My Life as an International MBA Student in London: Study, Challenges, and Success

They say an MBA changes your life but they don’t warn you about the all-nighters, visa struggles, and the sudden appreciation for instant or readymade foods. When I packed my bags and flew from Mumbai to London, I thought I was ready for everything. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t.

From navigating cultural shocks to balancing assignments with late-night existential crises, my journey as an international MBA student has been nothing short of an adventure. If you're thinking about studying abroad (or just want to know what it’s like), buckle up this blog might just be the reality check (or motivation) you need.

My Journey as an International MBA Student in London

Starting my MBA journey in London was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, filled with excitement, challenges, and unforgettable moments. As an international student, I navigated through the complexities of applications, visa processes, accommodations, studies, and friendships all of which shaped me in ways I never imagined.

The Beginning: From Applications to Landing in London

My journey started with preparing my application for the University of West London (UWL). I had to take the IELTS exam, and despite only studying for 15 days, I managed to clear it with a score of 7 bands. The university application process was smooth—I received my offer letter within 15 days and then cleared my CAS interview, which lasted about 30 minutes and was full of questions.

Once I had my CAS, I applied for a priority visa and booked my flight to London via Kuwait Airways. I landed at Heathrow on 27th August 2023, filled with excitement and a little bit of nervousness about the new life ahead. Luckily, one of my friends was already in London, and he helped me with accommodation. We stayed together in a shared room in a bungalow in Wembley—an area popular among Indians, with easy access to Indian groceries and restaurants.

• Tip for Future Students: Wembley is a great option for Indian students who want to stay connected with their culture while adjusting to life in the UK. But if you want a more diverse experience, exploring other areas might be a good idea!

MBA Life at the University of West London

University of West London

I started my MBA lectures at the Brentford campus of UWL, which was incredibly modern and well-equipped. As an MBA student, I had 3-hour-long lectures per subject, split between theoretical discussions and practical presentations. It was a great balance that kept us engaged and prepared us for real-world business scenarios.

The initial months went smoothly, but after a while, I felt the need to move out of my shared living arrangement. Without going into too many details, let's just say that living with a friend doesn’t always work out as expected. So, I decided to shift to student accommodation—Pavilion Court.

• Tip for Future Students: If you are moving to London for studies, I highly recommend staying in student accommodation. It helps you build a network, make lifelong friends, and experience true student life, which is not always possible in a private shared house.

Life in Student Accommodation

Pavilion Court Student Accomodation

Moving into Pavilion Court was one of the best decisions I made. Though the rent was high at £900 per month, the experience was worth every penny. I met some amazing friends—Pooja, Sanji, Mayur, Divyam, Mansi, and Ruby. We bonded over late-night assignment sessions, group study in the study area, and cooking meals together in our shared kitchen.

Mayur was our unofficial chef, cooking delicious Indian food, while Pooja and I helped with chopping veggies and making rotis. Sanji? Well, she provided ‘moral support’—a role she took very seriously! We even had a system for grocery shopping since we all lived on the same floor, making daily student life easier and more fun.

• Tip for Future Students: Making friends in student accommodation can be a game-changer. It not only helps with mental well-being but also creates a support system when you need help with studies, jobs, or just surviving in a new country.

                           

Finding a New Home & More Adventures

After 8 months in Pavilion Court, our tenancy contracts were ending, but none of us wanted to part ways. We decided to find another accommodation together, which turned out to be quite a challenge! Finding a budget-friendly place with enough space for all of us was tough, but we managed to get a new place just 5 minutes away from our previous one.

Moving was an adventure in itself. Instead of hiring movers, we decided to shift everything using Costco trolleys! We stayed up all night packing and shifting our belongings before our checkout deadline the next morning. The university staff even helped us, as the student accommodation was affiliated with UWL. Eventually, we moved into Canvas Student Accommodation, where we stayed for two more months.

• Tip for Future Students: When moving in London, plan early! Finding affordable housing is tricky, so start searching at least a month in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

Exploring London & My Favorite Places

Amidst all the studying and shifting, I made sure to explore London. Some of my favorite places included:

London Tower Bridge

• Camden Market – The vibe here was unmatched, with quirky shops and amazing street food.
• Primrose Hill – The best sunset view of the London skyline.
• Tower Bridge – A classic London landmark that never gets old.

Dissertation & Graduation: The Big Milestone

MBA Graduation Ceremony

As my MBA lectures ended, the real challenge began—writing my dissertation. My research topic was Evaluating the Effectiveness of Influencer Marketing on Fashion Branding. I dedicated months to it, working day and night, and when I finally submitted it, the feeling of accomplishment was unreal.

When the results came out and I saw that I had passed, it was an emotional moment—not just for me but for my family as well. After all the challenges and hard work, I had officially completed my MBA!

On 3rd December 2024, my graduation ceremony took place. It was a surreal experience wearing the graduation gown and walking on stage when my name was called by the Vice Chancellor. That moment was not just for me—it was for my mom, dad, my family, and everyone who had supported me throughout this journey.

What’s Next? The Job Hunt Begins

After graduation, I took a well-deserved break for a month, exploring more of the UK and enjoying life as a graduate. Then, in January 2025, I applied for my Post-Study Work (PSW) visa, which marked the beginning of the next big phase—finding a job and establishing myself in the professional world.

Final Thoughts & Advice for Future International Students

• Plan ahead – Start your application process early, and prepare for IELTS in advance.
• Choose accommodations wisely – Student accommodation helps in making friends and networking.
• Explore the city – Don’t just study; enjoy your time in London and make memories.
• Budget smartly – London is expensive, so manage your expenses wisely.
• Networking is key – Build connections as they might help in job opportunities after graduation.

This was my journey as an international MBA student in London—full of ups and downs, friendships, learning, and unforgettable experiences. Now, the next adventure begins!

I hope this blog helps future students who dream of studying in London. If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out!

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