Nederlands
In general, the British are very friendly, including to foreigners. Most people here are always wondering where you come from. The most attractive countries for the British are France and Spain, and maybe Italy, so do not be surprised if you find that you feel yourself explaining a lot about your country, if it’s different.
If you move to Great Britain, especially if you do not know the country very well, you will notice after a while that social class certainly plays more or less a role, much more than in any other country in Europe. Social class plays a role in the education system and in everyday life.
The education system is divided into state schools and "public" or private schools, where parents sometimes have to pay a lot to have their children educated. Eton is obviously the most famous example. It also plays a role in the academic world and the traditional old universities are in this respect regarded most highly. In everyday life, the accent and the friends one has, but also where you shop, can be an indication of where in the class system people belong. All this is not very strict of course, but it is noticeable. As a foreigner you have the advantage that you are completely outside this system. That makes you socially very flexible.
Shopping
In a more practical sense, life here can be a little, or a lot, more expensive than in other countries in Europe. There may be less difference if you are careful what and where you buy.
Shopping in Britain used to be very different from shopping elsewhere in Europe. Many of the products you could easily buy at home were not easily available here. Much has now changed. Like every country, the UK has its own cultural specifics and some products in Britain are still either not, or difficult to obtain. Oddly enough, even though the UK is surrounded by sea, fish is an example. The only fish you can easily find in shops/supermarkets are cod, haddock or farmed salmon.
Most Britons do their shopping in supermarkets and other shops selling specific food are sometimes few and far between. Supermarkets are very powerful here, which means they can offer cheaper food. They are also open on Sundays in most places and many are even open 24 hours a day, especially in the week. Once I went shopping at 1 in the morning, which was a very strange experience.
Because of the influence of major supermarkets you can find it more difficult to find small bakeries or butcher shops. Smaller shops, such as farm shops, are making a comeback in some areas, especially where there is a strong farming community and in rural areas.
Nightlife
Nightlife, especially in the larger cities, is not much different from that in other urban areas elsewhere in Europe. Many people go to 'the pub'. There are also "clubs" in larger cities, where you can dance too. The rich history of Britain mean you will find an equally rich "food culture". You can find everything from local cuisine, which now can compete with many other countries, to more exotic cuisines. Some of these mostly Asian restaurants you can eat all you want for a fixed price. This is obviously really appreciated by students.
Housing
Life in Britain is relatively speaking not cheap, but it depends very largely on where you are going to study. However, if you are an undergraduate student you will almost certainly spend the first year at university living in university accommodation. You will be confirming this the summer before the start of your studies after which you will be expected to pay a reservation deposit. This is possibly about £300. In September you will have to pay your first contribution. If this is difficult, some universities offer some flexibility, but it is best to discuss them. I can help you sort this out of course.
London is generally very expensive. I had a friend who for the same money for which I rented a house in another region, was only able to rent a double bedroom in a shared house with others in the same position. The north east of England is generally the cheapest. In Scotland, Edinburgh is expensive, and so too is Glasgow, but to a slightly lesser extent. Stirling is slightly cheaper.
In general, the more touristy and the closer to the capital city (especially London), the more expensive.
The houses are also often smaller than many people are accustomed to, and there are many old houses, especially in larger cities, which are not always maintained to a standard you may be used to. You may have to look for something that pleases you!
Water is also much more expensive than in other countries, and if you rent, try to get water and other utilities to be included in the rent. Broadband is especially good in cities, and in some places they have now started to fiber optic connections. In many places you can, sometimes free, connect wirelessly.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Britain is largely free … except the dentist. Make sure you have your European insurance card with you, if you are entitled to one. Once you arrive in the country it’s best if you try to register with both a medical practice and a dentist. Usually this is a smooth process once you find a practice with vacant NHS places. If this is not the case, your European Health Insurance Card, which you can obtain from your health insurance, and a letter from the university to prove you are a full time student, can help.
Medical practices in the UK can look very different to what you are used to in your own country. They can even resemble mini-clinics, and you can either make an appointment with the doctor (GP or General Practitioner) or a nurse, depending on your complaint. In my experience, health care in Britain is good, but it may require some adjustment. For example, do not expect that a doctor will offer you a home visit if you're not well. It is sometimes not easy making a short-term appointment with your doctor, and if you've made an appointment, do not expect you can just walk in. Waiting your turn is the motto. Once you're at the doctor's the visit is usually relatively fast-paced, with not much time for a chat. Doctors and nurses are always very busy, but are generally very helpful and friendly. It is ideal if you are well prepared and able to explain your health complaint in as short a time as possible.
For an emergency or short term appointment you have three options, depending on where you live, a ‘walk in surgery’, or you can walk into the emergency ward of a hospital (A & E) or the NHS helpline (over the phone). For all these possibilities, chances are that you must wait your turn, unless it's really urgent. If it’s more urgent than that, you should call 999, or 112 course …
The dentist is slightly different. You will, just like the doctor (GP), need to register with an NHS dentist. You must be sure that you will be treated under the NHS, or it can become very expensive! Only certain treatments are reimbursed by the NHS, and even for these you need to pay a certain amount. Make sure you get what you are entitled to. Most dentists are friendly (if not find another!) But you can see they are under time pressure. There is always the option of going private of course. For this you can always buy (relatively expensive) health insurance.
Transportation
The train is very expensive in Britain, the most expensive in Europe has been told. There is however a very good long distance bus service, National Express, which cost a fraction of the train. It is also a bit of an adventure and you may get to know both the country and the people more easily. Who knows, you may even make new friends. You can always fly, and Ryanair and Easyjet and others are very active here, with numerous international and domestic destinations.
Sport and leisure
Needless to say that Britain is a very diverse country, and whatever you are interested in, you can find an opportunity for you to get involved into your favourite sport. You have the Scottish and Welsh mountains and of course the sea. In winter you can go skiing in Aviemore or elsewhere in Scotland. You can go climbing anywhere there are mountains, there is also ample opportunity to go sailing, kayaking and so… there's enough water here! Britain is of course famous for its football, golf, cricket and water sports (rowing at Oxford and Cambridge!). You do not really need to get bored!
Life in the UK