Beyond Borders: Embracing the Unexpected Adventure of Studying Abroad

 Uncharted Paths: A Tamil Girl’s Journey from India to the UK

Leaving home is never easy, especially when you're headed to a place thousands of miles away. For me, studying abroad was always a dream, but my heart was set on the Netherlands. I’ve always been drawn to its culture and lifestyle, and I thought that would be the place where I’d further my education, work, and life. However, life threw me a curveball when I ended up applying to Universities in the UK. The idea of studying in the UK was never part of my plan, but here I am, in a place I never expected, embarking on a journey.

Coming from a rural area in Tamil Nadu, India, dreaming of studying abroad seemed like an impossible task. The competition was intense, and the journey to achieve my dreams felt overwhelming. I still can’t believe that I’m now sitting in a classroom, surrounded by people from all over the world, learning alongside them. Making friends and connecting with my classmates hasn’t been easy, but it’s been a part of the challenge that’s helping me grow in every aspect of my life.

When I decided to study abroad, I did everything I could to make sure everything went smoothly. I reached out to people, gathered as much information as I could, and worked tirelessly on my application. There were moments of doubt, especially when I was dealing with visa issues and trying to figure out where to stay. But through it all, my friends were there for me, especially during my lowest moments. Their support kept me going.

Choosing Lancaster University wasn’t easy, but it felt right. The university has a strong reputation, especially its management school, where I am pursuing my MSc in Finance, is ranked 7th in the UK for Accounting & Finance and 4th for graduate prospects. They also offered me a scholarship, and their course structure was outstanding compared to other universities. The decision was not just about the academics – it felt like a perfect fit for me, and I knew I had to take it.

The journey began long before I boarded the plane. There was a lot of paperwork, waiting, and a lot of patience. But the excitement continued to grow as each step passed. Leaving India felt surreal. Saying goodbye to my family at the airport was one of the hardest moments of my life.  But I knew this was an opportunity I had to take, and the warmth and love of my family, friends kept me strong.

This was also my first flight. Everything was new, and I was conscious of every little thing. I kept telling myself, “Am I doing this right?” But after arriving in the UK, the excitement and uncertainty hit me. Everything was so different – the weather, the people, even the pace of life. The first few days were a blur. I had to set up my student accommodation, explore Lancaster, and adjust to the academic culture, which was nothing like I had expected.

Academically, the transition was tough. The pace was faster than I had anticipated, and there was so much to learn. But as time passed, I started to understand how things worked. The teaching style was different, and I quickly realized the importance of independent learning. What made my experience truly special was meeting like-minded peers from across the globe. 

Living away from home has taught me so much about myself. From managing my studies to learning how to cook simple meals, every small victory has given me confidence. I’ve learned to navigate the streets of Lancaster, embrace a new culture, and overcome challenges I never thought I could. Every day is a step forward in my journey of independence.

However, one thing that’s been difficult for me is connecting with the people around me. The students here, including my classmates, feel distant and unapproachable. Sometimes, I feel like a stranger, and it makes the atmosphere feel cold and unwelcoming. People seem so formal, and it’s hard to find genuine, kind, humble, or even lovable individuals. The vibe feels dead, and I’m struggling to connect with anyone. It’s like no one is interested in forming real friendships. Even my classmates, who I should be learning alongside, seem uninterested in anything beyond the classroom. I’m not sure how to bridge that gap, especially when I try and sense that they’re not open to connecting.

I try to respect their space and boundaries, but I also wonder if I’m being too available. I know that being too much in someone’s space can make them lose interest or irritate them. It’s a hard balance to strike, and I often find myself unsure of how to handle it. Despite this, I remind myself that it’s okay to focus on my own growth and respect the pace at which others want to engage. I can’t force connections, and I need to learn to let things unfold naturally.

As I continue my studies at Lancaster University, I feel more focused and determined. I’m not just growing as a finance professional but as someone who is ready to face any challenge life throws my way. I’m excited for the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. The journey is still unfolding, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

This journey has always been about me versus me. I am constantly learning and growing. I want to become a better version of myself – mentally, physically, personally, and professionally. Life has not given me that “great moment” yet, but I’m still waiting for it, knowing that it will come. I’ve realized that happiness is not something others give you. It’s something you have to create for yourself. Peace, happiness, and love come from within, and it’s up to you to cultivate them.

So, my life here is simple. I go to class, come back to my room, walk in the mornings, exercise, prepare my own meals, read books, listen to music, go shopping sometimes, write my blog, apply for part-time jobs, and complete assignments. It’s simple, but it’s also everything I need right now. Life has not yet shown me its full taste, but I know that with time, it will. Until then, I continue to learn, grow, and find contentment in the small moments.