How Are UK Universities Supporting & Celebrating International Students?

Written by Holly Chafer 22 Dec 2025

In celebration of International Students’ Day on 17 November, we’re highlighting how UK universities continue to evolve their support for international students. From intercultural training and community hubs to extended welcome programmes and tailored mentoring. Institutions across the UK are introducing new initiatives that help students feel connected, confident and at home from the moment they arrive. Here are five standout examples of how universities are enriching the international student experience today.

#1 The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester’s International Society offers a unique, student-led community hub providing cultural events, language classes, trips across the UK and weekly socials. The society is dedicated to helping international students make friends from around the world, settle quickly and feel at home in Manchester. It operates year-round and hosts one of the largest welcome programmes of any UK student society.

#2 King’s College London

King’s Global Lounge is a welcoming on-campus space where students from all backgrounds can meet, relax and access support. Throughout the year, the lounge hosts cultural celebration days, themed workshops, wellbeing sessions and peer-to-peer meetups designed specifically to help international students form connections and navigate life in London. Staffed by the Global Engagement team and trained student ambassadors, it offers a valuable drop-in point for guidance and community.

#3 University of Warwick

Warwick’s Intercultural Training & Workshops initiative equips international (and home) students with the skills to thrive in a multicultural academic environment. Sessions cover cross-cultural communication, adapting to new learning styles, and navigating UK academic expectations. The programme is designed to boost confidence, improve collaboration and foster a more inclusive campus community, especially during students’ first months at university.

#4 Newcastle University

Newcastle’s Intercultural Training & Workshops go beyond standard orientation by offering extended support, cultural trips and themed social events over several weeks. Activities include city tours, day trips around the North East, “Life in the UK” workshops and mixers with international student societies. The goal is to provide a gradual, supportive introduction to university life, helping students build networks before academic pressures begin.

#5 University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow’s Buddy System & Cultural Exchange Programme pairs new international students with trained returning students for regular check-ins and cultural exchange activities. Paired students often attend campus events together, share experiences of life in Glasgow and participate in community volunteering projects. The programme helps students feel rooted in the city and fosters long-lasting friendships across cultures.

We’d love to hear how your institution is celebrating International Students Day! Share your initiatives on social media using the hashtag #InternationalStudentsDay.

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