Imagine this: it’s your first week at a UK university. Your teacher is talking fast, your classmates are laughing at jokes you don’t understand, and you’re thinking “Did I really learn enough English?”
You’re not alone. Every year, many Middle Eastern students feel nervous when they first study in the UK. It takes time to understand accents, speak naturally, and feel confident.
The good news? You can improve faster than you think — with simple habits and smart tricks that fit into your daily life. This post shares 10 easy language hacks that really work.
At BESA Group, we help students like you prepare for studying abroad , from choosing your university to helping you adjust to life in the UK. Let’s get started.
1. Copy How Natives Speak (Shadowing)
What it is:
Listen to native English speakers and repeat what they say, at the same time, not after. This is called shadowing.
Why it works:
- It trains your ears and tongue together.
- It helps you learn pronunciation and rhythm naturally.
- You stop thinking about grammar and start speaking automatically.
Try this:
Listen to short BBC or YouTube clips. Repeat every line as you hear it. Start with 1–2 minutes a day and record yourself to check progress.
2. Practice With a Language Partner
What it is:
- Find a British student or a fluent English speaker who wants to learn Arabic. You both help each other.
Why it works:
- You learn real English — slang, tone, and how people really talk.
- You’ll feel less shy because they’re learning too.
3. Change Your Phone and Apps to English
What it is:
Switch your phone, social media, and apps to English.
Why it works:
- You’ll read English every day without even trying.
- You’ll start to think in English instead of translating.
Try this:
Change your phone language to English today. Keep it for two weeks. You’ll be surprised how much you learn without studying.
4. Label Everything Around You
What it is:
Put small sticky notes on objects in your room ,door, chair, mirror, fridge.
Why it works:
- You see and say the words every day.
- You remember faster because it’s connected to real things.
Try this:
Label 20 items in your room. Say the English word every time you use that thing.
5. Watch and Listen to British Media
What it is:
Listen to how locals speak through TV, YouTube, podcasts, or songs.
Why it works:
- You hear real accents and daily phrases.
- You understand culture and humour better.
Try this:
Watch BBC shows, student vlogs, or British podcasts. Write down 3 new phrases each day and try to use them later.
Quick Tip:
Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything. Keep watching your brain will catch up.
6. Join a University Club or Society
What it is:
Join a group for something you enjoy — football, art, debating, or volunteering.
Why it works:
- You’ll speak English naturally, not like in class.
- You’ll make friends and feel part of the community.
Try this:
Join one club this month. Set one goal: talk to at least one new person in English every meeting.
7. Think in English, Don’t Translate
What it is:
Stop turning Arabic sentences into English in your head. Try to think directly in English.
Why it works:
- It helps you speak faster.
- You sound more natural.
Try this:
When walking or cooking, describe what you’re doing in English in your head: “I’m making tea,” “I’m walking to class.”
8. Record Yourself Speaking
What it is:
Use your phone to record short talks in English — your day, your opinions, or summaries of something you watched.
Why it works:
-You’ll hear your mistakes and learn from them.
-You’ll become more confident speaking out loud.
Try this:
Record yourself for one minute each day. Compare your voice after two weeks. You’ll hear real improvement.
9. Learn Phrases, Not Just Words
What it is:
Learn groups of words that go together — like “by the way,” “as far as I know,” “looking forward to.”
Why it works:
- You’ll sound more fluent and natural.
- You won’t waste time thinking about grammar mid-sentence.
Try this:
Every time you hear a new phrase, write it in a notebook. Practice using 3 new phrases every day.
10. Don’t Be Afraid of Mistakes
What it is:
Speak, even if your grammar isn’t perfect.
Why it works:
Making mistakes is how you learn.
People respect your effort more than perfect English.
Try this:
In class, answer one question each week. With friends, try one new English phrase daily. You’ll grow faster by trying than by staying silent.
“When I came to London, I was scared to speak. I started watching British YouTubers and repeating what they said. After a few weeks, I joined a student club and made friends. My English is still not perfect, but I’m proud of how much better I feel.” Omar, from Jordan.
Quick Tips
Mini Habit: 15 minutes of English a day is better than 2 hours once a week.
Reminder: Don’t translate in your head — speak freely, even if it’s not perfect.
Bonus Idea: Write a short diary in English every night before sleeping.
Learning English in the UK isn’t easy at first but it’s one of the best parts of your study journey. Every mistake, every new word, and every small conversation helps you grow.
Start small: choose one hack from this list and do it today. Over time, your confidence will grow, and your English will start to feel natural.
At BESA Group, we’re here to help you with every step from university applications to language support once you arrive. Book a free consultation with our student advisors to plan your UK study journey.
