UK Common Rules and Regulations

Every country has its own set of rules and regulations that its inhabitants follow. These norms might not be fully-perceived by foreigners and international students when they first arrive in the UK. Here are the most common laws and regulations in the UK:

1. Noisy Neighbours Law in the UK

Even if students are into partying on the weekends, they still might face some noise-related issues while living in the UK. There is actually a noisy neighbours law in the UK that condemns any act that interferes with the lives, comfort, property, or common rights of the public. The legal night time in the UK is from 11 pm to 7 am, so any extreme noises between these two hours are considered illegal. Living in student accommodation in the UK will surely make it obligatory for students to respect one another’s privacy and also opt-out from producing any extreme noises. To know how to deal with the noisy student flatmates or roommates, check the 6 Types of Roommates You’ll Meet in College.

2. Student Pedestrians in the UK

Students’ best method of moving around any city in the UK is on foot. It is cheap, healthy, and environment-friendly. Use the pavement where possible and if there is none, keep to the right-hand side of the road so you can see the oncoming traffic. In poor daylight conditions, help yourself be seen by wearing or carrying something that is light-coloured or fluorescent, like armbands or waistcoats. Every country comes with its unique road traffic sign images and as a fresh student in the UK, it is better to know them. It is for your own safety and for others' as well. Check the Road Traffic Sign Images guide for more information. Jaywalking in the UK is acceptable; however, foreigners are mostly puzzled about how to do so. As a student, you can walk along or cross all roads except motorways where pedestrians and slow vehicles are not permitted.

3. Recycling in the UK

There could face the UK littering fine if you littered the streets whether by accident or on purpose. There are recycling centres in the UK that are for household wastes and they do have a list of Accepted Items, Restricted Items and Not Accepted Items for recycling. You can learn more about recycling through this link. Even littering is not random in this country.

4. Students Cycling in the UK

Most student accommodation in the UK has secure bike storage because students tend to find this means of transportation easy and healthy. Road cycling in the UK has some rules to be followed:

- Wearing a cycling helmet.

- Wearing tight-legged pants so they won't be caught in the chain while cycling.

- Wearing light-coloured or fluorescent clothes.

- Make sure your bike has white front and red rear lights lit and reflectors. 

- Only cross the road when the Cycle-Only Crossing signal is visible. 

A comforting fact about the UK is that almost every city has specified cycling lanes; however, if there is none, there will be signs permitting cyclers to share Bus Lanes with buses. Check Rules for Cyclists for more information.

5. Student Driving Licence in the UK

An international student in the UK mostly goes for a driving license for a car or a motorcycle. Consider having the correct driving license and being above the minimum driving or riding age, which is 17 years. Also, there are the 'standards of vision for driving' and in order to meet them, you have to wear glasses or contact lenses if required. There is a practical driving eyesight test that you have to pass to get your driving license in the UK. You have to also know that the national speed limit in the UK is 70 mph and try familiarizing yourself with the traffic signs in the UK. 

Have you ever faced any problems following the UK's common regulations? Share with us your experience on our Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. 

Learn more from our 4 Problems International Students Face in the UK blog article.