A student who used SI-UK's application services has detailed her journey of applying to and studying in the UK amid the global pandemic.

Garima Malhotra spoke to The Indian Express about her experiences applying to study in the UK, detailing the benefits of using SI-UK's counselling and visa service, securing scholarship funding and working part-time to support her studies.

Learn more about Garima's experience below, and if you would like to join the thousands of other international students who have used SI-UK's free consultation service, book your free appointment today.

Starting the journey

"I embarked on my bitter-sweet journey to the UK in the middle of a raging pandemic in September of 2021. I am in my second year of the integrated master’s course in Electronics and Computer Engineering at the University of Sheffield and have come a long way from home."

Applying via SI-UK

"The admission process is quite straightforward for universities in the UK. I applied via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and submitted a single application to all the universities.

"Other than the support from my parents, SI-UK’s free counselling organised question and answer sessions with different universities across the United Kingdom. This helped me make my top five choices for universities and the courses they offer."

Smooth visa processing

"Once I received my conditional offers from the universities, I had to nominate a top preference. After this, I started my visa process as I waited for my Class 12 board exam results and confirmation of admission. SI-UK guided us through the visa process as well."

Securing a scholarship

"I applied for and received the International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship at the University of Sheffield. This scholarship is renewed for consequent years upon achieving 60 per cent and above results each year at university. At the time, the application required an additional essay regarding my future aspirations and how the scholarship would help me realise them. I believe that my high school grades and statement of purpose also played a big role in my success with this scholarship."

Managing financially

"I use a combination of strategies to manage my cost of living at the university. I work part-time at the university as an ambassador. The pay is quite good, and I can sign up for shifts or work whenever I feel I have time to spare, as there are no fixed hours. I also try to work during summer break. This summer, I worked as a paid undergraduate research assistant and did a short summer internship."

Gaining independence

"My experience at Sheffield has certainly made me a more independent person. Keeping in constant touch with family and friends back home made the transition much more bearable. Moreover, the atmosphere at these universities helps you become a more open-minded individual. It is strange to think how a place that seemed so foreign has now become a second home to me."

• Source: The Indian Express