Relocating to the UK is a big decision, and it’s normal to want to know what to expect before you arrive. We asked our India team to tell us their top tips for prospective Indian students.

Read on to find out how you can make your new life as a student in the UK a success.

Don’t over-pack 

When you move to a new country, it’s easy to think ‘more is better’ and fill your suitcase. This is especially the case when it comes to moving to the UK, where the weather can be unpredictable.  

But don’t be tempted to over-pack - you can easily shop for any additional clothing or other items you may need once you have arrived, and the cost of clothes in the UK is very similar to India.  

This will make packing and travelling much less stressful. 

Do your research 

Research where you will be living and the university you will be joining. Learn about your new city and even make a list of the things you want to see and do when you arrive. Go online and explore campus and city maps to get your bearings. You can find out more about Newcastle University here, or why not download our City Guide and start discovering our special city? 

Find out more about the UK so that, in your free time, you can explore further afield. There's lots to see and do in the UK - exciting cities and historic places to visit; stunning coast and countryside to enjoy. Look forward to sampling the food, exploring the culture, and learning about the history of where you will be living.  

Get to know your course and roommates 

Moving away from your family to build a life in the UK can be scary. By building your own community, you will find friendship and a support system. 

When you arrive, make the effort to get to know your roommates. Start conversations with them, go out as a household, or make a meal with them in your flat. Don’t feel disappointed if you don’t click with your roommates straight away; friendships take time to grow. 

Don’t isolate yourself  

You'll need to adjust to life in the UK, so give yourself time to settle in.

Join societies at university - they're a great way to make friends with students who share your interests - and chat to students in your lectures/seminars. Remember, everyone will be feeling unsure and nervous during those first few weeks at university.

The value of studying abroad is that it not only builds your confidence, but it's also an unforgettable life experience. Don’t be shy about stepping out of your comfort zone, trying new things and mixing with other students who you can learn from and grow with.  

Make the most of student discounts  

As a student in the UK, you get access to lots of benefits. One of these benefits is you can enjoy food, clothes, public transport and more at a discounted price! 

Sign up for free student discount apps such as Unidays and Student Beans to save money on socialising, travel, technology, and health and fitness. You can also apply for discount card and app Totum, or the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), but you will have to pay an annual fee for these discount schemes.

Save money on local travel with travel cards, rail and bus passes, and watch out for special student discounts where you live - often  high street stores and shopping centres will operate year-round student discount schemes. 

Newcastle is ranked among the UK's top 10 most affordable cities by QS Best Student Cities 2024, helping your student budget go further.

Find well-stocked Indian grocery stores  

The UK's food scene is multicultural and local supermarkets are well-stocked with a range of ingredients from Asia, India and other countries.

In Newcastle, areas such as Fenham and West Road offer well-stocked Indian grocery stores where you can find all the foods you love at home.  

Look after your health  

University is full of fun and exciting experiences, but it can also be challenging at times - especially when you have exams or assignments.  

As an international student you have the extra challenge of getting used to a new culture and climate! This can take its toll on your physical and mental wellbeing.

At Newcastle, if you need support our Student Services can offer guidance on a range of issues and our dedicated Wellbeing teams can provide counselling, pastoral care and welfare support, to name just a few of the services that will help you reach your full potential with us.

Visit places of worship with the South Asian community 

The UK is a country that respects different religious beliefs. Just because you’re moving to the UK, doesn’t mean you have to be without a safe space to worship and reconnect.  

Visiting places of worship is another opportunity to find a community and support system within the UK.  

In Newcastle, you will find a Hindu temple on West Road and a Sikh temple. There is also a mosque on the Newcastle University campus.  

Don’t leave your coursework to the last minute 

Most students, at some point, have misjudged a deadline, or thought they could write a well-formed essay in a day. Do your best to avoid this by staying on top of your deadlines.  

As soon as coursework is assigned, make a plan of how and when you can work on it. It doesn’t have to be right away, but having a plan in place and setting your own personal goals will help you stay on track. 

Ask for help as soon as you need it  

If you need help during your university journey - ask! 

Whether you're struggling with your essay writing or don’t quite understand your assignment, support is available.

At Newcastle, you will be assigned a personal tutor who will support your academic studies; a peer mentor who is usually in stage
two or three of the same degree course, will also help you settle in to life with us.

Our online Academic Skills Kit (ASK) will help you become an effective, independent learner and you can improve your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills with our free in-sessional English classes. One-to-one writing tutorials are also available.

Make the most of a UK university 

UK universities are among the best in the world and you will graduate as a highly employable young professional.  

Make the most of studying at a UK university and take the initiative - get in touch with the Careers Service, gain work experience, volunteer, and more.  

These aren’t just great ways to gain industry and career-related skills to expand your CV, they're also the perfect opportunity to start building a network of contacts for when you enter the working world.  

We hope you have found this blog post useful. Moving to the UK is a huge decision, and it’s natural to feel a little nervous, as well as excited. Here at Newcastle University, we value our Indian students, the contributions they make to our academic community and their ambitions. If you have any questions about moving to the UK, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.