Life of an International Student in London – My Study Abroad Journey with EdSteps

When you picture being an international student, London probably comes to mind the red buses, stylish coats, and centuries-old universities that look straight out of a royal documentary. Coffee in one hand. Confidence in the other.

And then… reality hits. Turns out, no one told you about the endless Tube delays or how expensive everything is when you convert it to rupees.

The Beginning: The Dream of study abroad and the Visa Forms

For me, it all began with one wild idea studying in London. The city of Shakespeare, the Beatles, and people who queue for everything (seriously, everything).

Turning that dream into reality wasn’t all tea and scones. The journey involved countless applications, essay drafts that went through five edits, and way too many coffee-fueled nights with my counselor at EdSteps. But their support didn’t stop at getting me admitted. For the entire one year of my master’s degree, EdSteps was like my second family, helping me with everything from visa paperwork to finding good internships, connecting me with tutors during stressful exam periods, and offering guidance whenever I felt overwhelmed. They weren’t just helping me get into university; they were there every step of the way, making sure I thrived abroad and reminding me, most importantly, to breathe.

The day my acceptance letter came, my mom cried. My dad proudly told every neighbor. And I just sat there humming “London Calling” with a smile I couldn’t hide.

Touchdown: When Reality Becomes Realer Than Expected

The moment I stepped off the plane, I felt like I had arrived in another world. Grey skies. Old buildings. People actually dressed like it was fashion week.

The first week was chaos figuring out Oyster cards, learning that “mind the gap” isn’t just a phrase, and paying £2 for bottled water (what a scam). But then came my first walk through campus and wow.

The architecture, the history Gothic arches and ivy-covered walls whispering stories of scholars who studied there centuries ago. I remember sitting in the library for the first time, surrounded by oak shelves and that comforting smell of old books. That became my haven late-night study sessions with class notes, snacks, and whispers about essays we hadn’t written yet.

And sometimes, when the pressure got too real, we’d sneak out for midnight hot chocolate near the Thames. Because even in London, deadlines can wait an hour.

Classroom Chronicles: Honesty, Humor, and Learning to Speak Up

Classes here aren’t like back home. No one hands you notes to memorize. Instead, professors ask, “What’s your take on this?”

The first time I heard that, I blinked. Twice. I had no “take.” But London broke me in quickly you either speak up, or you fade into the polite silence of academia.

Within weeks, I found myself debating world economics over coffee with classmates from Germany, Nigeria, and Brazil. Every lecture felt like a conversation between cultures. And that, to me, was the real education.

Good Food, Better Cafes in London

Let’s kill the myth: London food isn’t all fish and chips. Markets here are magic, Borough Market became my happy place. Fresh bread, fruits, street performers, and food from every corner of the world.

And cafés? Don’t even get me started. There’s a coffee spot for every mood ones with big windows, vintage couches, and playlists that make you feel like the main character.

We had a little tradition Friday “study sessions” that somehow turned into brunches. More talking than studying, if I’m honest. But that’s what makes it worth it.

Because this study abroad experience wasn’t just about books it was about conversation, laughter, and realizing how much living you can do between deadlines.

Friends, Parties, and Culture

Making friends abroad is basically speed dating without romance. At first, it’s awkward small talk about weather and academics. Then, suddenly, you’re planning movie nights and sending each other memes.

If there’s one thing I’d tell any new international student, it’s this don’t just find people from your country. Make international friends. Join clubs. Go to those random cultural events even if you don’t know anyone.

Because the moment you find yourself dancing at a friend’s birthday party in Shoreditch or sipping chai with someone from Spain who loves Bollywood, you’ll know you’re really living this experience.

The Money Talk (a.k.a. Budgeting as an International Student)

Let’s be real. London isn’t cheap. Your wallet will cry. Your heart will follow. But you learn to adapt fast.

Food, surprisingly, isn’t the problem. If you know where to shop local markets, small groceries you’ll find fresh produce that’s far better than what you got back home. Cafes can drain you, yes, but fresh meals? Surprisingly affordable.

Where things get wild is transportation and housing. The Tube swipe feels cheap until your balance disappears before lunch. But with student discounts and some planning, it gets easier.

Funny thing? You start measuring everything in “coffee equivalents.” Like, “Should I buy new shoes?” “Hmm… that’s seven cappuccinos.”

By month three, I could write a thesis on Surviving London on a Student Budget.

The Fun and the Freedom in abroad

London is like an open-air classroom. Every weekend is an adventure. One day you’re exploring Camden Market, the next you’re dancing by the river at South Bank.

My favorite memory? An impromptu pub quiz night where our team lost horribly but laughed till we cried.

And yes… there were parties. The kind where you sneak out after pretending to stay in “to study.” (Sorry, mom.) We danced, met people from ten countries in a single night, then took the night bus home laughing about how our 2 a.m. energy would be invisible in the morning lectures.

Homesickness: It Comes Quietly

At first, everything feels perfect. You’re exploring, socializing, taking pictures for friends back home.

But after two months, it slows down. The city gets quieter. The novelty fades. And suddenly, you’d do anything for your mom’s rajma chawal.

You miss your parents your dad’s shopping trips, the way your house smelled during chai time. You miss not worrying about bills or groceries.

That’s when homesickness hits. Deep and real. And that’s when I realised being brave doesn’t mean not missing home. It means learning to love two homes at once.

Whenever I felt low, someone from EdSteps would check in. They didn’t just disappear after I got my visa, they truly stayed a part of my journey. Sometimes, that one message, “How’s it going?”, made all the difference.

Learning Beyond Books

Here’s what studying abroad really teaches you how to live.

You learn to manage everything money, time, emotions, laundry all while chasing your dreams. You grow confident ordering coffee without fumbling, saying “cheers” instead of “thank you,” and finding joy in little victories.

You learn empathy by listening to people from other worlds. You learn courage by navigating your own.

And maybe, one night sitting by the Thames, looking at those ci

ty lights you realize: this is what growth looks like.

Looking Back

Being an international student in London isn’t just about studying in a historic city. It’s about discovering yourself on every rainy walk and late-night Tube ride.

It’s about laughter echoing through dorm corridors, about the friendships you never expected, and the independence you never thought you were ready for.

So, if you’re thinking about studying abroad do it. Because when you walk through those ancient university gates, you’re not just entering a campus. You’re stepping into your next version.

And with EdSteps by your side, you won’t just reach your destination you’ll confidently navigate every step of your international education journey, from admission to graduation and everything beyond.