Indian student Aarti Kukreja shares her experience of completing a Masters in Marketing Management in Canterbury, UK.
Aarti’s first piece of advice for any student wishing to study in the UK is "buy a couple of jackets and at least three umbrellas".
But, despite the weather, Aarti is enjoying her experience at the University of Kent in Canterbury, where she is completing a Masters in Marketing Management.
Making connections
"I am thoroughly enjoying my student life, particularly as my university has given me the opportunity of extensive student diversity and I am able to share, understand and enjoy various cultures.
"I appreciate the company of people from different backgrounds with different lifestyles and how we all come together to achieve our dreams and pursue our careers away from home with only the support of one another."
Aarti is actively involved in various societies and clubs at the University of Kent, such as the Asian Society, Film and Television Society and the Youth Entrepreneurship Generation Club.
She says these associations take up a lot of her time, but it is time well spent, as it enables her to feel connected with other Asians studying in the UK.
"I travelled to the UK a few times before I decided to study here and my decision was mainly based on how much I liked the British culture and wanted to experience it through the residents of the country."
Settling in
However, she says, "The UK is quite different from India when it comes to cultural standings. Although I am from a metropolitan city myself, my culture is much more conservative and our behavior, especially by women, is relatively low key.
"Therefore, it is a cultural shock to experience people here being extremely open minded and enjoying their freedom, sometimes at the cost of their health and family life."
Aarti spends UK£400 (US$630) per month on her accommodation in student halls on campus, and another £350-£400 on food and living expenses.
She's found work in her field of interest as a marketing assistant for an international education and careers company, saying, "If your parents are working really hard to fund you, I’d advise getting a part time job in order to take care of your extra expenses. It isn’t hard to get one and you get paid pretty well."
When she’s not working or studying, Aarti enjoys the student lifestyle that the city of Canterbury has to offer.
"I always wanted to go to a small quiet town, away from the buzz as I wanted to concentrate on my degree more than indulging in the distractions. The lifestyle of Canterbury is just as I wanted and I feel more focused in this environment."
As for the future, India will always be home for Aarti, but she says employment opportunities in her field of marketing are greater in the UK at the moment. And with an extra jacket in her wardrobe and spare umbrellas in her bag, she's well prepared to cope with life in the UK!