'Getting Back To Student Life Wasn't Easy In My 30s….' Delhi Student Shares Her MBA Story From UK

I am Ojaswini Srivastava, currently pursuing an MBA at Aston Business School in the UK. When a friend mentioned this story idea, I thought I could reflect on and share a few parts of my journey so far. Moving to a new country as an international student isn’t always easy—it’s a mix of challenges, lessons, and moments that shape you quietly, over time. There’s a lot that goes unsaid in such experiences, and maybe this is a small attempt to give voice to that.

Leaving behind a familiar life, a steady career, and stepping into a completely new environment wasn’t an easy decision. But now that it’s been nearly six months since I arrived, I find myself gradually settling in. The unfamiliar is becoming familiar, and the journey—while still challenging in parts—feels more manageable with time.

Before coming here, I already had a master’s degree and was at the midpoint of my career. But somewhere deep inside, I knew I wasn’t fully satisfied. I wanted to challenge myself, look for new things, and acquire more. I was in my 30s when I thought that if I was going to take a break from my career, it was going to have to be for something. So, I did it. I took a risk. The UK, known for its quality of education and top universities, seemed like the best place to embark on this journey.

Currently, I am staying in Birmingham, and I just adore the city. It's filled with art, incredible food, and a dynamic energy, thanks in part to the vibrant South Asian community and other multicultural influences that give the city its unique character. Birmingham offers a low cost of living compared to cities such as London. The city is highly connected and filled with opportunities, so it's a good place to live and study.

For my visa, I followed the online application process carefully, making sure to meet all the requirements and submit the necessary documents within the timelines.

Campus Life: A Shift Back to Being a Student

Adjusting back to student life after spending years working wasn’t the easiest thing. At this stage of life, when everything had become stable, peaceful, and drama-free, suddenly being back in a young, lively student environment took some time to get used to.

But I’ve come to appreciate it. Now, after a few months, I’ve found my circle of friends. Life at university has been good. It just takes time, figuring out who you connect with, understanding the culture, and getting used to a different education system.

One thing I would suggest to any new international student is: don’t be too hard on yourself if your initial assignment scores aren’t as expected. The academic and marking systems here are quite different from what we may be used to, and it takes time to adjust. Most UK universities offer strong academic support—use it. Stay in touch with your faculty, ask for guidance, and make the most of the resources available. Improvement will follow if you stay consistent and open to learning.

Home Away from Home

There are days when I miss home, family, and friends deeply. But staying in touch with them, while also slowly embracing this new culture, has helped me build my own little space here.

Everything changes when you move abroad — your body takes time to adjust to the new weather, food habits, and even budgeting! I highly advise packing some essentials like basic Indian masalas and ready-made food from home. Birmingham is wonderfully multicultural, and as an Indian student, I have found it comforting to see plenty of Asian grocery stores and spice shops scattered across the city — making it easy to find familiar ingredients and flavours from home.

Controlling the living costs is probably the most challenging aspect, particularly because of the currency disparity. Carefully planning and then adhering to a budget has been crucial for me. Everybody's financial status is unique, and hence it is not advisable to compare your expenses with others. Identify what is necessary for you and get it through.

My Advice to Prospective Students

- Be budget-conscious from day one.

- Prioritise your spending and avoid overindulging in unnecessary items.

- Make an effort to eat well — meal planning makes all the difference, even when it's easy to rely on frozen or processed food.

- Look for cheaper options for everything; they are often available if you make the effort.

- Take advantage of student discounts and apps — they can significantly reduce your expenses.

- Don’t be afraid to ask and talk to people — you’ll be surprised by how much help and advice you can receive just by asking.

The author is pursuing an MBA from Aston University, UK.