— Ashaaz Ansari
My journey towards studying abroad began much earlier, during my school years, when I was still trying to understand what university life beyond India could look like. I studied at Welham Boys’ School, Dehradun, from Class 4 to 12, actively engaging in academic and co-curricular activities. Watching my seniors apply to universities abroad gradually familiarised me with the application process and sparked my interest in pursuing higher education overseas. I completed my Class 12 in March 2025 under the CBSE curriculum.
Why I chose the UK
My inclination towards the UK as a study destination began years before I started applying. During a visit to the country, I was struck by its architecture. As unconventional as it may sound for a Computer Science student, the elegant arches and intricate designs left a lasting impression on me and contrasted sharply with the urban landscapes I was used to in India.
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When I began researching universities in Class 11, I discovered that the UK hosts several leading institutions in STEM. The emphasis on hands-on learning and practical implementation, rather than rote memorisation, strongly appealed to me. Although I also applied to universities in Australia, I chose the UK because of my previous positive experience there and a personal preference for its cooler climate.
I am currently pursuing an MComp in Computer Science at the University of Sheffield in the UK.
Application process and admissions
The application procedures differed across countries. In the UK, applications were submitted through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), which allowed me to apply to five universities through a single portal. This required a personal statement, a letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor, my Class 10 transcript, and predicted grades.
For Australian universities, applications were submitted individually and mainly involved answering institution-specific questions along with predicted grades. I handled the application process independently but sought assistance from a counsellor after receiving my offer letter to manage the visa process.
While I did not apply for any scholarships, I received the University of Sheffield’s automatic undergraduate scholarship worth £2,500.
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Academic life in the UK
Studying in the UK has significantly reshaped how I approach academics. The system encourages independence, with fewer direct checks on assignments. I soon realised that completing unmonitored worksheets was essential for genuinely understanding the subject.
Over time, studying began to feel less like an obligation and more like a hobby. This shift allowed me to explore projects and gain hands-on experience.
Assignments resemble complex puzzles that require hours of thought, debugging, and reflection. My Java assignments, for instance, often involve tracing minute errors after extended coding sessions, but the satisfaction of finally getting the code to work makes the effort worthwhile.
Although I have only been in Sheffield for about three months, I have already made several memories. From spending hours at Meadowhall with friends and watching random movies, to squeezing in restaurant visits during short breaks or simply chatting instead of finishing assignments, these moments helped Sheffield feel like home.
These everyday experiences slowly reassured me that even on a different continent, I could find comfort, connection, and belonging.
First days, culture shock, and settling in
My parents accompanied me to Sheffield and helped me settle in, but the initial days were still daunting. I didn’t know anyone and worried about forming friendships. Welcome Week played a crucial role in easing these fears. University-organised group activities helped me meet students from different countries, courses, and cultures – including peers from India.
Initially, managing groceries, cooking, and daily chores felt overwhelming. However, once the semester began, these tasks became routine and even offered a break from academic pressure. Daily commutes turned into moments of either quiet reflection or lively conversations, depending on whether I was travelling alone or with friends.
I have not taken up a part-time job yet, as I am currently focusing on my coursework and side projects. I plan to apply for internships during academic breaks and am fortunate to have the support of my parents in managing living expenses.
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Personal growth and changing perspectives
While studying abroad hasn’t drastically altered my outlook on life, it has reinforced the importance of independence and self-discipline. With no one monitoring my progress, I am solely responsible for meeting deadlines and making informed choices.
My involvement in society committees such as Sheffield TechVision and student-led initiatives like Project Quest has transformed my understanding of teamwork and leadership. Taking on responsibilities outside my comfort zone has helped me develop new skills and a willingness to accept challenges I might once have avoided.
Choosing to study in a different country was intimidating, but it is a decision I do not regret. Beyond academics, the experience has contributed significantly to my personal growth. The people I have met, the independence I have gained, and the lessons I continue to learn have more than made up for the distance from home.
(This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students at different foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences — students tell us how life is different in those countries and things they are learning other than academics)s
Ashaaz Ansari, who is pursuing MComp Computer Science at the University of Sheffield, UK, is from Bhadohi, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. 
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