I realised very early the power of food to evoke memory, to bring people together, to transport you to other places, and I wanted to be a part of that – José Andrés Puerta

 

Food plays a significant role in our experiences of a new country and can have a strong influence on both our physical and emotional well-being.

Some of our international students have said:

Food is culture!

It can be quite hard to get used to the food here in the UK.

It’s important to have some comfort food to cope with the occasional homesickness.

While some students have no difficulty adapting to new food in the UK, others find it difficult. It can be hard to accept new foods at first, but it will become easier!

Learn to cook so you can feed yourself well

What can you do to prepare for cooking and eating in the UK before you leave home? Here is some advice from international students already at the University of Reading:

• Learn to cook! If you need help, ask your family or friends to teach you a few simple recipes before you leave home.
• Bring special or unusual equipment such as rice cookers. For any electrical appliances, you must make sure that they meet UK guidelines and have been PAT tested. You will have to keep them in the kitchen in your accommodation, not your own room.
• Bring your favourite spices or sauces to add the taste of home to food in the UK.

The British Council has also produced a list of top tips about food in the UK.