{"id":25012,"date":"2026-05-13T18:33:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T13:03:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/?p=25012"},"modified":"2026-05-13T18:33:23","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T13:03:23","slug":"study-in-uk-for-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/podcast\/study-in-uk-for-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Unfiltered Opinion: Why is the UK a better option for Indian Students?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 \u20b950 lakh to even \u20b91.5 crore on a foreign degree. But here\u2019s the serious question:<strong> Is it really worth it?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To answer this, the student mobility and accommodation specialist,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/saurabharora84\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" title=\"Mr. Saurabh Arora\"> <strong>Mr. Saurabh Arora<\/strong><\/a><strong>, <\/strong>sat down with not only one, but three seasoned university representatives<strong>, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/sandeep006\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" title=\"Mr. Sandeep Sharma\"><strong>Mr. Sandeep Sharma<\/strong> <\/a> (Regional Director for Indian Sub-Continent, UKIBC, University of Essex), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/devesh-anand-0895865b\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" title=\"Mr. Devesh Anand\"><strong>Mr.<\/strong> <strong>Devesh Anand<\/strong><\/a> (Regional Director \u2013 South Asia and Middle East at University of Birmingham)<strong>, and <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/ashish-jaiswar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" title=\"Mr. Ashish K Jaiswar\"><strong>Mr. Ashish K Jaiswar<\/strong><\/a> (General Manager India- University of Reading). No marketing fluff. No script. Just real talk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Top Employability Tips for International Students Studying Abroad  | The Living Pod\" width=\"860\" height=\"484\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bFVPWi0uW2E?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you are a student, parent, or education professional, here\u2019s everything you need to know about UK higher education, employability, housing, and mental health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why the UK? The Surprising Post\u2011COVID Boom <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First things first, we are all aware of the UK universities and their prestige: In the <strong>QS global rankings<\/strong>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/admission-guide\/qs-rankings-uk-universities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" title=\"90 UK universities\">90 <strong>UK universities<\/strong><\/a> are listed, and 17 of those are in the world\u2019s top 100. But that\u2019s not the best part of this country. Thing is, when the world shut down during COVID, <strong>UK did something unexpected<\/strong>: it kept its borders open and launched the Graduate Route visa (2\u2011year work permit) in 2021. And the outcome of this was brilliant: the UK broke all its recruitment records, even while other destinations struggled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Within the podcast, Mr. Ashish, University of Reading, quoted \u201c<strong><em>UK education is very adaptive. Whether it\u2019s the visa policy or switching to online learning, the UK reacts quickly.<\/em><\/strong>\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What can International Students expect from the UK?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>One<\/strong>\u2011<strong>year master\u2019s degrees:<\/strong> Offering lower tuition and living costs than two\u2011year US programs. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No extra entrance exams: <\/strong>UK universities accept Indian board marks (CBSE\/ISC) directly, unlike the US, which demands SAT\/GRE. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Research<\/strong>\u2011<strong>led teaching:<\/strong> This is the most fun part; students can learn directly from the PAPERS, which haven\u2019t been included in the textbooks, in associations like The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/admission-guide\/russell-group-universities\/\" title=\"Russell Group Universities\"><strong>Russell Group Universities<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strong Indian diaspora: <\/strong>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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Elephant in the Room: The Employability <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s worth acknowledging that most of the students go abroad not only to get a degree from a prestigious university but also for <strong>a better job and a higher salary. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But as<strong> Mr. Devesh Anand <\/strong>cited in the podcast, \u201c<em>Universities are <\/em><strong><em>not <\/em><\/strong><em>placement agencies. We can give you the tools, but we cannot guarantee a job.<\/em>\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s own efforts, adaptability, communication skills, networking, and willingness to gain real-world experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What actually gets a student hired in the UK? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Start early: <\/strong>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. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Networking:<\/strong> 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 &amp; learn. Employers want to see that you can work in multinational teams. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Beyond Degrees: <\/strong>Don\u2019t rely on your degree alone. UK universities offer career services, mock interviews, and CV workshops. But you have to walk through the door. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>New Hiring Trend in the UK:<\/strong> European employers are now looking for \u201c<strong><em>green skills<\/em><\/strong>\u201d- sustainability, carbon footprint awareness, and ethical decision\u2011making. By 2030, this will be a massive job sector.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Parents\u2019 Anxiety: The Accommodation Myth <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/country\/united-kingdom\" title=\"student accommodation in the United Kingdom\"><strong>student accommodation in the United Kingdom<\/strong><\/a>. Because here is the thing, not<strong><em> every university guarantees on<\/em><\/strong>\u2011<strong><em>campus housing<\/em><\/strong>, especially for postgraduate students or those in their second\/third year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ashish K Jaiswar highlighted, \u201c<em>The accommodation question has always been there, but parents ask it from day one. <\/em><strong><em>Students often realise too late.<\/em><\/strong>\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, there is a common myth among Indian students that university halls are like Indian hostels with strict rules. But that\u2019s 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\u2011managed environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Find the Right Student Accommodation in the UK?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are various world-class student accommodation providers available in every corner of the United Kingdom, i.e., <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/provider\/united-kingdom\/chapter\" title=\"Chapter Living\">Chapter Living<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/provider\/united-kingdom\/vita\" title=\"Vita Student\">Vita Student<\/a><\/strong>, IQ Student Accommodation, Canvas World, etc. But the same question, how to book student apartment in the United Kingdom?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most straightforward answer is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/\" title=\"University Living.\"><strong>University Living.<\/strong><\/a> It\u2019s a global marketplace with over 3,000 rooms in the UK alone. And their stats suggest: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start your accommodation search at least<strong> 3<\/strong>\u2011<strong>4 months before your course begins<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Look beyond university halls, as private accommodations often offer <strong>better value<\/strong>, amenities, and locations. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t wait for a \u201cguarantee\u201d, apply early, even if you haven\u2019t finalised your visa, as many accommodation providers offer <strong>NO VISA or NO UNIVERSITY,<\/strong> which means <strong>NO PAY. <\/strong> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mental Health: The Hidden Success Factor <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2026, for any student or even for anyone, staying happy is not a luxury, but it\u2019s 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: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Night lines: <\/strong>Students can call just to talk when they miss home. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>On<\/strong>\u2011<strong>campus sports and societies: <\/strong>These are not just for fun; they build networks and reduce isolation. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accommodation that connects: <\/strong>During COVID, some properties used in\u2011room TV software so quarantined students could chat with neighbours. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, <strong>Mr. Sandeep Sharma <\/strong>mentioned during a chat with Mr. Saurabh Arora <strong>\u201c<\/strong><em>A happy student succeeds more. Don\u2019t lock yourself in your room.<\/em><strong>\u201d <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Advice for Students and Parents <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To be honest, this blog post is not here to tell you what is right or wrong. We\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Understand carefully, you need to be honest with yourself. A university can open doors, but you have to walk through them. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Start early, for everything. Applications, jobs, and accommodation. The early bird gets the offer. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t chase rankings blindly. Look at employability stats, alumni stories, and research links. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use University Living to compare and book verified student accommodation. Don\u2019t leave housing to the last minute. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take care of your mental health. Join clubs, talk to people, and ask for help when you need it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778676845979\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What does it cost for an Indian student to study in the UK?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>On average, an Indian student spends between \u20b922 lakh and \u20b963 Lakh (about \u00a320,000 to \u00a355,000) per academic year studying in the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778676876238\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What are the biggest advantages of studying in the UK compared to the USA or Canada? <\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>When compared to the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom offers distinct structural, financial, and academic advantages tailored specifically to international students who prioritize speed, lower overall capital deployment, and early workforce entry.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778676887321\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What skills actually help international students get hired in the UK? <\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>International or domestic, any student who wants to get hired in the United Kingdom must look beyond the degree. They must carry technical execution, niche immigration alignment, and local commercial awareness.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778676920946\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Is student accommodation in the UK difficult to find for international students?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yeah, the student mobility market is quite competitive. So, students who start early booking for their home in the UK face less difficulty. However, platforms like University Living are available in the market to help you with your accommodation in the UK, with more than 3000 options in one country only.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1778676937058\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What is the difference between university halls and private student accommodation in the UK?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>University Halls are owned and managed by the University and sometimes partnered with a private company. These halls are mostly reserved for the first-year students and are located very close to the university. And only a university-specific student can reside in it. <br>On the other hand, the <strong>private student accommodation<\/strong> or <strong>PBSA <\/strong>can be near the university, the outskirts, or closer to the city centre. These are owned and operated by independent private companies. Plus, PBSA houses students from different universities across the city. You often have more freedom to choose who you live with or even opt to live alone.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 \u20b950 lakh to even \u20b91.5 crore on a foreign degree. But here\u2019s the serious question: Is it really worth it? To answer this, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":25013,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1105],"tags":[229],"class_list":["post-25012","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-podcast","tag-united-kingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25012","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25012"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25012\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25013"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25012"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25012"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}