Adjustment to UK student life

Walking into a crowded student union bar can bea daunting experience for a Chinese student, coming from a culture where bars are not necessarily socially acceptable.

Although Chinais changing and becoming more westernised, lifeis much moretightly structured and the influenceof peer groupsand the authorities is strong.

Students, whoare used to livingin same-sex dormitories on campus, may feel dauntedat the freedom of the UK campusand find it hard to adjust to a busy social life unconnected with their studies.

The idea ofhaving a special classmate is very important and this relationship is regarded as lifelong. The "cooler" nature of UK universities can leave students feeling isolated.

The severity ofthe Chinese classroom contrasts with the warmth and friendly relationships outside."Students and lecturers may eat dinner together,go out togetherand develop close personal mentoring relationships,"says Turner.

Despite all this, the survey showed that many manage to adjust their attitude and orientation quickly to life inthe UK and certainly feel they can besuccessful in their new learningenvironment.