From Delhi to Birmingham: What I Learned from Studying Abroad

My name is Kanika Sharma, and I’m a Business Management student from Delhi, India. In 2022, I decided to follow my dream of many years, and packed my bags for Birmingham, UK. I have always read about this beautiful city in brochures and blogs, and I have wanted to pursue my master’s in Birmingham ever since. So, when I finally got the chance, I took it.

I have always believed that the best way to learn something is by listening to someone else’s experience. So, here I am. If you plan to study abroad in Birmingham, my journey can help you avoid a few mistakes and give you a better experience than mine.

Read below to know how it is to study in Birmingham, the greatest city in the United Kingdom!

Arriving in a City That Felt Just Right

The truth about arriving in a new city that no one talks about is how overwhelming it is. The moment my plane landed, all I could think of was ‘I am in a new country, a new city, and I don’t know anyone here’. But the counter thought was ‘This is where my dreams will come true, I can’t wait to live my student life in Birmingham’.

Birmingham is indeed a student city. Everyone I met in the city was so welcoming, friendly, helpful, and kind. Plus, navigating my way through the city was very easy, considering I had never lived here before! The first week in Birmingham went by quite quickly, due to campus tours, exploring neighborhoods, and other work. When I finally got time, I explored the amazing Bullring shopping centre, where I came across so many international students that I didn’t feel like an outsider at all.

Lessons from Campus and Beyond

I always wanted to study at one of the top colleges in Birmingham, and I was lucky enough to get selected at Aston University. The style of teaching at the university was discussion-based, and the professors encouraged us students to think beyond what was given. The most interesting part was when we were given real-world case studies. What made it different was that I was no longer studying every day just to pass my exams. Finally, I was learning something new and applying that knowledge daily.

Talking about what I learned while studying there – Time Management. I had to juggle between so many tasks, like doing my assignments, working part-time, maintaining a social life, and spending time with myself. I used to work on weekends at a local cafe, and sometimes even picked up freelance content gigs online. This way, I managed my finances better and had a productive daily routine.

Making a Home Away from Home

Another major problem that international students face is finding accommodation options in Birmingham. Since it is a popular student city, there are ample options available. However, the more options there are, the more confusing it gets sometimes. Thankfully, I knew I wanted a fully furnished studio room that was close to my campus. There, the bills were included, and multiple amenities were offered.

My advice? Start early. Good accommodation gets booked quickly, especially the ones closest to universities. Proximity, facilities, and flatmate preferences should all play a role in your decision.

Finding My People and Building Community

One of the biggest fears I had before leaving India was: What if I don’t make friends? But within a few weeks, I joined the international student society, made friends from Spain, Nigeria, and South Korea, and even found a fellow Delhiite in my seminar group.

The city offers so many opportunities to connect—university clubs, community events, and weekend trips. I attended Diwali dinners, and poetry slams, and even volunteered at a local charity. These moments shaped my experience more than I ever imagined.

Little Struggles, Big Growth

There were, of course, tough days. Homesickness hit hardest during festivals. Cooking every day was a task. Managing finances with the temptation of Zara sales and weekend brunches wasn’t easy either. But these struggles taught me resilience.

I learned to budget, to call my family regularly, and to value my independence. I also discovered helpful student platforms like University Living, which I used once to switch accommodations mid-term. Having trusted services made all the difference when navigating a foreign country.

Would I Recommend Studying in Birmingham? Absolutely.

Yes, a hundred times over. Studying here changed not just my career path, but also who I am as a person. Birmingham offered everything I could ask for—excellent education, a multicultural environment, beautiful parks, and lots of student discounts.

If you're thinking about studying abroad, keep an open mind. Step out of your comfort zone. Embrace every experience, even the awkward ones. And most importantly, enjoy the journey.

From being someone who was terrified of leaving home to someone who now helps freshers settle in, I can say: that Birmingham didn’t just educate me. It transformed me.