Life in a Foreign University | ‘Studying abroad opened doors I never imagined,’ says student at UK’s Manchester Metropolitan University
Leaving behind family, culture, and comfort isn’t easy—but for many Indian students, studying abroad is a dream worth chasing. For Ananya Mehta, a 21-year-old from Delhi now studying at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) in the UK, this journey has been transformative in every sense.
The Leap of Faith
When Ananya first received her acceptance letter to MMU’s BA (Hons) in Business Management program, excitement quickly gave way to anxiety. “I was thrilled, but the reality hit hard. I had never been outside India before,” she recalls.
But once she arrived in Manchester, everything changed. “Yes, I missed home. But soon I started seeing how much the experience was shaping me. Every day, I learned something new—not just in class, but from the people, the culture, and even from cooking my own meals!”
Academic Excellence and Innovation
At Manchester Metropolitan University, Ananya was exposed to a hands-on curriculum that encouraged independent thinking and practical learning. “Back home, I was used to learning by rote. Here, I was encouraged to question things, research deeply, and express my opinion confidently,” she explains.
MMU’s modern infrastructure, extensive libraries, and approachable faculty helped her gain confidence in her abilities. “The group projects, internships, and real-world case studies gave me an edge I never imagined,” she says.
Beyond the Classroom
What truly enriched Ananya’s life abroad was the vibrant campus life. From student clubs to cultural fests and networking events, she made friends from across the globe. “It’s beautiful to see how people from different countries think, eat, and live. It changed how I look at the world,” she says.
She also got involved in the university’s international student support groups and participated in workshops on employability, public speaking, and even mental health awareness.
Work Opportunities and Growth
The UK allows international students to work part-time during their course and full-time during holidays. Ananya took up a part-time role as a marketing assistant with a local startup. “That job taught me things no textbook could. I learned to manage time, deal with clients, and build a professional network.”
She’s now preparing to apply for a post-study work visa under the UK’s Graduate Route, which offers two years of job-seeking opportunities after graduation. “I want to explore career options in London and maybe even Europe,” she smiles.
Challenges and Lessons
Of course, life abroad wasn’t without its hurdles. “I had days when I felt lonely, when the weather got too cold, or when I craved mom’s rajma chawal. But every challenge pushed me to grow stronger,” Ananya says.
Budgeting, finding accommodation, and adapting to a different academic culture weren’t easy—but MMU’s support systems and student helplines helped her stay on track.
Advice to Aspiring Students
To those dreaming of studying abroad, Ananya has a simple message: “Don’t let fear stop you. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at first. But if you stay open to learning, you’ll find that life abroad makes you a better version of yourself.”
Today, Ananya is not only confident but also globally aware, independent, and career-focused. “Studying abroad didn’t just give me a degree. It gave me a global identity.”
