After completing my Class 12 from New Era Public School, Mayapuri (Delhi), I pursued my bachelor’s degree in software engineering from the University of Greenwich, London, back in 2010-2013. Since I already had an experience with the study pattern at UK universities, life in the UK, places etc, it was pretty much easy for me to decide to pursue a master’s degree from the country. So, I started pursuing MSc Advanced Computing Science from University of East Anglia, UK.
My course involves modules such as advanced programming, web development, applications programming, database manipulation etc, which give an immense amount of practical exposure on learning technologies which are used in real-world organisations. In MSc, there are two terms with about three modules in each term, plus a dissertation, making a total of seven modules. The study structure involves two-hour lectures followed by two-hour lab sessions. The good thing is that in some of the modules, you also get extra two-hour lab sessions for more help with your lab work. There are coursework assignments and exams. Some modules are 100 per cent coursework, whereas others combine both.
Admission process
To kickstart my admissions process, I straightaway consulted a few counsellors, who bolstered me throughout the process.
Since I wanted to apply for a master’s for a session starting in September 2023, I made sure to initiate the process of finding the right counsellor in March 2023 itself. It took me about two weeks to find the right counsellor who would assist me throughout the process. That is when I came to know about the UEA and I decided to apply by the first week of April 2023.
Here are a few must-have things or documents during the application process:
– A valid passport
– Valid IELTS overall score >=6 with a minimum of 5.5 bands in every section.
– Class 10, 12 marksheets
– Bachelor’s degree and transcripts (if applicable)
– Previous UK visa details (if applicable)
Approximately three weeks after submitting the application by the end of the first week of April, I received an email asking me to provide the UEA a piece of my personal project, which involved an immense amount of coding. The requirement was due to the nature of the course I applied for—MSc Advanced Computing Science. By the mid of May 2023, I had an unconditional offer letter from the UEA.
Getting a student loan
I applied for a collateral student loan. For that, I went to a trusted bank with the university’s unconditional offer letter and tuition fee structure document explaining the complete fee breakdown. I requested a collateral student loan against my house. It took nearly a week to get approved.
In the meantime, I opened a joint bank savings account with myself and my father, which was the loan account through which I made the tuition fee payments. It wasn’t difficult to get the loan since my and my father’s CIBIL score was 800+.
First day
The first day in the UK was quite overwhelming as it was a new country, new people, new place etc. The first day at the university was fun. The first week is the induction week where you get to meet new students, make new friends, meet professors, have a brief idea regarding the course modules, university departments, buildings etc. I was extremely intrigued to see the university architecture and other buildings such as the Sainsbury’s Centre for Visual Arts, Sports Park and the UEA lake.
I did face a lot of struggle initially regarding the accommodation. Since I am married, finding a room or a flat suitable for a couple is something extremely difficult in Norwich. Most of the flats and rooms are made large enough only to accommodate a single person or student. Norwich is known for the UEA; you mostly come across people who are students near the university, around the city centre and other nearby places. I believe that is why rooms are constructed to accommodate mostly single students in a room. However, Yugo Housing Accommodation in Norwich helped us in finding a suite room for me and my wife. The UEA has very limited availability of rooms suitable for couples. I tried my luck there a couple of times in the beginning but each time I faced disappointment. However, if you are coming as a single person or student, I believe there should not be much of a hassle in finding accommodation. The key is to apply timely and check housing or property websites as well.
Culture shock was definitely something I felt since the UK is largely diversified in terms of the population, with different types of people with different backgrounds, beliefs and religions, whereas in India I always lived around people who come from Hindu communities. However, with time, I feel you blend yourself in with different people and friends. It is actually interesting to know and learn about different cultures, religions, practices and beliefs.
Being an Indian, I really hoped for a few Indian stores where I could easily get access to Indian food, spices etc. Norwich has quite a few Indian stores near the university and the city centre.
I do have a few experiences, especially on the first day when I did not have a phone connection and I seemed completely lost at a tube station. Looking at me and my heavy luggage, a stranger noticed that I might be new to the UK. He asked me if I was okay and if I was looking for something, directions or anything. He guided me with the trains to take after what all stops in about how much time. He even helped me get a tube station map, which was extremely helpful and nice of him, indeed.
Surviving in UK on minimum wage
Compared to India, the cost of living in the UK is very high. However, there are plenty of part-time jobs for students in different areas and sectors, such as retail, food chains, healthcare, warehousing and at the university itself. As an international student, I am allowed to work 20 hours a week. The basic pay as of November 2023 was 10.5 GBP. Students even get the opportunity to make more than the basic up to 11.88 in some part-time jobs. The best time is to start applying as soon the study session starts.
The UEA has a Career Central website, which lists a lot of part-time opportunities. Alongside, making accounts on Indeed, CVLibrary and other job portals broadens the opportunity even more. The UEA organises a number of job fairs from time to time. So it is best to keep an eye on them and be in consistent touch with the Career Central team. They even help out in making resumes. Remember, if you are facing rejections in the application process or after interviews, my advice is not to get discouraged or disheartened but just to hang in there and keep applying. There are a large number of opportunities. Sooner or later, you will surely land one.
How studying abroad changed me
Studying abroad is not only about studying but it is a mix of a number of other things and experiences. Living by yourself and managing day-to-day life comes with many responsibilities which I believe we do not experience while studying in India, living with our families taking advantage of all sorts of facilities and conveniences.
However, living and studying abroad fills you with discipline. It makes you follow a routine in life, which is extremely crucial. One realises the value of time, money and relationships while studying and living abroad. Studying in the UK is definitely better as the study material and pattern are mostly practice-based rather than theoretical. The projects are more like industry-standard projects, which gives you an immense exposure and knowledge base.
(This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students at different foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences — students tell us how life is different in those countries and things they are learning other than academics)