Raghav Bansal, 19, is a second-year computer science student at the University of Manchester and is president of the university’s Indian society. He is from New Delhi
Why the UK?
I wanted an international university environment. Before I moved here, I toured the UK and I liked London. But I wanted a student environment rather than a university scattered around the city. I was fascinated by Manchester and after seeing the facilities, I knew I had to go there.
What have been the benefits of coming to the UK?
There’s a high proportion of international students in the UK, which I think promotes personal growth. India’s education system is dominated by Indian students and only prestigious institutions offer an international environment.
The staff are friendly, too. In India, teachers are feared and can’t be your friends.
The British way suits me because I can manage my own time and don’t want constant pressure. The attitude here is: “It’s your life, do it in your own way.” If you don’t submit coursework on time, no one cares and they don’t tell your parents, which is a very good thing.
How are Indian parents involved in students’ lives?
They want their child to be performing well in something – if not academics then something else. If they can’t see progress, they become worried and the pressure starts. They’re concerned about the future.
We have big extended families in India and everyone is involved in making decisions. It’s a good thing – but sometimes teenagers need space.
Who are your best friends at university?
The point of coming here was to make international friends. My main social circles are those in my accommodation, on my course, the computer science society and most people I meet.
I’m also friends with most of the students in the Indian society, but I don’t specifically choose to befriend Indian students.
What do you get from your friendships with other Indians?
I’m in my comfort zone – some discussions you can only have with Indian friends, for example, about family issues.
I discuss profession-related things – such as ideas for start-ups – with British friends on my course and I have fun with them. But when it comes to personal discussion, our bond is still semi-formal.
What do you do in the Indian society?
We create a home away from home for Indians and hold events to promote our culture to non-Indians. Before they arrive, freshers contact us for advice and when they’re here we organise events. We start with a welcome dinner and we celebrate festivals – including Diwali, the festival of lights.
In India the highlight of celebrating Diwali is firecrackers, but we’re not allowed to burn any here because of all the health and safety regulations!
Then we have the festival of colours – Holi – in April or May. We have traditional snacks, a DJ, coloured powder, water guns and water balloons. British students have the time of their lives.
We run fundraisers for Indian charities, bhangra clubbing nights, cricket matches with the Pakistan society and a ball in a posh hotel.
How does university life in India compare to Britain?
There’s little difference in terms of social life and the things students do for fun. People chill out in the same way, they have the same feelings towards their professors and lecturers, and nobody wants to study.
It’s the international element that sets British universities apart.
What do you think about Britain’s nightlife?
It’s more relaxed. I’m comfortable drinking and have never had problems with it, but I’ve never been out drinking outside of the university context.
In India, the drinking age is a big issue – it used to be 21 but was raised to 25 in 2011. This drew protests from students – but they drink anyway.
What have you found most difficult about studying in the UK?
Homesickness and missing family can be an issue. At first, I’d keep myself busy with societies, meeting new people and going to new cities. I’m a real patriot and have Indian stuff on my pin board – flags, posters, badges and quotes from leaders to remind me of home.
I have to do everything for myself now – at home there’s my mum and domestic help, so I don’t have to do anything. I feel independent here, but sometimes I just want to relax!
But I miss home food the most – curries with rice and bread, such as rajma with kidney beans and dhal with lentils .
Do you like the Indian food in Britain?
It could be improved, frankly, but some Indian restaurants come close to the real thing.
Our catered accommodation at university sometimes has Indian nights, but the food is terrible. English friends say, “is this what it really tastes like?” and I say “no, don’t judge us on that”.
I wasn’t expecting there to be much Indian food here, but there’s loads and Manchester is famous for its curry mile. Indian friends always want to go out for Indian food and some cook it themselves, so I usually have it at least once a day.
How often do you go back to India?
I went back once in my first 10 months, but from now on I plan to travel, or do an internship, during the summer instead. My dad’s cool about it and is always busy, but I’m an only child so my mum misses me. We speak over phone every day, but they complain that I’m never free to Skype them.
How does the cost of living compare?
England is more expensive – even regular things, such as water, are more expensive than you’d think. Beer can be cheaper than water!
And without the subsidies available to British students, accommodation and tuition fees are a lot more expensive. Luckily, my dad is sponsoring my studies.
Has the UK lived up to your expectations?
Yes. The best things have been the positive university environment, which brings out the best in people, and the amazing support from staff.
I was looking forward to English culture – British people work until a certain time and then love to relax together after work, which doesn’t happen as much in India. And the British relax on the weekends, whereas most Indian businesses are still running.
Any advice for other Indians thinking about moving?
I’d recommend it. Shed all your apprehensions about studying in the UK, be open-minded and say the first hello to anyone you meet.
Read more stories in the series:
International students in the UK: who are they really?
Meet a student from... Germany: ‘I brought a meat hammer from Germany so I can make schnitzel’
Meet a student from... Malaysia: ‘I miss how, in Malaysia, everything revolves around food’
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