Top 10 Quirky British Traditions Every International Student Should Experience

Have you ever been to the United Kingdom before? If not, then you might not know when we say the United Kingdom, it is a different lifestyle altogether. International students often come to the UK for the first time and experience a huge cultural shock which is quite common.

College life, student accommodation, nightlife, and almost everything else differ from your home country. The day you land in the UK, you will experience things you might not have even thought about.

Moreover, studying in the UK is fascinating but there are lots of quirks that every international student should experience. We know tackling a fair amount of culture shock will take quite some time. But trust us, there will be a day when you will love the same way the British love their customs.

Luckily, we are here to guide you on the quirkiest British traditions which you should not miss out on. This blog revolves around the top things every international student should experience at least once in their life. Let’s find out what all suspense is about!

Top 10 Quirky British Traditions

Britishers may have earned a reputation for being the most reserved but as you’ll discover, they are very high-spirited. Here’s a list of the top 10 British traditions not to miss!

Tea amid Daylight

Most people consider drinking tea either in the morning or in the evening. In the UK, people have a knack for afternoon tea. Simply put, afternoon tea is always more than just a cup of tea. This beautiful British custom is an experience that speaks for its rich history.

Imagine a table with delicate sandwiches, scones with mouth-watering cream and a wide variety of sweets. This is what afternoon tea is all about. Doesn’t it seem like a rich and luxurious experience? Trust us, it is!

However, it was a high-society tradition earlier. But now people enjoy and socialize over afternoon tea in cafes and restaurants. Moreover, students have started drinking tea on campuses or in student housing across the UK. So, don’t be surprised when your flatmate says they know a spot for tea. Go and experience it!

 

Night of Light a.k.a Bonfire

Every year on November 5, the British sky becomes an epitome of lights and new beginnings. Full of firecrackers and the smell of burning wood, this night is famous as Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night. People celebrate this night to commemorate the failed attempt to blow up the House of Parliament in the 1600s. Simply put, British people love to enjoy every tragedy which turns into a blessing. International students often find the soothness amid autumn traditions which blend with history.

Morris Dancing

All the way to May Day. Morris Dancing is one of the oldest traditions which is celebrated every year in the UK. However, it is very common in rural areas but international students often find their way to Morris dancing. This sight beholds every colour, custom, bell, ribbon, flower, food and tradition. Plus, the dancers perform through live music with sticks or handkerchiefs as props. Reflecting the deep-rooted cultural heritage of the UK, this festival is often celebrated on May Day. So, if you are lucky enough, experience this sight or even join in.

Wimbledon and Strawberries

Summers in the UK are all about Wimbledon and strawberries. It is a season where a non-tennis lover turns into a tennis lover. This must-watch event turns everyone including people across the world especially coming in to experience the craze of Wimbledon.

Being one of the oldest tennis tournaments, it does have its own set of quirky customs. From weaning green and purple uniforms to eating strawberries with cream. Fun fact, spectators consume almost 30,000 kilograms of strawberries during Wimbledon season. So, if you are here in the summers, experience the blend of sports, traditions and strawberry obsession.

Queuing All the Way

You will find queues everywhere in the UK. From bus stops to local grocery stores, people here love queuing. Practically loving as a national sport, everyone takes queues seriously. And, if you are not taking one, it is a serious faux pas. So, remember not to cut lines anywhere across the United Kingdom. Follow the basic etiquette and you are sorted!

Win Quiz in Pubs

You might be wondering what’s a win quiz in a pub. Well, it is a well-known quirky tradition across pubs and restaurants in the UK. There are trivia nights, Hollywood nights, puzzle nights and the list goes on and on. And, the fun part is you don’t have to be a trivia master, just answer a few questions while chugging down your beer. Doesn’t this sound fun? So, get around and don’t forget to experience the magic of trivia nights with friends or strangers!

 

Roll Your Cheese at the Cheese Rolling Competition

One of the most absurd sports people enjoy in the UK, especially in Gloucestershire is Cheese Rolling. It is very easy to play. Every year in spring, people get together to chase a cheese wheel down a steep hill. Whoever finishes the first wins the cheese wheel.

Don’t Forget to Participate in Pancake Races

Often called Shrove Tuesday, Pancake races are fun and quirky enough to make you laugh out loud. The rules are very simple. Pancake lovers just have to be in their fanciest dresses and flip pancakes while racing. Universities and their student accommodation like the University of Oxford or Cambridge often host races. You can simply find a day full of sweet treats and competition spirit.

Be Obsessed with the Royal Family

The Royal family is a well-documented obsession among Britishers. There is no event or just a minor day out, where people don’t engage in lunch and tea to gossip over the royal family. In addition, when there’s some royal event, people are out on the streets with flags and wall-to-wall media to enjoy every inch of it.

Crack Open with Christmas Cracker Tradition

Last but not least, the Christmas cracker tradition is one of the most quirky traditions. Be it UK Universities or student accommodation, international students often get surprised. However, students usually go back home from their student rooms. At Christmas dinner, each person pulls out a tube and when it cracks open, there’s something quirky available inside. Be it a silly joke, joy or paper crown. And, this quirky thing is a must-wear during the entire meal.

Ultimately, if everything seems a little absurd at first, gather some friends from your student accommodation to embrace these quirky traditions. Trust us; you’ll enjoy every bit of it. Whether you’re meeting up for afternoon tea or trying your hand at cheese rolling, these experiences will enrich your student life. So, don’t just stay cooped up—get out there and enjoy all that the UK has to offer!