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For most Chinese students, living in the UK could be a big challenge. For those who have moved around in China, it would be comparatively less daunting, but for many others, it would be the first time ever that they have started living far away from their parents and trying to become completely independent. Quite a few of them may struggle for a long before they could get used to all the chores of daily life such as shopping, cooking, washing and so on.
There are many causes for home-sickness and hardships. One factor, for example, is being away from close families and friends. Telephones and email facilities may be useful in communications with beloved ones back home, while parental visits help to ease the suffering temporarily. Another factor may relate to the change of diet, as the variety and quality of vegetables and other food products in the UK are so much different from those available in China.
Many may also face the language problem, which could be a prolonged issue, as English will never be their native language, and the struggle to communicate and express well will continue for a long time. This can be helped by homestaying with British families or sharing houses/flats with native English speakers. Then, again, you will probably find it difficult to understand English students' life style, say, partying right into the early hours, loud music, boozing and other habits. It is worthwhile trying out the British social places, such as churches, local pubs and night clubs (for the young and energetic, be warned of the drug culture there!).
The best way to adapt to this new life in Britain is to make as many friends as possible, with British people as well as your fellow Chinese students. The existence of friendship and community will help you overcome homesickness and hardship. A good starting point is your local Chinese student associations, and some may provide useful information on the internet. It is also helpful if you fully occupy yourself in your study, hobbies, other interests, and perhaps a part-time job. The fuller your daily schedule is, the less lonely and homesick you will become. Cheer up and enjoy your independence!
It is difficult to make people of different cultures to understand each other and perhaps at least accept each other's differences. It helps, though, to know your own culture well. If you surf around, then you will realise that how little you actually know about the Chinese culture and many of the fascinating facts about China with regard to its history, its tradition, and many aspects of its civilisation. It takes some time to surf deep and wide into China's thousands of years' civilisation. Happy surfing and get to know what Chinese-ness really means!
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