I completed class 12 from The Gaudium School, Kollur, Hyderabad, after which I decided to join my brother in Glasgow where I am now a third year student at Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, Scotland specializing in Marketing, Business Analytics. and technology.
When I was researching universities, I was weighing many factors. I wanted a place where I could challenge myself intellectually while feeling at home in a new environment. Strathclyde kept popping up in my searches, and when I learned that it had received “Triple Crown” accreditation — AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB — since 2004, I felt like I had found something special.
I had other options from the University of San Francisco and Penn State to Dundee, Sheffield and Southampton. But another reason to choose Strathclyde Business School, apart from their ranking, is Glasgow. I read about its mix of friendliness, tradition and modernity, and I could see myself fitting right in. Glasgow has a reputation as one of the most pleasant places to live in the UK.
Moving to a new country
My first days in Glasgow felt like stepping into a world that was both excitingly new and, thanks to the people around me, unexpectedly warm and familiar. Having my parents with me when I first arrived was a gift. They stayed for about a month, which gave me this gentle bridge between the comforts of home and the unknowns of living abroad. My father went out of his way to make me feel supported — walking to university to get my Biometric Residence Card (BRP) and dropping me off at my first few classes.
My first solo outing was to a nearby Starbucks. I didn’t know what to expect, and that little feeling of loneliness was just starting to creep in. But the lady behind the counter noticed I was new, struck up the warmest conversation, and told me how much she loved Indian food. , “You’re welcome here.”
Then came Freshers’ Week, which really made me feel like I was myself. Meanwhile, the housing staff also played a big role, organizing events that made it easier for me to find my feet and connect with other students. They guided me in a way that made me feel not only welcome but seen.
Ambe with friends from University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
Of course, there were also funny little challenges. Grocery shopping became an adventure in itself – mentally converting pounds to dollars every time I picked something up or trying to figure out the flavor difference between white and red onions. These small discoveries, though sometimes ridiculous, gradually transformed my new lifestyle.
Having my brother in Glasgow added a layer of support when I moved here, however, as we ended up living separately five minutes away.
Ambe with his brother at the University of Glasgow.
Earning while studying – exhausting but necessary
Managing the cost of living as a student in Glasgow has been both a challenge and an opportunity for personal growth. Early on, I realized that I needed to be proactive in balancing expenses, so I decided to take on part-time roles that not only supported me financially but also enriched my university experience.
I became a student ambassador at the University of Strathclyde, where I represented the university at open days, applicant visits and key recruitment events. This role is not just a job; It has allowed me to connect with prospective students and their families, share my own journey, and develop valuable communication and public speaking skills. Engaging with people from different backgrounds has been incredibly rewarding and has deepened my connections with the university community.
In addition, I took on a content creation role with the university’s recruitment and international office. Here, I apply my passion for marketing and media by producing videos that showcase the vibrancy of student life at Strathclyde. This position not only helps with living expenses but also allows me to build a portfolio that aligns with my studies in marketing. It’s fulfilling to see my work contribute to the reach of the university and to know that I’m helping prospective students feel excited about joining our community.
Balancing these roles with my academic commitments has taught me a lot about time management and prioritizing what’s important. While it can be demanding at times, the experience has been incredibly rewarding.
How studying abroad changed me…and the people around me
Studying abroad has undoubtedly changed my outlook on life and, interestingly, also influenced how people back home perceive me. Being immersed in a new culture and living independently has brought out a side of me that is more flexible and adaptable. The experience has allowed me to appreciate not only my own journey, but the journeys of those around me.
Back home, I’ve noticed that people interact with me a little differently. Friends and family seem more confident in my abilities, often commenting on how mature and self-assured I have become. They see me as someone who is more grounded, able to handle challenges with a sense of calm and clarity.
(This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students in various foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences – students tell us how life is different in those countries. Education other than academics)