I accomplished my Class 12 from The Gaudium College in Kollur, Hyderabad, after which I made a decision to affix my brother in Glasgow the place I’m now a third-year scholar at Strathclyde Enterprise College, College of Strathclyde, Scotland specialising in Advertising, Enterprise Evaluation, and Expertise.
Once I was researching universities, I used to be weighing so many elements. I wished a spot the place I might problem myself intellectually whereas feeling at house in a brand new surroundings. Strathclyde stored popping up in my search, and after I discovered it held the “triple crown” accreditation — AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB — since 2004, I felt like I had discovered one thing particular.
I had different choices from the College of San Francisco and Penn State to Dundee, Sheffield, and Southampton. However another excuse to choose Strathclyde Enterprise College, moreover their rating, is Glasgow. I examine its friendliness, the combo of custom and modernity, and I might see myself becoming proper in. Glasgow has a fame for being one of many happiest locations to dwell within the UK.
Shifting to a brand new nation
My first days in Glasgow felt like stepping right into a world that was each excitingly new and, due to the folks round me, unexpectedly heat and acquainted. Having my mother and father with me after I first arrived was a present. They stayed for almost a month, which gave me this light bridge between the consolation of house and the unknowns of dwelling overseas. My dad went out of his manner to ensure I felt supported —strolling me to the college to choose up my biometric residence card (BRP) and dropping me off at my first few lessons.
One in all my first solo outings was to a close-by Starbucks. I didn’t know what to anticipate, and that tiny sense of loneliness had simply began to creep in. However the girl behind the counter seen I used to be new, struck up the warmest dialog, and shared how a lot she liked Indian meals, telling me, “You’re so welcome right here.”
Then got here Freshers’ Week, which actually made me really feel like I belonged. Within the midst of this, the lodging employees performed an enormous function too, organising occasions that made it straightforward to seek out my footing and join with different college students. They guided me in a manner that made me really feel not simply welcomed however seen.
In fact, there have been humorous little challenges too. Grocery buying turned an journey of its personal — mentally changing kilos to rupees each time I picked one thing up or making an attempt to determine the style distinction between white and purple onions. These tiny discoveries, although typically laughable, marked my gradual transition into a brand new life-style.
Having my brother in Glasgow after I moved right here added a layer of help, nonetheless, we ended up in separate lodging, simply 5 minutes aside.
Incomes whereas learning — tiring however essential
Managing the price of dwelling as a scholar in Glasgow has been each a problem and a chance for private progress. Early on, I realised that balancing bills would require me to be proactive, so I made a decision to tackle part-time roles that not solely help me financially but in addition enrich my college expertise.
I turned a scholar ambassador on the College of Strathclyde, the place I signify the college throughout Open Days, Applicant Visits, and key recruitment occasions. This function has been greater than only a job; it’s allowed me to attach with potential college students and their households, share my very own journey, and develop invaluable communication and public talking abilities. Partaking with folks from various backgrounds has been extremely rewarding and has deepened my connection to the college neighborhood.
As well as, I took on a content material creation function with the college’s Recruitment and Worldwide Workplace. Right here, I apply my ardour for advertising and media by producing movies that showcase the vibrancy of scholar life at Strathclyde. This place not solely helps with dwelling bills but in addition permits me to construct a portfolio aligned with my research in advertising. It’s been fulfilling to see my work contribute to the college’s outreach and to know that I’m serving to potential college students really feel enthusiastic about becoming a member of our neighborhood.
Balancing these roles with my educational commitments has taught me so much about time administration and prioritizing what’s essential. Whereas it may be demanding at instances, the expertise has been extremely rewarding.
How learning overseas modified me…and people round me
Finding out overseas has undoubtedly modified my outlook on life and, curiously, has additionally influenced how folks again house understand me. Being immersed in a brand new tradition and dwelling independently has introduced out a aspect of me that’s extra resilient and adaptable. The expertise has allowed me to know not solely my very own journey but in addition to understand the journeys of these round me.
Again house, I’ve seen that individuals work together with me a bit in another way. Family and friends appear extra assured in my talents, usually commenting on how I’ve turn into extra mature and confident. They see me as somebody who’s extra grounded, in a position to deal with challenges with a way of calm and readability.
(This letter is a part of a sequence by The Indian Categorical the place we convey to you the experiences of scholars at totally different overseas universities. From scholarships and loans to meals and cultural experiences — college students inform us how life is totally different in these nations and issues they’re studying apart from lecturers)
