'Getting Back To Student Life Wasn't Easy In My 30s….' Delhi Student Shares Her MBA Story From UK

Hi all, I'm Ojaswini, and I'm doing an MBA at Aston University right now. I thought I would tell you a little about my transition experience — one that's been full of excitement, challenges, and lots of learning.

Leaving all that's familiar behind and migrating to a foreign country hasn't been easy. Initially, it was particularly challenging — I knew no one, had no idea how to befriend people, and was unknown to the culture and the functioning here. However, with time, I found my tribe, went through both highs and lows, and gradually learnt how life works in the UK.

Now, after about six months, I feel much more settled, comfortable, happier, and definitely safer.

Before coming here, I already had a master’s degree and was at the midpoint of my career. But somewhere deep inside, I knew I wasn’t fully satisfied. I wanted to challenge myself, look for new things, and acquire more. I was in my 30s when I thought that if I was going to take a break from my career, it was going to have to be for something. So, I did it. I took a risk. The UK, known for its quality of education and top universities, seemed like the best place to embark on this journey.

Currently, I'm staying in Birmingham, and I just adore the city. It's filled with art, incredible food, and a dynamic energy, partly due to the huge Asian community here. It's also super student-friendly, with a comparatively low cost of living compared to cities such as London. The city is highly connected and filled with opportunities, so it's an excellent place to live and study.

When it was time to apply for my course and visa, I chose to do everything independently. I didn't use an agency. Getting admitted was not too complicated — I applied online, had an interview, and passed. Due to my good English marks in my board exams, I wasn't required to provide an IELTS score, though sometimes, providing one can simplify things.

To get my visa, I went straight to the embassy and applied directly, followed the instructions thoroughly, and the process was straightforward. To be honest, as long as you read things carefully and know the requirements, it's very manageable. Having said that, however, if you do feel in need of assistance, there are agencies out there that can help you, often for nothing.

Campus Life: A Shift Back to Being a Student

Adjusting back to student life after spending years working wasn’t the easiest thing. At this stage of life, when everything had become stable, peaceful, and drama-free, suddenly being back in a young, lively student environment took some time to get used to.

But I’ve come to appreciate it. Now, after a few months, I’ve found my circle of friends. Life at university has been good. It just takes time, figuring out who you connect with, understanding the culture, and getting used to a different education system.

One thing I would mention is: don't judge yourself too harshly if you don't do so well on your scores at first. The way the grades are given here is quite different from what many of us are accustomed to where we come from. The universities provide a great deal of assistance, from workshops to writing assistance for academic work, which helped me to acclimate and get better.

Home Away from Home

There are days when I miss home, family, and friends deeply. But staying in touch with them, while also slowly embracing this new culture, has helped me build my own little space here.

Everything changes when you move abroad — your body takes time to adjust to the new weather, food habits, and even budgeting! I highly advise packing some essentials like basic Indian masalas and ready-made foodstuffs from home. Fortunately, there are plenty of Asian shops in Birmingham, so it's not that hard to get hold of familiar stuff.

Controlling the living costs is probably the most challenging aspect, particularly because of the currency disparity. Carefully planning and then adhering to a budget has been crucial for me. Everybody's financial status is unique, and hence it is not advisable to compare your expenses with others. Identify what is necessary for you and get it through.

My Advice to Prospective Students

- Be budget-conscious from day one.

- Prioritise your spending and avoid overindulging in unnecessary items.

- Make an effort to eat well — meal planning makes all the difference, even when it's easy to rely on frozen or processed food.

- Look for cheaper options for everything; they are often available if you make the effort.

- Take advantage of student discounts and apps — they can significantly reduce your expenses.

- Don’t be afraid to ask and talk to people — you’ll be surprised by how much help and advice you can receive just by asking.

The author is pursuing an MBA from Ashton University, UK.