As Soren Kierkegaard said, “Patience is necessary, and one cannot reap immediately where one has sown.”
Thus, the transition from India to the UK was not so hard for me, mainly because my internship in the USA had already habituated me to life abroad. That experience eased me into getting accustomed to a new place even more. Of course, there were some notable differences in lifestyle and culture, from the manner in which people speak to daily routines and even cuisine. One of the biggest problems I had initially was adjusting to the accent. It was a little challenging at first, particularly during conversations or listening to lectures at university. However, with time, exposure, and practice, I adapted and felt more at ease.
Why the UK?
Few universities have a good master’s in culinary arts, and University College Birmingham (UCB) was one of them. Also, the UK is famously famous for its hospitality and the food industry, and what an enormous food culture it has with the best restaurants, hotels, and bakeries, so the ideal location to train and improve. Another very important reason for me was hands-on learning. Most courses here are geared toward practical learning, internships, and networking, which is exactly what I sought.
Scholarships, admission process & visa application
I was awarded a £500 default scholarship and a discount of £1000. Academic achievement, work experience, or special ability scholarships are given by most universities, including University College Birmingham. It is advisable to visit university websites, apply early, and make your achievements known on the application. Speaking with alumni and current students can yield important information as well. Additionally, looking into outside scholarships offered by public or private institutions might be a great way to find other financing sources.
The process of admission was fairly simple. I applied online through the website of the university, paid my documents, and had an interview. Later on, I got a letter of conditional offer asking me to furnish my outstanding marksheets. When I fulfilled all the conditions, I received the unconditional offer letter, accepted it, and proceeded with the application for a visa. The application was simple, but gathering everything took time, especially since I had to show I had enough funds for living expenses in the UK. UCB’s India team was really helpful and guided me through the process.
Universities and the education systems
My classmates and university colleagues have been really welcoming. Because UCB has such a diverse student body, it was fairly easy to relate to individuals of various backgrounds. Most of my peers are international students as well, so we had commonalities such as adapting to a new nation, navigating university life, and getting to know Birmingham together. Group assignments and social activities have been a great way to make some fantastic friends.
Additionally, the student ambassadors and staff were very friendly and assisted in making settling in less stressful. UCB also possesses a Student Guild that provides different societies and activities for students, which is an excellent means of meeting new individuals and becoming involved. Overall, the vibe is friendly, and I’ve felt included from the start.
I completed my Bachelor’s in International Culinary Arts from ITM Institute of Hotel Management, which is affiliated with Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. Since my course followed the UK curriculum with modules and practical learning, it really helped me transition from the Indian education system, which mainly focuses on written exams, to the UK’s education system. Even with that background, I still found my first semester a bit challenging because this is a higher level of study, and it requires a stronger command of language and structured writing. But over time, I’ve been getting the hang of it.
Adjusting to Life in the UK: Homesickness, Food, Housing, and Healthcare
Yeah, I’ve definitely felt homesick at times, especially in the beginning. Moving to a new country, away from family and familiar surroundings, wasn’t easy. But I’ve found a few ways to cope with it. Staying connected with my family through video calls and messages really helps. I usually keep myself busy with studies, and work, and exploring Birmingham, which has also made a big difference.
I’ve actually formed some wonderful friends here, and hanging out with them really does the trick. And a nice home-cooked meal, honestly, really makes me feel so much better when I’m missing it the most. It’s all just about finding that balance and reminding myself why I embarked on this journey in the beginning!
Coming to the UK certainly wasn’t easy, but I’ve been managing. When it comes to food, I actually did miss home cooking at first. Finding similar ingredients within my budget was a bit tricky, but I’ve been exploring more budget-friendly grocery stores and farmers’ markets. My go-to dish after a tiring day is “Dal Khichdi with some warm Dahi Kadhi”; the ingredients are easily available. Since I’m in the culinary industry, I also try to come up with substitute recipes for my comfort food, which has been fun and helpful.
Finding a good place to stay was stressful, too; balancing rent, location, and amenities wasn’t easy. I made sure I secured a decent place by doing a lot of research, looking through student forums, and asking seniors. To be honest, it’s crucial to do the right amount of study before choosing a course of action. The weather, too!
Originally, I needed to acclimatise to the cold and unpredictable rain, but with the passing of time and a couple of warm sweaters, I am improving. The hardest thing that happened to me, however, was when I fell sick with a sore throat and lost my voice entirely. I attempted to make an appointment with the NHS, but it was draining. It took nearly two days just to be connected to a clinic, and ultimately my appointment was cancelled because I missed a call from them and there was no way to return it! That was annoying, but now I know to seek out other avenues such as pharmacies or private consultations. However, private consultations are quite pricey.
Advise prospective students to manage their finances
BUDGETING! Every student planning to come here needs to budget their expenses; seriously, it makes life so much easier. Personally, my weekly expenses (excluding rent and utilities) come to around £30-£40. It’s totally doable if you’re mindful about where your money goes. Cooking at home instead of eating out, looking for student discounts, and shopping at budget-friendly grocery stores greatly help. Of course, splurging every now and then is completely okay. You’re here to enjoy the experience as well, after all! Keep your priorities and goals in mind so you won’t be stressing about money later on. Preparing ahead of time and monitoring expenses really makes a big difference!
The author is pursuing an MA Culinary Arts Management from University College Birmingham, UK
