COMING TO STUDY IN THE UK By Roshni Paul
Having no clue what to expect, with passport and visa held close and tear filled eyes from saying endless goodbyes, it is exactly five years ago I came to the UK for my higher education. I was accepted as a postgraduate student at Teesside University for a Masters in Nanotechnology and Microsystems. Leaving India was hard as I was separated from family and friends, I knew my adventure had just begun.
Chilly, windy North east England welcomed me as any other foreign student. Everything was new, and I was like a blotting paper trying to absorb as much as I could. Induction, welcome party, meeting and befriending fellow students from different parts of the globe thrilled me throughout the first few days and helped me settle in quite easily. The University accommodation was as homely as, it could be, bustling with international and home students but I had never stayed away from my family ever in my life. So, I should admit that I too have had those home sick days where I have felt very alone.
Coming from a background of classroom teaching where lectures play an important role and where no plagiarism exists, it was difficult to understand the concept of learning and teaching in the UK to begin with. Getting the assignments done online, knowing how to deal with Blackboard and all your lectures through modules, and developing ideas using state of the art equipment in the lab meant I had to be on the right track, which took time and was an experience in itself.
After establishing myself to some extent on firm ground, I was very enthusiastic to try part time jobs. I got an opportunity at the University as International Student Worker (Ambassador) and worked along with teams for Open days, tours and exhibitions. It was both a fun, experience, and productive. Getting my first part time job great on its own and the joy I felt at receiving my first pay was truly awesome. Later on I could work for Middlesbrough Council as a Mentor for the Student Associate Scheme and at our local Albert Park as a recreation assistant. Everywhere I could meet people, hear new stories about their own adventures.
At Teesside, social life was predominantly oriented towards student lifestyle. From the student’s union through to various cafes and pubs in and around the campus, to restaurants and the vibrant ‘Mall’ in the city centre, it was really good to venture out during days off from school. Talking about food, together with friends, Indian and Chinese restaurants
were our common dinner ideas and I didn’t miss much of my South Indian food items in Teesside because of the presence of shops which sold the same things fit for our culinary practice. I could travel to some places like York and the Lake district as a part of our trips from Teesside accommodation where I was serving as Warden for the halls during the Summer. It was a beautiful and pleasant memory making walking around the beautiful North East of England, including the sandy shorelines of Whitby. Indian culture was valued at the University and I had no difficulty in accepting the different cultures I met because of the respect I received in response. I could visit the Temple during Pooja, an Indian festival and also I attended the University chapel on a regular Sunday basis where I had much older friends who welcomed me with their warm love and affection.
Being an international student has shown me an entirely different view on both studies and life in itself. It has shown me that education is not about how much information you gain from a course but how much it changes you as a person. Completing a Masters with a distinction for the project was more than I had hoped for, but I couldn’t have done it without my supporting Supervisor and director of studies. Inspired to try a different path, I decided to apply for a PhD after my Masters and was offered a researcher position at Birmingham City University where I am currently working on fuels from algae.
Living in the UK has made me independent, capable of taking decisions, to be strong emotionally, eventhough I fail at times, I pick myself up again, and to fight for something that I believe. To be a girl, from India, single, and spending five years in the UK as a student has made me see life’s colourful and dark sides alike. It was not easy but the journey has been a true adventure with its ups and downs. Looking ahead, I would like to complete my research and say “Yes, it’s a dream come true indeed!” Known among my multicultural friends for ‘Curry’ and ‘Samosas’ I will always cherish the time I have spent in the UK for the rest of my life.
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