One of the most historic and beautiful cities in the United Kingdom, York is a popular student city. Home to the prestigious University of York and York College, the city attracts students from all over the world. In the recent years, a major percentage of Indian students have moved to York, United Kingdom for their education.
It is natural for international students to face a few problems when they move to a new country for their education. However, it is not necessary for all students to face the same problems. In this article, you will find some of the most common problems that Indian students in York face during their education.
Indian Students Challenges in York
Academic Adjustment
One of the major problems that Indian students often face in the United Kingdom is adapting to the teaching styles. Both countries have different teaching styles, and suddenly adjusting to an independent style can be difficult for students. Moreover, the accent, vocabulary, and academic terminology can also differ in York, which can result in a possible language barrier for Indian students in York, UK. Another academic problem that Indian students can face is getting used to the grading system and assessment style of the United Kingdom.
Culture Differences
Students from India are used to experiencing summers, spring, monsoons, and winters, but York has something else planned for them. Indian students find it difficult to adjust to York’s cold winters and rainy climate. While there are many Indian restaurants in the UK, finding the same taste and feeling of home-cooked food may be difficult. Moreover, people in the United Kingdom have different customs, beliefs, etiquette, and social expectations. This can be a very challenge for Indian students, as they may need some time to adjust and adapt to the new culture.
Logistic Challenges
If you are going abroad for the first time to study, then you must prepare yourself for loads of paperwork and documentation. The Visa requirements and immigration process is quite hectic, since you need to show several documents, have a visa interview, and more. Another problem that Indian students face is getting their currency exchanged. The new currency comes with a whole new understanding of the currency and finances.
Financial Issues
Studying in the United Kingdom is not easy, especially for Indian students on a tight budget. While the city’s cost of living is comparatively less than other major cities in the UK, students still find it difficult to manage their finances. Where to spend? How much to spend? Is this worth buying? All these questions often come to the mind when living in York as an Indian students. Since students suddenly become responsible for all the finance related decisions, it can be overwhelming in the starting.
Personal & Emotional
With so many problems happening in and around the student, they eventually start feeling overwhelmed and homesick. While it is natural to miss home when you are away, it is equally important to know when these feelings are impacting your everyday life. Students feeling homesick may experience symptoms such as confusion, crying spells, isolating self, withdrawing socially, trouble falling asleep, and more. These feelings can lead to loneliness in the student, which can cause significant impact on the student’s personal, professional, social and spiritual aspects of life. These emotional problems can also stem from academic pressure, culture differences and other challenges faced by the student in York.
Practical Issues
Being a new student in a new country and city is overwhelming, and students can find it difficult to get around. Whether it’s getting to their student accommodation from the Airport or exploring the city. Remembering the lanes, address, bus routes and more can be very challenging for students initially. This also includes getting familiar with the public transport, cycling, driving, and other transport options available in York. Another issue faced by Indian students in York is understanding the Healthcare system. How to register with the NHS, and how to get access to medical services. Lastly, since Indian students have financial responsibilities, they often find it difficult to find and work part-time jobs. This is because many Indian students don’t have an experience in juggling studies and part-time jobs simultaneously.
Ways to Overcome
There are several ways to tackle the above-mentioned challenges faced by Indian students in York. It is not necessary that the same technique will work for every student. So, try the below mentioned ways and see which way works for you!
- Research well into York before your departure.
- Talk about your University’s support services for students.
- Participate in student events and committees.
- Have friends and peers whom you can reach out to when you need support.
- Seek professional help when you feel it’s time.
- Stay connected with your friends, family and loved ones.
Conclusion
Leaving all your memories and moments behind to study in a city that is more than 4000 miles away is not easy. If you are an Indian student in York or are planning to study there in the coming intake, then this article will help you get prepared for the challenges. All the best!
