As an Indian international student in Birmingham, my journey so far has been a blend of discovery, challenge, and growth.
Moving away from home and familiar surroundings for the first time, to a new country, was a mix of excitement and uncertainty, but for some reason, I was able to settle in easily. Was it the sense of familiarity? Or was it the feeling of belonging? I still haven’t been able to figure it out.
Given its multicultural setting, while strolling through the streets of Birmingham, one can see and hear people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The academic system here was like a breath of fresh air. It encourages independence, critical thinking, and participation, which was very motivating. The events and lectures organised by our University - ranging from celebrations to academic events - were rewarding, and it helped me feel comfortable and confident. The events at our accommodations are truly stress busters and are also one of the reasons I had the opportunity to make great friends!
There, of course, were a few thorns here and there. Though I’m confident now (everyone has their days), one of the first challenges I faced here as an international student was navigating public transport and understanding routes. Ah! Those days of confusion were stressful, as it was so different to what I was used to at home. Next was the task of managing coursework deadlines while handling cooking, managing finances, cleaning, and staying organised, all by myself, which wasn’t easy.
Of course, I have my moments of loneliness, which are stronger when a song reminds me of family or when I see people with their pets, and I’m reminded of my dog or when there’s a special festive occasion. However, I’ve learned to cope by staying connected with loved ones and by building meaningful friendships here, the place I now call home.
Looking back, choosing to study at the University of Birmingham has been one of the best decisions I’ve made, not only because of the education, exposure and opportunities I’ve been receiving, but also because I have discovered a new version of myself, which is constantly growing and evolving.
I can’t wait to see who I become during the rest of my time here, and what exciting opportunities, learning curves and everything else Birmingham has in store for me.
Dental Materials Science MSc/Diploma/Certificate
My name is Vidhyasree Manoj Kumar and I study MSc Dental Materials Science at the University of Birmingham.
