Preparing to study at SRUC | Scottish culture & customs

There is a tendency nowadays towards using first names when addressing people; this includes lectures and other university staff. When emailing, it is best to use Dear + first name.

If you're invited so someone's house for a meal, it's considered polite to bring a small gift for them with you, such as flowers, wine, or chocolates. If you bring something edible, it may or may not be opened and offered to you during your visit.
If you're eating at a restaurant and received good service, leaving a 10% tip to your waiter is considered appropriate but not required. Your menu will tell you if a compulsory "service charge" (tip) will be added to your bill. Tipping bar staff is generally considered unnecessary.
Depending on where you are in Scotland and who you're speaking to, the evening meal might be called 'dinner', 'supper', or even 'tea'. The afternoon meal is generally called 'lunch' but can sometimes be referred to as 'dinner'. If you're not sure what someone is talking about, don't be afraid to ask - even the locals get confused sometimes!
Unless in a very casual situation, using your hands to eat is considered impolite. Scottish children are also taught not to put too much food in their mouths at once, to chew with their mouths closed, and not to eat noisily.
You are legally required to be at least 18 years old to buy or drink alcohol. Be prepared to show photo ID that proves your age if you plan to purchase alcohol.

Electrical current in the UK is 230 volts at 50 cycles. If you come from a country operating on a different voltage, you should ensure that you are equipped with the appropriate transformer so that your devices or appliances will work and not be damaged.

The UK also uses a 3-pin power cord so you may need to purchase an electrical adaptor to use electronics you bring from home.

In Scotland and in the UK, it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on their race, gender, age, class, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

All genders are have the same legal rights in the UK and there are no rules or laws that prevent a man or woman from having a particular job.

Learn more about equality, diversity and inclusion at SRUC

Although very friendly, Scottish people are quite reserved when greeting one another. A greeting can be a bright 'Hello' 'Hi' or 'Good morning'. We tend to only kiss or hug people who are close friends and relatives. A handshake is also acceptable as a more formal greeting for both men and women.

Banks, government offices, schools, and some shops are typically closed during public holidays (commonly known as "bank holidays") in Scotland. The dates of these holidays can vary slightly each year.

Local holidays vary by council, so double-check on the Scottish Government website for specific holiday dates for your area.

Find term dates and timetables for your course and campus.

“Drop in anytime” and “come see me soon” are phrases often used in social settings but they should not be taken literally. A real invitation to someone’s house usually comes with a specific time and date. It is also wise to telephone before visiting someone at home.

When living in Scotland, you are required to follow Scottish and UK law, even if they are different in your home country.

You must not carry drugs of any kind with you, unless they have been prescribed by a doctor. Having or using cannabis, ecstasy, LSD or amphetamines is illegal.
It is illegal to carry any sort of weapon including knives, self-defence CS gas sprays, guns or stun guns.
You must be at least 18 to purchase a knife in the UK. In Scotland, you are allowed to purchase a knife for cooking or eating if you are at least 16 and can show proof of age (for example a passport, national ID card from any EU country, or a biometric immigration document).
You must be at least 18 years old to buy tobacco or alcohol or to have alcohol purchased for you.
The minimum legal age for gambling in the UK is 18 years old.
It is against the law to smoke/vape inside buildings.
The age of consent for sex in the UK is 16 – this applies to both men and women,
You need to ensure that you consume alcohol wisely - it is possible to be arrested for being drunk and disorderly.
There are local laws relating to anti-social behaviour, for example playing loud music after 11pm

People in Scotland use the words ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry’ a lot! And if you bump into someone it is normal to say ‘sorry’ even if it is not your fault. Queuing is also seen as being polite and respectful. Pushing in front, or cutting in line is a no-no.

Freedom of religion is for all faiths in Scotland and the UK so if you have a particular faith, religion, or belief you're free to continue to practice it in Scotland.

When you first meet someone it is considered impolite to ask personal details about their age, their political beliefs and how much money they earn. It’s best to avoid these subjects until you are friends. Until then, you’ll find students often talk about the local area, social or study-related activities, and the weather!

Tap water in Scotland is clean and safe to use for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene.

Being late for a class or a meeting is seen as bad manners. Always aim to arrive 5 minutes early for classes so you can get seated before the lesson begins.

If you are going to be late for a meeting, let the person know.

Culture shock

When you first move to the UK some social behaviours may confuse and surprise you. Even the most open-minded and culturally sensitive among us are not immune. There are four common stages in the process known as 'culture shock'

You might experience some or all of these stages of culture shock. The important thing is to remember that even the difficult and stressful stages are only temporary.

: Everything is exciting and new. You love the differences, meeting new people, tasting new foods and doing new things. This phase can last days, weeks, or months.
: This is the difficult period, during which some people reject the new culture and struggle to adapt. They focus on the differences and the negatives rather than the positives. There's no set time when this begins — with some people, it can be within days, with others, months.
: At this stage, people begin to understand the culture better and develop routines. They begin to see aspects of the new culture with a more positive attitude.
: During this phase, people start to participate more fully in new activities and feel at ease in the host culture. The person doesn't have to be in love with the new country (as in the honeymoon phase), but they can navigate it without anxiety or negativity.

What can you do to feel more 'at home' in Scotland?

Understand that these feelings are normal, give yourself time.
Keeping in touch with home is an important part of living in a different country.
Have familiar things around you that have personal meaning, such as photographs or ornaments.
Find a supplier of familiar food if you can.
Stay active, eat well, and get enough sleep.
Make friends with international students, whether from your own culture or from others, as they will understand what you are feeling and, if possible, make friends with the local students so you can learn more about each other’s culture.

Travelling to the UK

All the practical information you need to ensure your travel and arrival into the UK goes smoothly.

Visas & immigration

Visa and immigration policies can seem a little daunting at first. But not to worry, we've got all the guidance you need to start your very own Scotland adventure!

Cost of living

From preparing a budget to average expenses, ways to save and more, we're here to help you any way we can.

Student accommodation

SRUC has access to a range of accommodation options available for students, either on campus or in the local area.

Shopping

Scotland is well served with a variety of shops that sell everything you need for your stay.

Faith

At SRUC, we understand that finding your spiritual and cultural community is an important part of settling into student life. Scotland is very multicultural with a wide variety of faith centres to help you connect with the communities and services that matter to you.