I came to the UK in September 2023 to pursue a Master's degree from the University of Sussex. Being the first person in my family to make the ambitious decision to study abroad, I was very skeptical about how I would navigate my way in a completely different country.
After spending more than two months across continents, I would like to discuss some of the most essential things one should remember before starting their educational journey in the UK.
1. Plan Your Funds!
After getting an offer letter from the university, you need to start thinking about how you will manage your funds for your journey. You need to estimate your funds for tuition fees, visa, flight, and living expenses. After securing an admission offer, looking for as many scholarships as possible is always wise. If you're solely going to rely on part-time jobs to pay for tuition fees and living expenses, I would advise you to take a calculated risk and talk to as many students as you can in your university and city where the university is located, especially when you've taken an educational loan. Do not trust everything you see on the internet!
2. Flights
When you get an admission offer, apply for a visa and determine your funding plan. You should buy a flight ticket well in advance. Like many other students, I bought my flight ticket before getting a decision on my visa. However, it is a precarious decision and depends on your personal circumstances whether you can afford to lose the money if your visa is rejected in the worst-case scenario. If you're considering connecting flights, please check the allowed luggage for each flight and whether you need a transit visa!
3. Accommodation
After figuring out a visa, flight tickets, and TB test, you may start looking for options on where you'll stay during your studies. Figuring out your accommodation before coming to the UK is crucial. You may decide whether to stay on-campus or off-campus, depending on your budget. Each has its pros and cons! Living on campus could help you make the most of campus events and academic life. Living in the city could make it easier for you to travel for part-time jobs.
4. Learn To Do Daily Chores!
Cooking and cleaning are widely considered gendered in India. Still, these are essential survival skills if you leave your home country. No exceptions to this! If you don't learn to cook, you'll have to rely on unhealthy, ready-to-eat meals, significantly increasing your budget! It will also help to learn to do budgeting, as with great freedom comes great responsibility!
5. Accessibility Needs
If you've accessibility needs, talk to your university before coming to the UK so that they can provide you with reasonable adjustments. Many physical and mental health-related conditions are not considered a disability in India, which is not the case in the UK. The Equality Act 2010 covers a great range of needs as a disability. I suggest carrying a diagnosis from India for any health condition. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for a free bus pass and disabled persons' rail card, along with many other benefits.
6. Miscellaneous
Before I came to the UK, I found students coming to my university through social media. I booked a shared cab with them and made some new friends! Talking with as many people as possible before coming here is vital, as it'll help you clear your confusion! You can open your bank account before coming to the UK if you want. It'll also help to ask for a sim card when you go for your visa appointment at VFS Global, or you can get one after coming here, but make sure to figure out how you'll communicate with people after arriving at the airport!
7. For Students From Marginalized Communities
For students coming from historically oppressed communities, there are support programs from organizations like Project EduAccess, Eklavya India Foundation, and Nalanda Academy. As someone who had never traveled outside India or taken a flight, I faced a significant imposter syndrome! But you don't have to! Be confident in yourself as you've achieved an essential milestone despite all the barriers life has thrown you.
Concluding Remarks
I have covered as many things as possible based on my experience. This guide only covers some of what you'll need for your journey, but I hope it helps clear some doubts. I'll write part two of this article about what to do after arriving in the UK! Do let me know in the comments if you have any questions. May you have a peaceful trip!