In the recent years, the world has experienced a major increase in Indian students going to the United Kingdom for their education. Whether its undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral degree, studying in the United Kingdom is a dream of many Indian students. Being an international student is a hectic task, especially when there are so many things to take care of. Whether it’s searching for accommodation options in the UK or settling in a new culture. Either way, being an Indian student in the United Kingdom comes with several struggles. In this article, you will find some of the best tips to settle in UK as an Indian student.
Top Universities in the UK
As mentioned earlier, United Kingdom is home to some of the most prestigious and demanded universities in the world. Some of these universities are given below.
- University of Oxford
- Imperial College London
- London School of Economics & Political Science
- University of Cambridge
- University of Warwick
- University of Manchester
- University College London
Tips to Settle in the UK
- Culture & Customs: Being an Indian student who has always lived in a collectivistic culture, suddenly experiencing an individualistic culture can be quite tough. You may come across some customs and stereotypes that may not make sense to you, or you may disagree with them. However, in such instances where there’s a drastic change in culture and customs, it is important to respect their beliefs and try to see the point of discussion from their point of view. Always remember to be patient and respectful towards the culture of other people and being opened can go a long way for you as an Indian student in the United Kingdom.
- Weather Changes: The weather in the United Kingdom will be the first thing that will come as a shock to you when you move there. This is because Indians are used to living in a weather that they can predict. Indians know how hot or cold it gets, and how much it rains a year. However, when you come to the United Kingdom, whether you choose London or Birmingham, you must be prepared for a weather that remains unpredictable. So, carry your umbrellas, jackets and raincoats, because the grey sky can pour at any time. You may feel low initially due to the lack of sunshine the country witnesses, but you will eventually get used to it.
- Be Polite: Being an Indian student, you may be used to sitting close to your friends when having a conversation, or slightly giving a pat on the back when saying Bye. However, make sure you don’t do these gestures when you are in the United Kingdom. The British people are big on their personal space, and do not like it when people are standing too close to them, or when they touch them even if it is to pat. You may not understand this initially, but like mentioned earlier, it is important to respect other people’s comfort and space. Moreover, get ready to say a lot of Thank yous. This is because British people are unbelievably polite and say Thank you for every little thing. Handed them a spoon from the nearby table? They will say thank you. Waited for them while they tied their shoelace? They will say thank you. Eventually, you’ll get the hang of it.
- Explore Supermarkets: Don’t worry, you are not the only Indian student in UK. Whether you choose to live in Manchester or Edinburgh, you will find a plethora of restaurants that serve delicious and mouthwatering Indian food. Whether you are craving Butter Chicken or Vada Pav, the restaurants in the United Kingdom will serve you some of the best food varieties that will make you want more. But remember, just because there are places that serve your culture’s food, that does not mean that you won’t try the food of their culture. This is a win-win situation for you, because you get to experience foods from both the cultures at the same place.
- Accommodation Search: If you wish to live in off-campus student accommodation, then it is better to always book your accommodation at the earliest. While choosing your student housing in Birmingham, make sure you check the amenities and utilities that the accommodation is offering you. Many student accommodation in UK offer students luxurious amenities, such as Gym, Laundry Room, Common Area, Social Events, Games Room, and more. While checking for utilities, make sure you check whether the utilities offered are inclusive of the rent or not. A pro tip- Always choose student accommodation that offers Wi-Fi that is inclusive of the rent, so that you don’t have to spend too much money on internet packs.
- Stay in Touch: Moving away from home is never easy, especially when you know that you can’t keep flying to and from whenever you miss them. In this era of technology, make sure you use it to its fullest. Always stay in touch with your friends and family, so that you can fight the feelings of homesickness and loneliness. Talk to them on calls, see your pet on Video Call, tell your friends about your day and ask them about yours. But again, remember, don’t just stay on calls all day when you are in a new country. Try to make friends, talk to local people, explore the city you are in, and create healthy and fulfilling bonds with others.
Conclusion
Moving away and leaving your childhood place is never easy, but it is important. Hop on this transformative journey and keep the above-mentioned tips in your mind always! United Kingdom is a leading student nation, so don’t miss out on your opportunity to grow and develop!
