Olympiad Medalist Indian Student Reflects On Life & Learning In The UK

“Comfort is no test of truth. Truth is often far from being comfortable.” – Swami Vivekananda. This quote became a quiet companion during my transition from India to the UK. The move brought with it a different education system, a new social setting, and an unfamiliar rhythm of life. There were moments that felt overwhelming—not because things were going wrong, but because they were different. But this line constantly reminded me that real growth rarely happens in comfort. The more I leaned into that discomfort, the more I discovered truths about myself, about resilience, and about how transformative this journey could truly be.

My transition from India to the United Kingdom was more seamless than I had initially anticipated. Having previously participated in short-term academic programmes and international olympiads in Russia and having represented India in multiple international forums, I had already developed a certain level of cultural agility. That exposure gave me a preliminary understanding of how to adapt to new environments, both socially and academically. However, a long-term stay in a country such as the UK is inevitably a more layered experience.

When I first arrived, there were, of course, moments of reflection where I missed the familiar rhythm of home—the language, the food, the warmth of family, and the everyday spontaneity of Indian life. Yet, these moments were quickly balanced by the richness of the opportunities that awaited me. The University of Birmingham and the broader British academic culture offered a space that valued dialogue, intellectual curiosity, and individual growth. With time, the unfamiliar became familiar, and what once felt like a distant opportunity transformed into a deeply personal and transformative experience.

GREAT Scholarship

I was fortunate to receive the GREAT Scholarship, which is jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council, in collaboration with select UK universities. This prestigious scholarship awards students from select countries a financial grant of ten thousand pounds to support one-year postgraduate study in the UK. For me, receiving the GREAT Scholarship was not only a recognition of my academic and professional background but also a meaningful affirmation of the direction in which I wished to grow.

To future applicants, I would advise approaching the application with authenticity and clarity. The Statement of Purpose should not merely be a list of achievements. It should reflect one’s journey, aspirations, and personal motivations. It is important to write honestly about why the opportunity matters and how one hopes to use the education received for a larger cause. The CV should be well-structured and specific, and the choice of referees should reflect meaningful academic or professional relationships. Transparency and integrity across all parts of the application are essential. Ultimately, the scholarship is not just about past performance but about future potential.

University admission, campus environment

The admission process with the University of Birmingham was well-structured and efficient. I had ongoing communication with the admissions team and found them to be extremely responsive and supportive. When it came to applying for the visa, I used the standard application route through VFS Delhi. I found the process straightforward and user-friendly. I ensured all my documents were in order and submitted well in advance. To my relief and gratitude, my visa was processed within just eight days. Overall, the admission and visa processes were clear, streamlined, and free from major complications.

The atmosphere at the university has been incredibly welcoming and inclusive. From the moment I arrived, I felt that my peers, faculty members, and the wider student community were genuinely interested in learning about each other’s experiences and perspectives. One of the most enriching aspects of my time here has been the diversity of the student body. My classmates come from across the globe—China, Kenya, Nigeria, Bangladesh, the United States, Egypt, Canada, the UK and different parts of Europe and South Asia. This diversity ensures that every classroom discussion is not just academically stimulating but also culturally expansive.

Challenges

One of the initial challenges, and this may sound amusing in retrospect, was adjusting to the cost of living. Currency conversion can be a real shock in the beginning. I remember standing in a supermarket aisle calculating the cost of a watermelon and being momentarily stunned. However, as time passed, I stopped mentally converting every purchase and began budgeting like a local.

In terms of food, I have been quite comfortable. I have always enjoyed cooking since my childhood and often prefer it to eating out. With access to basic Indian spices and fresh produce, I have managed to maintain a healthy and familiar diet. Accommodation was not a challenge in my case, as I opted for university housing. It was clean, safe, well-managed, and located within walking distance of the university. Choosing university-managed accommodation, especially in the first year, makes the transition much smoother.

Advice for prospective students

Plan thoroughly: Sort out your finances, academic objectives, and accommodation in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

Stay open to change: Be mentally prepared to step out of your comfort zone & adapt to new environments and challenges. 

Embrace cultural diversity: Listen actively & engage with people from different backgrounds; it’s a great way to grow personally and professionally. 

Prioritise your well-being: Create a daily routine that supports your mental & physical health.

Enjoy the small things: Find joy in little rituals like cooking, taking a walk, or talking to a friend. These moments help you stay grounded. 

Stay connected to your purpose: Remind yourself why you chose this path. Your journey isn’t just about grades; it’s about evolving into a more aware & capable version of yourself.

Keep learning beyond the classroom: Use every experience, be it positive or challenging, as a stepping stone toward becoming a global citizen.

The author is pursuing an LLM in International Law and Security from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

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