From Mumbai, India to London, UK : My Study Abroad Experience

Ever since college, I dreamed of walking through the campus of a foreign university — coffee in hand, surrounded by students from all over the world, soaking in the energy of something bigger than myself.

Hi, I’m Arha Mehta, born and raised in Mumbai. Until recently, I’d never studied anywhere outside my city. But in 2022, that changed — I packed my bags and moved to London to pursue my master’s degree at Imperial College London.

The dream really began years ago, when my older brother went to study at the University of Southern California (USC). Visiting him was my first experience of an international campus — the vibrant student life, the freedom, the sense of purpose everyone seemed to carry. That trip made me realise that someday, I wanted to experience that too.

Now, standing here in London, I often think back to that moment. This post is my attempt to share my journey — the decisions, doubts, and discoveries — with anyone who dreams of studying abroad but isn’t sure where to start.

Why I Decided to Study Abroad

When I was deciding why to study abroad, it wasn’t just about chasing a degree — it was about growth. My parents always believed that studying in another country would shape me into a more independent, confident person. They knew that stepping out of Mumbai’s comfort zone would teach me life skills that no classroom could.

Growing up, I was used to the cushion of home — the comfort of family, familiarity, and everything being within reach. But I knew that to really grow, I needed to get out of that bubble. Studying abroad was my way of doing that.

Of course, academics played a huge part too. Imperial had been my dream university for years. Even though I got offers from other great schools like Warwick University, some even with scholarships, Imperial felt like the perfect blend between academic excellence and a dynamic city life. The idea of living in London — a city so global and full of opportunity — just felt right.

The biggest challenges before deciding were around scholarships and course choices. I spent weeks comparing programs, trying to figure out what would align best with my long-term goals. Since I’d always been interested in marketing and social impact, I wanted something that allowed me to merge the two.

If you’re in that phase, I’d really recommend checking out tools like QS World Rankings or Times Higher Education — they helped me understand how universities compare in terms of reputation, research, and graduate outcomes.

Research and Application Journey

The next step was figuring out how to make it happen.

Because my brother studied in the U.S., I was quite familiar with the H-1B visa lottery system and the uncertainty around it. That’s one of the reasons I looked at the UK, where the Graduate Route visa allows students to stay back and work for up to two years after their degree.

Another factor was that most UK master’s programs are one-year courses, which meant I could complete my studies faster while still earning a globally respected degree.

I started my research and applications in March 2021, during my final year of undergrad, for the September 2022 intake. My process looked something like this:

• Research: I shortlisted universities based on program structure, global ranking, and location.
• Website Deep Dives: I spent hours exploring course content on official university sites to understand the curriculum.
• Networking: I reached out to current students and alumni on LinkedIn, often setting up virtual “coffee chats” to ask about their experience — from coursework to city life.
• Application Prep: I took the IELTS, prepped for just two weeks using British Council resources and YouTube mock tests, and scored an 8 band overall.
  

When it came to my Statement of Purpose (SOP), I wanted to make sure it truly reflected me. Having interned at both startups and large MNCs, I wrote about how these experiences shaped my understanding of marketing’s evolving role in sustainability. I built my application around the theme of Green Marketing and Social Impact — a perspective I was genuinely passionate about.

Looking back, I think that’s what made my application stand out. It wasn’t just about achievements; it was about authenticity and purpose.

The Visa Process and Challenges I Faced

Once I got my offer from Imperial, the next big step was securing my UK student visa (Tier 4).

Thankfully, the process was straightforward — especially if you stay organised and apply early. Here’s the checklist I followed:

• Valid passport
• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from Imperial
• Proof of funds (bank statements or sponsor letter)
• IELTS result
• TB test certificate
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Payment receipts for visa and health surcharge
• Academic transcripts and certificates

Since mine was a student visa, I opted for priority processing, which meant I got a decision in just a few weeks. The waiting period was still nerve-wracking, though. I remember checking my inbox almost every hour — just in case.

One thing I learned from this part of the journey is that being meticulous pays off. Make digital copies of everything, label your documents clearly, and start early. Even if you’ve never handled so much paperwork before, it’s completely manageable if you stay organised.

Talking to a few friends who applied around the same time, I realised that delays usually happened when someone missed a document or uploaded the wrong file. So, double-check everything before hitting submit!

My First Days Abroad — Culture Shock and Adaptation

Landing in London felt surreal. After months of planning, applications, and anticipation, I was finally here — ready to start my life as an international student. The first week honestly felt like I was on a mini holiday, especially since my parents came along to help me settle in. We spent those first few days setting up my room, figuring out grocery stores, and exploring the nearby cafés around South Kensington.

But when they left, reality hit. Hard.

Suddenly, I wasn’t on vacation anymore — I was living in a new country. I remember coming back to my accommodation that first night after dropping them at the airport and feeling a wave of emotions. Excitement, fear, pride — all at once. Everything was different: the weather, the people, even the taste of food. Let’s just say I quickly learned that eating out in London as a vegetarian wasn’t always the most satisfying experience — and that home-cooked food was far superior. Within the first week, I was already teaching myself how to make dal, pasta, and my favourite comfort food, poha.

Thankfully, Imperial College London made the transition smoother. They hosted an incredible Welcome Week, filled with events, mixers, and campus tours. It “forced” all of us to get out of our shells and start talking to new people — which, looking back, was exactly what I needed. Those first few awkward introductions eventually turned into close friendships.

Before arriving, a few of us Indian students had actually created a WhatsApp group to connect. We’d been chatting for weeks — sharing packing lists, discussing accommodation options, and generally hyping each other up. By the time we arrived, it already felt like I had a small community waiting.

We all ended up staying in the same student accommodation, and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I made. We chose a place with individual rooms and personal kitchens, which was slightly pricier than shared options, but for me, it was completely worth it. As a vegetarian, having my own kitchen gave me control over my meals. Plus, having my best friends just a few doors away meant I had the perfect mix of privacy and companionship — my own space, but never really alone.

The first few weeks were full of small wins — figuring out how to use the washing machine, managing expenses, and learning how to balance independence with discipline. Slowly, I realised that studying abroad isn’t just about academics — it’s a crash course in adulting. I learned to cook, manage my time, handle loneliness, and take care of myself — things I might never have learned if I’d stayed in my comfort zone back home.

Despite the occasional culture shock, I began to love the experience. London is incredibly multicultural, and seeing so many Indian students around made me feel instantly more at home. Whether it was celebrating Diwali together, cooking Indian food on weekends, or exploring the city’s hidden gems, there was always something that reminded me of Mumbai — but with a British twist.

Life as an International Student

Being a student at Imperial was everything I’d imagined — and more. The academic experience was rigorous, but also deeply engaging. Classes were highly interactive — professors would often pause lectures midway to throw in quick quizzes or polls to keep everyone sharp.

The use of technology in teaching amazed me. Every module had real-time simulations, digital group activities, and collaborative tools that made learning exciting. One of my favourite modules was Marketing Decision Making, where our class was divided into teams that competed in a live business simulation. Each group acted as a company trying to increase market share — and every decision we made, from pricing to product development, affected our results. It was practical learning at its best.

Another memorable class was Entrepreneurship, where we worked on developing a startup idea from scratch, building full pitch decks, business models, and marketing plans. It gave me a real taste of what running a business could look like in the real world. And then there was the Consulting Project, where our team was assigned to a real company to solve an existing challenge. It was intense but so rewarding — seeing your ideas make an actual impact was an unforgettable experience.

Outside academics, the social life in the UK was vibrant. There’s always something happening — plays, live performances, food festivals, and of course, the nightlife. London is never quiet. My friends and I made it a point to explore as much as possible — from Bath, Dover, and Canterbury to Oxford and Cambridge on weekends. Each trip was like stepping into a postcard — full of history, architecture, and new stories.

Of course, the cost of living in London was a shocker at first. Rent, groceries, and transport do add up quickly. But with budgeting and planning, I managed to balance it. Cooking at home, student discounts, and occasional part-time gigs helped keep things in check. Living abroad teaches you the real value of money — you start thinking twice before spending, and that’s a lesson I’ll carry for life.

My Key Takeaways from Studying Abroad

Studying abroad has been the most transformative experience of my life. It taught me independence, resilience, and how to truly believe in myself.

I learned to be my own person — to make decisions, solve problems, and adapt when things didn’t go as planned. But more than anything, it gave me perspective. I began to appreciate my parents and my country so much more. When you live away from home, you realise the little things you took for granted — like family dinners, home-cooked meals, or even the comfort of speaking your own language freely.

The Imperial brand name also opened a lot of doors for me professionally. Even though I decided to return to India after completing my degree, having Imperial on my résumé gave me an incredible edge. The alumni network is strong and global — and during my time there, I met so many inspiring people who are now lifelong friends and professional connections.

Networking, which once felt intimidating, became second nature. I learned how to reach out to people, ask the right questions, and build meaningful connections. The friendships I made — with people from all over the world — have been one of the biggest gifts of this journey.

Looking back, I realise that the year abroad wasn’t just about earning a degree — it was about growing up, understanding the world, and discovering myself.

Some of my favourite moments weren’t even the big ones — they were small, quiet moments:

• Late-night jams to Bollywood Tunes
• Watching snow fall for the first time.
• Pulling all-nighters before submissions, fueled by coffee and laughter.

Those memories will always stay with me.

My Advice to Students Planning Their Study Abroad Journey

If you’re planning to study abroad, here’s my honest advice — do your research. Understand what you’re signing up for, not just academically but financially and emotionally.

Ask yourself:

• What are my goals from this degree?
• What kind of lifestyle can I afford?
• What will my return on investment look like?

Studying abroad isn’t as glamorous as it looks on Instagram. There will be tough days — days you’ll miss home, question your decisions, or feel overwhelmed. But those moments are part of the journey. They teach you resilience and self-belief like nothing else can.

Be prepared, stay organised, and remember — it’s completely normal to feel out of place at first. You’ll find your rhythm soon enough. And when you do, every challenge will start to feel like a stepping stone.

If I could give one line of advice to anyone reading this: It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

Conclusion: Looking Back and Moving Forward

Looking back on my time at Imperial, I feel proud, grateful, and a little nostalgic. What started as a dream years ago turned into a year of growth, discovery, and unforgettable memories.

From struggling to cook my first meal to presenting a business idea in front of industry experts — the transformation has been immense. I came here as a student but left as a stronger, more confident version of myself.

Studying abroad gave me so much more than a degree. It gave me stories, skills, and a new outlook on life. I learned that no matter where you go, you’ll always find your people. You’ll always adapt. And you’ll always grow.

For anyone out there considering studying abroad — take the leap. It might just be the best decision you ever make.

If my journey resonated with you or you’re starting to explore your own study abroad path — connect with me on LinkedIn. I’d love to chat, share insights, and maybe help you find your footing.

And if you’re looking for a starting point, begin your study abroad journey with GradPilots — a platform that helps students turn their global dreams into reality through mentorship, guidance, and community.

Your journey could be the next story that inspires someone else.