Introduction: One in ten students studying in the UK comes from abroad, with international students attending universities from over 100 different countries (University Guide, 2013). This then allows university students to experience different cultural practices, norms and values ​​which can be experienced in different places around the world (University Guide, 2013). As a second year student at the University of Essex, I have spent the last two years living with and growing closer to six international students who I would now call my closest friends. This led me to notice differences, as well as similarities, in social and cultural views between different cultures and I understood how this can influence how international students adapt to British university life. These differences include food consumption, drinking behavior and attitudes, as well as differences in language and religion. By the end of my research I aim to be able to answer the next question: "To what extent do cultural differences influence the way international students adapt to the British environment?" university life?” I believe that research in this area is important as it provides information about different cultures and their experiences of adapting to British university life which could be used within universities to help make the transition for international students as simple as possible. Universities could also use this research to guide further plans to help international students cope with the changes they will experience when they move to and study in an entirely new culture; which has to be an absolutely terrifying concept. Literature review: Catherine Montgomery in her book "Understanding In...... middle of paper ...... nography?" In Ethnography: Principles in Practice. 3rd ed. London: Routledge.Miller, T. & Bell, L. (2002) 'Consent to what? Issues of access, gatekeeping and “informed” consent, in Mauthner, M. (ed.). Ethics in Qualitative Research, London: Sage. 53-69. Montgomery, C. (2010) Understanding the international student experience, London: Palgrave Macmillan. 1-100. Nardi, B (2012). Ethnography and virtual worlds: a method manual. Princeton: Princeton University Press. 30-150. Prus, R (1996). Symbolic interaction and ethnographic research. New York: SUNY Press. 3-50.Smith, F (2002). Research methods in pharmaceutical practice. London: Pharmaceutical Press. 60-170. The University Guide. (2013). International students: the facts. Available: hhtp://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/international/international-students-the-facts/. Last access December 19th 2013.