Unfiltered Opinion: Why is the UK a better option for Indian Students?

Some of you might be dreaming of flying more than 5000 miles for a foreign degree. This is not only your dream, but every year, many students dream of this. They spend ₹50 lakh to even ₹1.5 crore on a foreign degree. But here’s the serious question: Is it really worth it? 

To answer this, the student mobility and accommodation specialist, Mr. Saurabh Arora, sat down with not only one, but three seasoned university representatives, Mr. Sandeep Sharma  (Regional Director for Indian Sub-Continent, UKIBC, University of Essex), Mr. Devesh Anand (Regional Director – South Asia and Middle East at University of Birmingham), and Mr. Ashish K Jaiswar (General Manager India- University of Reading). No marketing fluff. No script. Just real talk.

And if you are a student, parent, or education professional, here’s everything you need to know about UK higher education, employability, housing, and mental health. 

Why the UK? The Surprising Post‑COVID Boom 

First things first, we are all aware of the UK universities and their prestige: In the QS global rankings, 90 UK universities are listed, and 17 of those are in the world’s top 100. But that’s not the best part of this country. Thing is, when the world shut down during COVID, UK did something unexpected: it kept its borders open and launched the Graduate Route visa (2‑year work permit) in 2021. And the outcome of this was brilliant: the UK broke all its recruitment records, even while other destinations struggled.

Within the podcast, Mr. Ashish, University of Reading, quoted “UK education is very adaptive. Whether it’s the visa policy or switching to online learning, the UK reacts quickly.” 

What can International Students expect from the UK?

• One‑year master’s degrees: Offering lower tuition and living costs than two‑year US programs.
• No extra entrance exams: UK universities accept Indian board marks (CBSE/ISC) directly, unlike the US, which demands SAT/GRE.
• Research‑led teaching: This is the most fun part; students can learn directly from the PAPERS, which haven’t been included in the textbooks, in associations like The Russell Group Universities.
• Strong Indian diaspora: England feels like a second home, as approximately 1.93 million people. According to consolidated official data from the UK census, this population makes up roughly 2.5% to 3.1% of the total UK population.

The Elephant in the Room: The Employability 

It’s worth acknowledging that most of the students go abroad not only to get a degree from a prestigious university but also for a better job and a higher salary.  

But as Mr. Devesh Anand cited in the podcast, “Universities are not placement agencies. We can give you the tools, but we cannot guarantee a job.” 

What he means is that universities or colleges are there to support you in your career by offering education, networking opportunities, internships, career services, and industry exposure. But ultimately, employability depends heavily on the student’s own efforts, adaptability, communication skills, networking, and willingness to gain real-world experience. 

What actually gets a student hired in the UK? 

• Start early: The most important factor. Top companies like KPMG and McKinsey begin recruiting in October: just weeks after you arrive. If you wait until after Christmas or Easter break, you might miss the hiring cycle.
• Networking: The #1 underrated skill in the UK is networking. Join clubs beyond the Indian Society, entrepreneurship, finance, drama, or any of your choice. Be there, enjoy the group, work & learn. Employers want to see that you can work in multinational teams.
• Beyond Degrees: Don’t rely on your degree alone. UK universities offer career services, mock interviews, and CV workshops. But you have to walk through the door.

New Hiring Trend in the UK: European employers are now looking for “green skills”- sustainability, carbon footprint awareness, and ethical decision‑making. By 2030, this will be a massive job sector.

Parents’ Anxiety: The Accommodation Myth 

This is the part where parents can relate more than the student. The student is very happy, excited, and may be in the seventh sky. But parents, especially brown parents, are often silently stressed about one major thing: student accommodation in the United Kingdom. Because here is the thing, not every university guarantees on‑campus housing, especially for postgraduate students or those in their second/third year.

Ashish K Jaiswar highlighted, “The accommodation question has always been there, but parents ask it from day one. Students often realise too late.” 

Also, there is a common myth among Indian students that university halls are like Indian hostels with strict rules. But that’s not true in the UK; you are treated as an adult. You can have friends over, come and go freely, and live in a safe, well‑managed environment. 

How to Find the Right Student Accommodation in the UK?

There are various world-class student accommodation providers available in every corner of the United Kingdom, i.e., Chapter Living, Vita Student, IQ Student Accommodation, Canvas World, etc. But the same question, how to book student apartment in the United Kingdom?

The most straightforward answer is University Living. It’s a global marketplace with over 3,000 rooms in the UK alone. And their stats suggest: 

• Start your accommodation search at least 3‑4 months before your course begins.
• Look beyond university halls, as private accommodations often offer better value, amenities, and locations.
• Don’t wait for a “guarantee”, apply early, even if you haven’t finalised your visa, as many accommodation providers offer NO VISA or NO UNIVERSITY, which means NO PAY. 

Mental Health: The Hidden Success Factor 

In 2026, for any student or even for anyone, staying happy is not a luxury, but it’s a necessity for academic success. And you are going to a different continent, where a new culture, new people, you can be excited, but the cavity of living far from the people you love and who love you infinitely, can be very devastating. Plus, the UK universities are investing heavily in mental health: 

• Night lines: Students can call just to talk when they miss home.
• On‑campus sports and societies: These are not just for fun; they build networks and reduce isolation.
• Accommodation that connects: During COVID, some properties used in‑room TV software so quarantined students could chat with neighbours.

Also, Mr. Sandeep Sharma mentioned during a chat with Mr. Saurabh Arora “A happy student succeeds more. Don’t lock yourself in your room.”  

Final Advice for Students and Parents 

To be honest, this blog post is not here to tell you what is right or wrong. We’re here to state facts and advice from industry experts. And here is what they suggest to Indian parents and scholars who are dreaming of taking a step in their academic path from the UK.

• Understand carefully, you need to be honest with yourself. A university can open doors, but you have to walk through them.
• Start early, for everything. Applications, jobs, and accommodation. The early bird gets the offer.
• Don’t chase rankings blindly. Look at employability stats, alumni stories, and research links.
• Use University Living to compare and book verified student accommodation. Don’t leave housing to the last minute.
• Take care of your mental health. Join clubs, talk to people, and ask for help when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions