From Delhi to Newcastle: Mihika’s honest guide to studying in the UK
Thinking about a master’s in the UK? Learn from a real Indian student’s journey with visas, internships, money management, community and funding with Prodigy Finance.
Moving abroad for your master’s is a major life decision. It takes courage, planning and belief in your future. For Mihika, a recent graduate of the international marketing master’s at Newcastle University and a Prodigy Finance borrower*, the journey felt emotional, challenging and rewarding.
In this blog, she shares:
What it is like to adjust to life in the UK
How she handled months of “no response” on applications
How she landed two internships in one week
What she learned about student visa rules
How she managed her finances abroad
Why community and support systems matter
How real work experience built her confidence
If you are planning your master’s or already waiting for your CAS, Mihika’s story gives you a clear, recent and relatable view of studying in the UK.
Why Mihika chose to study her master’s in the UK
Some students take months to decide on a study destination. For Mihika, the UK stood out early.
A long-standing connection with the UK
From age 13, the UK appeared constantly in her social feeds, from lifestyle content to culture to cities such as London, Leeds and Manchester.
“It always looked like a place I wanted to live,” she says. “At first I thought I might visit one day, not study here.” When she started exploring a master’s abroad, her interests and options aligned with the UK.
Family support that made the move easier
Her sister was already living in London. This made the move feel both exciting and reassuring. For many Indian students, having family in the same country reduces anxiety and helps with the first few months of settling in.
Strong marketing opportunities across UK cities
Cities such as Manchester, Leeds and London have a strong presence in branding, creative agencies and digital roles. Since Mihika already loved social media and brand strategy, this carried real weight in her decision.
A master’s to upskill and move forward
Before Newcastle, Mihika worked in branding and communications in India. She enjoyed her work and wanted more. A master’s felt like the right way to deepen her skills, gain confidence with global marketing practices and position herself for long-term growth.
The UK became her launchpad.
Life at Newcastle University: studying, adapting and finding confidence
The academic experience
The international marketing programme gave her theory and frameworks. The bigger shift was in mindset. She moved from “a master’s makes me qualified” to “a master’s is a first step, learning continues in every role”.
Many graduates recognise this feeling. You return with more knowledge and a stronger way of thinking, planning and making decisions about your career.
Learning to live independently
Moving abroad meant learning to cook, budget, plan and handle everyday admin. She had to structure her days without the support systems she had at home.
“Everything I had at my fingertips in India, I rebuilt it in a different way here.”
The experience tested her, and it strengthened her.
Community makes all the difference
Her sister, friends and classmates helped her settle in. International students often underestimate how important it is to build the right support network.
“You are on your own, no one is going to take care of you. So choose your people wisely.”
The internship challenge: from six months of silence to two offers in one week
Many international students recognise this pattern:
You apply for roles
You wait
You hear nothing
You try again
Silence starts to affect your confidence, even when you know you have skills and experience.
A long period of no responses
While friends secured part-time roles and internships, Mihika kept applying. For about six months she received no offers. It felt discouraging and led her to question her abilities, even though she already had strong experience from India.
The turning point
Then everything shifted. Within a single week, she received two internship offers.
This changed more than her CV. It restored her belief in herself.
“It reassured me that I am strong enough for the UK market. It was a moment I really needed.”
The internship she chose
Mihika accepted an internship at The Grand Hotel in Tynemouth. She supported its social media and overall marketing strategy. The hotel is a legacy brand, and her work focused on expressing that legacy through its online presence.
The role gave her hands-on, practical experience and helped her show that she could:
Communicate clearly in a professional setting
Understand and speak to a UK audience
Adapt to new environments
Build credibility in a local market
Why internships matter in the UK
In creative and marketing fields, internships often bridge the gap between your degree and your first full-time role. They signal to recruiters that you can:
Work in diverse teams
Handle UK based clients or stakeholders
Create content for local audiences
Meet deadlines and expectations
Understanding visa rules as a student
Work authorisation can be confusing when you first arrive. Mihika approached it in a simple way:
During term time, up to 20 hours of work per week
During vacations or after classes end, up to 40 hours per week
After finishing the course, graduates can apply for a post-study visa (Graduate Route), subject to eligibility and current rules
Knowing how these rules work helps you plan your schedule, your earning potential and the kind of roles you can take on during studies.
Financing a master’s abroad: how Mihika discovered Prodigy Finance
Coming from a middle-class background, the idea of taking an education loan felt daunting.
“Anything to do with finance makes me anxious,” she shares.
The challenge with traditional bank loans in India
The process can feel long and complex, often involving:
Multiple in-person visits
Long waiting times
Collateral or guarantor requirements
Extensive documentation
Slow processing
Why Prodigy Finance felt like the right choice*
When she found Prodigy Finance, the online process felt more manageable.
“I put in my university, added a few details and quickly received an offer with an amount I could be approved for. The step-by-step upload felt simple.”
The disbursement that eased her first month
One highlight she mentions is that Prodigy Finance sends the funds directly when we send the funds to your school, which removed one major worry during her first weeks in the UK.
“When you arrive in a new country, everything hits you at once. Not having to worry about the payment was a blessing.”
Life after graduating: what is next for Mihika
Right now, she is focused on:
Securing her post-study visa
Completing her internship
Applying for full-time marketing roles
Exploring positions in social media and brand strategy
Finding a team that aligns with her values and interests
“I am excited to be part of any marketing team that feels right for me. I am taking the next step one decision at a time.”
Like many new graduates, she is still shaping her path, and that is completely normal.
Her advice for Indian students planning to study in the UK
Her guidance is simple and grounded.
Be intentional
Know why you are choosing the UK, your programme and your longer-term direction.Build a strong network
Speak to people from different backgrounds, not only from your home country.Choose your community carefully
The people around you become your support system.Say yes to opportunities
Growth often happens when you try new things, even small ones.Understand the culture you enter
Respect differences, stay open and take time to understand how things work.Be yourself
Authenticity helps you build real friendships and attract the right opportunities.
Your journey can start today
Mihika’s story shows that studying abroad is not instant success. It is a process of growth, resilience and self-discovery. You learn who you are when everything around you changes.
If you are planning your own study abroad journey, your first step could be checking your eligibility for a Prodigy Finance loan.*
