this is a natural—and usually transient—part of the adaptation process. Before you know it, what once baffled you becomes part of your daily routine. Gradually, you find yourself mastering the local lingo, navigating the weather with ease, and maybe even starting to enjoy the peculiar charm of mushy peas. I can now tell you that coming to the UK to study medicine was one of the bravest and best decisions I have ever made. At Future Doc, we can help you achieve your dream of becoming a doctor by guiding you through any questions or concerns about applying as an international student; click here to learn more about our 1 ON 1 coaching program. You may also find this article helpful for advice on applying to UK medical schools as an international student.

While culture shock is typically a brief interlude, knowing a few tricks can help smooth out its more jarring effects. Something that helped me sail through the first year was keeping in touch with my family and friends back home; a FaceTime call or text in your family group chat will help you deal with the homesickness. Deck your new space with personal treasures like photos or keepsakes that whisper of home. Also, hunt down shops that stock your favourite comfort foods—nothing soothes the soul like a familiar meal. Remember to eat well and stay active; it’s not just good for your body but a fantastic excuse to meet people.

Forge bonds with fellow international students who are likely riding the same emotional rollercoaster. At the same time, don’t shy away from making friends with the locals. Initiate activities that can bridge gaps—be it through sports, music, or a shared love for rare plants. Dive into the Students' Union and check out societies that match your interests. It’s a great arena to mix, mingle, and master something new or familiar. This is where hobbies meet new friends and where you can celebrate from Thanksgiving to Diwali, all under one roof. And finally, always have someone to talk to. It’s better to vent than to bottle it up. Being open doesn’t just help you adjust; it can transform your entire experience, if you find yourself struggling make use of the university resources don’t overlook campus services like counselling or health services.

Remember, culture shock isn’t a setback; it’s part of the adventure. It sharpens your senses, tosses you new perspectives, and leaves you with a suite of skills that go beyond the classroom. You’re not just studying abroad; you’re expanding your horizons in every way.

Suhani Bansal