“The United Kingdom represents a realm of possibilities. It serves as an international centre for education. It offers an opportunity for a fresh beginning at a prestigious institution.” Such reflections occupied my thoughts as I embarked on my voyage, my emotions oscillating between exhilaration and a hint of apprehension. Like the dreams of most international students, I envisioned myself walking along the historic halls of prestigious universities, drinking hot tea in quaint cafes, and getting a part-time job to support myself while learning valuable skills. I considered the thrill of being independent and the prospect of a promising future. However, I was ill-equipped to oversee the weight of loneliness, the sting of rejection emails, and the struggle to adjust to this pristine environment. These past four months have been a story of resilience characterised by a chain of unsolicited lessons, minor triumphs, and a constant quest for a feeling of home. It has imparted the lesson that home exists as a state of mind and not a physical space.
Adjusting to a Changed Existence:
The United Kingdom can best be characterised as a place where the past and present converge, making it a destination for international students who wish to achieve their goals. Indeed, this claim has a lot of truth. Walking through the university’s great buildings, seeing the movement of the iconic red double-decker buses, and associating with the multicultural community that has been nurtured here developed in me a strong feeling of belonging to a large society. But what is less noticed is the overwhelming sense of being overwhelmed that may be experienced with the beginning of a new stage. The roads are strange, the dialects take some time to get accustomed to, and the wintry weather penetrates to the core, thereby giving the homesickness experience even more overwhelming. Friendships were harder to make than I had expected. Though people were warm, close bonds take a long time to set up. I often experienced moments of hesitation before speaking, wondering whether the tone of my voice was altered and asking myself where I fit in. Ordinary tasks, such as grocery shopping, seemed like minor skirmishes scanning the shelves for recognisable comestibles, performing mental calculations, and learning the hard way that the term “chips” has a different meaning here. Despite these first challenges, I have discovered the UK to be a location where my English language abilities are enhanced daily, both inside and outside the classroom. This is a great benefit to my future professional life.
The Struggle to Find Work:
“The quest for part-time work was supposed to be straightforward, with the instruction to apply extensively. This was advice that had been presented many times prior to arrival in the United Kingdom; however, the experience differed. I applied online, distributed printed curricula vitae, approached shops with a cheerful outlook, and gained a series of trial shifts and received no follow-up contact. Each rejection was experienced as a personal failure.” I began to review my case: Was my experience of mediocre quality? Was my accent the issue? Was I not working hard enough? Economic independence was the ultimate desire. I saw my peers managing their scholarship work and nighttime employment with ease and wondered why I could not oversee the load. I opened my email box daily, hoping for a response in vain. With each beep of my phone, I had a hope that it would be a job listing. But most days, there was just silence.
Building Resilience in the Face of Adversity:
Despite many challenges met, it has dawned on me that resilience is built in those instances when we want to release our grip but making a conscious decision to hang on. I have sought comfort in tiny triumphs learning to cook a dish that tastes like home, discovering a serene park that fosters mental clarity, and getting the ability to navigate the city without Google Maps. I try to remind myself that every international student has an issue to deal with and that one day I will be able to look back and realise that this was just one-stepping stone along the way. I have also started to use the support services offered within the university, like the International Support Service, which offers information and advice for international students. It is nice to know that help is available if needed. I persist, nevertheless. I keep polishing my resume, seeking tips, and trying out every single opportunity that falls my way. I am positive that with time passing by, effort, and a dash of luck, a good outcome will eventually evolve.
Written By: Dipesh Rijal
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