Meet Raghav Bansal, a 19-year-old second-year computer science student at the prestigious University of Manchester. He currently assumes the presidency of the university’s Indian society and comes from the bustling city of New Delhi. So, why did he choose to study in the UK?
Raghav sought an international university experience and toured the UK to find the right one. He enjoyed London but preferred a student-centered environment rather than universities spread throughout the city. Manchester captivated him, and after witnessing its exceptional facilities, he knew it was the ideal place for him.
What advantages did Raghav experience in coming to the UK?
The UK boasts a high proportion of international students, which Raghav believes enhances personal growth. In India, only prestigious institutions can provide an international environment as the education system is dominated by Indian students. Moreover, Raghav points out that the staff in the UK are friendly, whereas, in India, teachers are often feared and cannot befriend their students.
Raghav appreciates the British way of managing his own time and embracing an attitude of, "It’s your life, do it in your way." Unlike in India, if he doesnt submit coursework on time, no one will pressure him or report the situation to his guardians. This freedom promotes self-growth and independence.
What about student life in India?
Indian parents want their children to excel in everything, including academics or other fields, and worry when they dont see progress. Most decisions are taken by extended family members, which can sometimes impede teenage students who require space.
Who are Raghav’s best friends at university?
Raghav came to the UK to make international friends, and thats what hes succeeded in doing. He has several social groups, including those in his accommodation, his computer science circle, and most people he meets.
Raghav is also friends with most students in the Indian society, but he doesnt limit his friendships to Indian students only.
What advantages does Raghav experience from having Indian friends?
Indian friends are Raghavs comfort zone because he can have some conversations with them that he cant have with British friends, such as family issues. Profession-related matters, such as business start-up ideas, are discussed with British friends on his course, and he has enjoyable moments with them. However, their bond is still semi-formal when it comes to personal conversations.
What does Raghav do in the Indian Society?
Raghav and the society create a home away from home for other Indian students and strive to promote Indian culture to non-Indians. Before arriving in the UK, freshers contact the society for advice, and when they arrive, the society organizes events. Celebrations include welcoming dinners and festivals such as Diwali, which are held without firecrackers because of safety regulations. They also celebrate Holi with the traditional snacks, DJs, water guns, and water balloons. The society runs fundraisers for Indian charities, arrange bhangra clubbing nights, cricket matches with the Pakistani society, and hold balls in posh hotels.
University life in India vs. Britain
Theres little difference in the way students socialize and have fun in both countries. British students, like their Indian counterparts, are laid back, have the same feelings towards their professors and lecturers, and dont love studying. However, the international element in UK universities sets them apart from Indian ones.
What about Britain’s nightlife?
Raghav finds British nightlife more relaxed. While he has never encountered problems with drinking alcohol, he has never experienced drinking outside of a university context. In India, drinking age restrictions are a significant issue, with the drinking age raised to 25 years old in recent years and drew protests from students.
What has been Raghav’s most trying experience studying in the UK?
Raghav struggles with homesickness and missing his family. In the beginning, he kept busy with societies, meeting new people, and touring new cities. He has "Indian stuff" on his pinboard, such as flags, posters, badges, and quotes from Indian leaders, to remind him of home. Unlike in India, he has to do everything himself, and sometimes he just wants to relax. However, what he misses most is the food, such as curries with rice and bread, specifically rajma with kidney beans and dhal with lentils.
Although some Indian restaurants could use improvements, there are a few that come close to the authentic Indian cuisine. At my university, we have Indian nights for catered accommodation, but sadly, the food provided is usually subpar. My English friends are surprised by the taste and ask if it really tastes like that, to which I respond with a negative.
Manchester is famous for its curry mile, and as an Indian, I wasnt expecting to find a lot of Indian food here. However, to my surprise, there are plenty of Indian restaurants in the area. My Indian friends enjoy going out for Indian food, while some even cook it themselves. As a result, I tend to consume Indian food at least once a day.
In the first ten months, I went back to India once, but now I plan to travel or do an internship instead. My dad is busy, but hes cool with it, though my mum misses me since I am an only child. We speak over the phone every day, but they often complain that I am never free to Skype them.
The cost of living in England is high; even regular, everyday items such as water can be more expensive than one would assume. Comparatively, beer can be cheaper than water. Accommodation and tuition fees in the UK can be expensive, and without subsidies available to British students, its even more costly. Fortunately, my dad is financially supporting my education.
The United Kingdom has met my expectations. The supportive university environment and the positive attitude of the staff have been the highlights for me. I was looking forward to the British culture, particularly how they work until a certain time and then relax together afterward, which doesnt happen often in India. Moreover, the British take time to relax on weekends, while most Indian businesses are still operating.
I would recommend other Indians to consider studying in the UK. Dont be apprehensive about studying abroad and instead embrace an open-minded approach, always saying the first hello to anyone you encounter.
