A viral Reddit post has sparked widespread debate after an Indian student pursuing a PhD in Computer Science shared a sobering account of the harsh realities international students face in the UK. The post, which has gained significant traction on social media, warns prospective students against moving to the UK for higher education, citing financial strain, health concerns, and a challenging job market.
The author, who completed a master’s degree in the UK before advancing to a PhD, described the environment as “extremely tough” for international students. According to the post, many students find themselves trapped in low-paying part-time jobs that barely cover living expenses. Some reportedly struggle with deteriorating health due to financial stress, poor diet, and difficult working conditions. The writer also mentioned seeing friends return to India after failing to secure stable employment despite extended post-study work visas.
Rising Concerns Over Cost of Living and Employment
The post highlights several key concerns, including:
- Financial Burden: High tuition fees, expensive housing, and the cost-of-living crisis force many students to take on strenuous part-time jobs.
- Health & Well-Being: Poor nutrition, mental stress, and adverse weather conditions reportedly impact students’ physical and emotional health.
- Limited Career Opportunities: Many master’s graduates struggle to secure well-paying jobs, with some employers allegedly skeptical about international qualifications.
- Degree Perception Issues: The author claims that UK master’s degrees, typically lasting one year, are often considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in India and do not hold as much value in global job markets.
Allegations Against Universities and Employers
The post also accuses universities of prioritizing tuition revenue over academic rigor, alleging that institutions are aware of widespread assignment outsourcing but choose not to enforce stricter academic standards. Additionally, it suggests that some UK employers suspect international graduates of exaggerating credentials on their CVs, making job searches even more difficult.
Safety Concerns and Public Reaction
The Reddit user also pointed to recent incidents, such as the 2024 Southport stabbings, as indicators of growing safety concerns for international students in the UK. Public reactions to events like the Stockport Incident Riots further highlight underlying tensions in certain communities.
Mass Return of Indian Students
According to the post, a staggering 99% of the author’s acquaintances returned to India after completing their studies, either immediately after a master’s degree or after an additional post-study work visa period.
Growing Debate on Social Media
The post has received a mixed reaction online, with over 100 upvotes and 52 downvotes. Some users agree that the UK is becoming increasingly inhospitable for international students, particularly in light of economic downturns and post-pandemic recovery struggles. Others argue that the situation is not unique to the UK and that similar difficulties exist in other Western nations experiencing financial crises.
UK Is a Trap for International Students – My Personal Experience
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With an increasing number of students reconsidering their options, this Reddit post has ignited an important discussion on the real costs and benefits of pursuing higher education in the UK. Whether these concerns will lead to policy changes remains to be seen, but for now, many international students are thinking twice before making the move.
