As an international student in the UK, your academic success is important — but your network can be just as powerful. By doing Networking with classmates, professors, and industry professionals can help you:
- Find internships and job opportunities
- Improve your language and communication skills
- Learn more about British culture and work norms
- Access mentors and career advice
- Build lifelong friendships and professional connections
Where to Start Networking in the UK
1. University Events & Career Fairs
UK universities are hubs of professional development events. They frequently host:
- Career fairs featuring top UK employers
- Guest lectures by alumni or industry experts
- Networking breakfasts or ‘speed networking’ evenings
- Internship and placement workshops
Pro Tip: Arrive early, bring a printed CV, and wear something business casual. Practice a 30-second intro about who you are and what you’re looking for.
Upcoming Career Events in UK Universities
2. Student Societies & Clubs
Joining a society is one of the easiest ways to make friends and build your network.
- Join academic societies (like Law Society or Engineering Club)
- Explore cultural societies to meet others from your region
- Consider entrepreneurship or business clubs if you’re career-focused
Bonus: Leadership roles in societies look great on a CV and show initiative.
3. Online Platforms
- LinkedIn: Create a strong profile, follow UK companies, and join student/alumni groups
- Meetup: Search for events in your field (e.g., coding, marketing, finance)
- Eventbrite: Sign up for free and paid professional development events in your city
How to Optimise Your LinkedIn as a Student
Making the Right Impression
Be Curious, Not Pushy
Instead of asking for a job directly, ask about someone’s journey: “How did you start working in this field?”
Practice Your Introduction
Prepare a short, confident script:
- Name, course, university
- What you’re passionate about
- Your career aspirations
Be a Good Listener
Make eye contact, smile, and respond thoughtfully. People appreciate feeling heard.
Follow Up Gracefully
Within 24–48 hours, connect on LinkedIn or send a short thank-you email. Mention something specific you talked about to personalize the message.
Where to Find Networking Events in UK
- University Career Services – Check your university portal and subscribe to newsletters
- Graduate Job Portals – Explore event listings on Prospects, TargetJobs, and Gradcracker
- LinkedIn Events – Use filters to find virtual and in-person networking events
- Co-working Spaces – Spaces like WeWork, Huckletree, and Hatch often host talks and mixers
- Hackathons & Bootcamps – Great for tech, data science, and marketing students
Top Networking Events in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh
Tips for International Students
- Language tip: Focus on clarity. British people value politeness but also direct communication.
- Cultural insight: Small talk is common before business—weather, travel, and food are safe topics.
- Visa awareness: Some employers might ask about your right to work. Be honest and well-informed.
- Dress code: For formal events, go business casual. For society meetups, smart casual is fine.
- Don’t hesitate to reach out: British networking culture is open—alumni and faculty often welcome questions.
Advanced Networking Strategies
➤ Join Alumni Networks
Many UK universities have robust alumni networks. Attend alumni dinners, join online communities, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni in your field.
➤ Create Value
Share useful articles, introduce connections to one another, or volunteer to help at events. Being helpful makes you memorable.
➤ Start a Blog or LinkedIn Newsletter
Document your student journey, share tips, or review industry trends. It positions you as someone knowledgeable and committed.
➤ Shadow or Volunteer
If networking feels forced, start by shadowing a professional or volunteering at conferences and summits.
Final Thoughts from Global Grads
Networking in the UK is a skill — and like any skill, it improves with practice. Step out of your comfort zone, start small, and you’ll soon find yourself building lasting professional relationships.
And remember — Global Grads is here to help every step of the way.
