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People from India that travelled to UK for their post graduation/masters - what advice would you give to those that are now planning on doing the same?
Any/all advice in any/all field(s) is welcome and greatly appreciated!
If you could go back in time and give advice to your past self on what to expect, what to prepare for, how best to prepare yourself, do's and don'ts - and anything else you would like your past self to know - what would you tell them?
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4 answers
Updated
Bhavna’s Answer
1. Invest time researching the UK's regulations, rules and requirements related to immigration, visas and study (including fees, living costs, taxation, application and paperwork processes).
2. Start the visa application and other paperwork well in advance (at least 3 to 4 months before the start of their studies).
3. Speak with professors and peers who have already studied in the UK and seek their guidance.
4. Research living costs in the UK – this will vary by city and region and ensure that the budget takes into account any additional expenses (such as student union fees and transportation).
5. Learn about the cultural differences between India and the UK so you can feel more comfortable during your stay.
6. Stay organised and be prepared for anything that comes your way.
7. Stay in touch with family and friends from India, as you may feel lonely and homesick in a brand new environment.
8. Once in the UK, develop a network with other international students or join clubs and societies that can increase your knowledge and cultural understanding of the country.
9. Make sure to attend student orientation activities so you can familiarize yourself with the environment and the university.
10. Use all of the resources available to you and don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed!
Good luck 👍
2. Start the visa application and other paperwork well in advance (at least 3 to 4 months before the start of their studies).
3. Speak with professors and peers who have already studied in the UK and seek their guidance.
4. Research living costs in the UK – this will vary by city and region and ensure that the budget takes into account any additional expenses (such as student union fees and transportation).
5. Learn about the cultural differences between India and the UK so you can feel more comfortable during your stay.
6. Stay organised and be prepared for anything that comes your way.
7. Stay in touch with family and friends from India, as you may feel lonely and homesick in a brand new environment.
8. Once in the UK, develop a network with other international students or join clubs and societies that can increase your knowledge and cultural understanding of the country.
9. Make sure to attend student orientation activities so you can familiarize yourself with the environment and the university.
10. Use all of the resources available to you and don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed!
Good luck 👍
Updated
Bhavna’s Answer
1. Research: Research as much as possible into the application process, fees, scholarships and available universities.
2. Funding: Evaluate all available funding options, including scholarships, bursaries, loans and grants, to ensure you can afford your studies.
3. Accommodation: Look into safe, comfortable and affordable accommodation for the duration of your studies.
4. Preparing for Arrival: Prepare beforehand for the challenges that come with living in an unfamiliar country, including language barriers, cultural differences, and navigating public transport.
5. Take advantage of opportunities: Engage in extracurricular activities and join societies to help build your professional and personal skills.
6. Stay in touch: Maintain strong ties with your home country and make sure to stay up to date on the latest developments.
2. Funding: Evaluate all available funding options, including scholarships, bursaries, loans and grants, to ensure you can afford your studies.
3. Accommodation: Look into safe, comfortable and affordable accommodation for the duration of your studies.
4. Preparing for Arrival: Prepare beforehand for the challenges that come with living in an unfamiliar country, including language barriers, cultural differences, and navigating public transport.
5. Take advantage of opportunities: Engage in extracurricular activities and join societies to help build your professional and personal skills.
6. Stay in touch: Maintain strong ties with your home country and make sure to stay up to date on the latest developments.
Updated
Krishnakant’s Answer
Hey Akash, Great to here that you are concerned for you future. Answer to you question - "People from India that travelled to UK for their post graduation/masters" is following-
Firstly you have an option, if you are from technical background that you can opt for masters in India itself in good colleges like IITs, IISC and some universities. These are good colleges but you have to appear for competition to crack GATE, CEED like exam. This exam are not easy for sure and also a lot of competition is here (India). A report which is published few week ago, stated that GATE is world 8th toughest exam so you can imagine how much competition is here. That is the reason people going outside.
Secondly It is also known that the education facility and career growth in top foreign unversities are better. But not in all case, only top 200 college/universities of the world can say are good compare to India. Career or job finding is much easier as compared to India.
Thirdly people also go because of outside exposure.
I hope I answered your question.
Thanks and Good luck.
Firstly you have an option, if you are from technical background that you can opt for masters in India itself in good colleges like IITs, IISC and some universities. These are good colleges but you have to appear for competition to crack GATE, CEED like exam. This exam are not easy for sure and also a lot of competition is here (India). A report which is published few week ago, stated that GATE is world 8th toughest exam so you can imagine how much competition is here. That is the reason people going outside.
Secondly It is also known that the education facility and career growth in top foreign unversities are better. But not in all case, only top 200 college/universities of the world can say are good compare to India. Career or job finding is much easier as compared to India.
Thirdly people also go because of outside exposure.
I hope I answered your question.
Thanks and Good luck.
Updated
Vani’s Answer
Nice to see that you are considering going to the UK for a master's. I did the same 14 years ago, in 2009. Here is what I have faced challenges and how much fun it is.
- -Financial Challenges--
- I paid my course fee in full but had to work to make money for the day-to-day living and the rental.
- It was hard finding part-time 20hrs work initially. So please get some connection there before you arrive so someone is there for you to sort
things out
- We lived in a shared house, so the rent and bills were split. It was quite helpful
- I have seen some people overdo part-time jobs and struggle with academics, so please keep the balance. Studies come first.
--Emotional Challenges--
- You are away from your family, so make sure you have a friend you can visit in the UK during your breaks and share your problems and have fun.
- You are in a new place; try to explore and travel to get to know the culture, read the current affairs, and connect with the locals.
- travelling to other European countries is much cheaper, so try to save money and make these little trips.
--Career Challenges--
- I went for my master's after working as a software engineer for three years and worried I would have a career gap. But I managed to find
Volunteering as a software engineer on a university project kept my skills fresh.
- So I would say keep your eyes open for any opportunity.
--Academic challenges --
- Take it seriously, please study, do the exams, and try not to skip classes.
- Get to know your teachers and ensure you use the university resources.
- -Financial Challenges--
- I paid my course fee in full but had to work to make money for the day-to-day living and the rental.
- It was hard finding part-time 20hrs work initially. So please get some connection there before you arrive so someone is there for you to sort
things out
- We lived in a shared house, so the rent and bills were split. It was quite helpful
- I have seen some people overdo part-time jobs and struggle with academics, so please keep the balance. Studies come first.
--Emotional Challenges--
- You are away from your family, so make sure you have a friend you can visit in the UK during your breaks and share your problems and have fun.
- You are in a new place; try to explore and travel to get to know the culture, read the current affairs, and connect with the locals.
- travelling to other European countries is much cheaper, so try to save money and make these little trips.
--Career Challenges--
- I went for my master's after working as a software engineer for three years and worried I would have a career gap. But I managed to find
Volunteering as a software engineer on a university project kept my skills fresh.
- So I would say keep your eyes open for any opportunity.
--Academic challenges --
- Take it seriously, please study, do the exams, and try not to skip classes.
- Get to know your teachers and ensure you use the university resources.