An Indian student’s experience of moving to London

Moving to the UK to study at a university was a big step for me. After finishing my GCSEs and A-levels in the UAE, I studied at Cardiff University, which was a great experience. So, when I got into UCL for my MSc, I thought I had it all figured out. However, London and UCL, in particular, offered new challenges and opportunities that I hadn't expected, especially as an international student originally from India. 

A New Chapter at UCL 

Cardiff was a fantastic place to start my small, friendly, and welcoming UK journey. But UCL, right in the heart of London, is an entirely different experience. It’s one of the top universities in the world, and you can feel that as soon as you step onto campus. The resources and opportunities here are incredible, especially for someone like me doing an MSc. Whether it’s access to world-class labs, libraries, or networking events, UCL has everything a student could ask for. 

What UCL Offers to Overseas Students 

Coming from the UAE, there was more to think about than just getting used to a new academic environment. I had to adapt to life in London as well. Here's how UCL helped make things easier: 

• A Global Community: One thing that stood out right away was the diversity at UCL. There are students from all over the world, making settling in much easier. As an Indian, I didn’t feel out of place because there were so many people with similar backgrounds. 

• Support for International Students: UCL has a fantastic support team for international students. They help with everything from visa advice to settling into life in the UK. Whether it’s figuring out how to open a bank account or finding the best places for Indian and Emirati food, they’ve got you covered. 

• Career and Networking Opportunities: One of the great things about being at UCL is the sheer number of career opportunities available. Although I haven’t attended any of the events, UCL regularly offers career fairs, industry talks, and networking events. These events are designed to connect students with professionals from a wide range of industries, whether you're looking to get into tech, finance, or something more specialised. They also run workshops on everything from improving your CV to interview skills, so even if you’re unsure about your career path, UCL gives you the tools and support to explore different options and make connections that could be valuable down the line. 

• Life in London: Cardiff was lovely, but London is something else entirely. There’s always something going on, whether it be museums, parks, or just walking around and discovering new places. For someone living in the UAE, which is already quite diverse, London still feels like a step up in terms of variety and excitement. And you can always find a taste of home with the amazing food scene here.

Adjusting to UK Life 

Coming from the UAE, I was used to a structured routine, and the more laid-back approach here in the UK took a bit of getting used to. However, UCL offers workshops on time management and other skills that helped me stay on top of my work. The weather was another thing to get used to, especially the constant rain! But, over time, you learn to always have an umbrella. 

Staying Connected to My Roots 

As an Indian student who lived in the UAE, I’ve always made it a priority to stay connected to both cultures. In London, that’s not hard to do. The city has so many Indian restaurants and even spots that remind me of the UAE, which is great for feeling homesick. 

Final Thoughts 

For any students coming from India or UAE, UCL offers the best of both worlds with its top-tier education and a city full of experiences. It’s a place where you can grow, both academically and personally. If you want to broaden your horizons and make the most of your time studying abroad, UCL is a brilliant place to do it. The experience has been incredible for me, and I will recommend it to anyone thinking of making the move. 

Further resources

• Information for prospective students from India 
• UCL International Students Support team 
• UCL Indian Society 
• UCL and India: A historic relationship 
• SI-UK: Why Indian Students Should Choose University College London
• SI-UK: Studying in London at UCL
• SI-UK: Five Reasons to Choose University College London

Image Credit

Photographer: Digby Oldridge
Copyright: © Digby Oldridge/PR Eye