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A desi restaurant at every corner, grocery stores that sell masalas and mithai, Bollywood films showing in theatres, it would be really hard for an Indian student to feel homesick in England. If you can get past the weather, that is. And with the latest figures showing that the country hosts about 330,000 international students, cosmopolitan UK is an education destination worth considering.

No More Cramming

Learning by rote and cramming may be the way in India, but compelling students to think creatively and independently is intrinsic to UK universities? curriculums. In a stark contrast to the rigid Indian education system, students are encouraged to read, analyse, discuss and question, a method of teaching that better prepares them for the outside world. Career-based and specialised courses are designed to prepare Indian students for the modern world of work.

Value for Money

Education in the UK doesn't come cheap, but unlike corresponding programmes in the United States or Australia, most courses in the UK can be completed in a shorter time period and therefore reduces your cost of studying and living. UK Masters programmes can be completed in one year, and under graduate ones are usually three-year programmes. This, coupled with top grade education makes UK one of the chosen destinations for many Indian students. Tution for the majority of UK higher education institutions is in the region of £6,000 to £7,000 a year - considerably less than some of the US schools that can charge a steep $25,000 and up. Plus, more than 21, 000 international students receive scholarship funding from the UK government every year.

Mini India

Hosting over 330,000 international students, of which 23,835 are Indian (according to 2006/2007 data), an Indian student can meet people from diverse backgrounds, without feeling out of place. 2008 data shows that Middlesex University in North London has the largest number of Indians in the UK (800), and second on the list is University of Greenwich (Thames Polytechnic) in East London, which has 700. Desi student communities in Britain work actively to help their fellow learners transition from the Indian landscape to the British one. They celebrate Indian festivals like Diwali on campus, and arrange a host of cultural activities. And when you miss ghar ka khaana, Indian restaurants and grocery stores are present at every corner. University Support for Indian students For those feeling apprehensive about starting out in the UK, most universities hold orientation programmes for international students at the start of the academic session. Your counsellor will give you a tour of the campus, an overview of the facilities and institution's rules, information on registering for courses, and insight on the important aspects on living in the UK. This counsellor support will continues during your enrolment in the university.

Career Opportunities

The UK offers work opportunities both, while you are studying, as well as after you finish your degree. Twenty hours a week is usually how long an international student in the UK is allowed to work during school term. This however, is subject to changing visa rules and regulations. Also, finding a job and keeping up with it is not always easy, so do not rely on it as a source of income to finance your education. Concentrating on your course should be top priority. If you graduate from a recognised UK higher education institution with a degree or higher in any subject, you can apply to stay on and work in the UK for a year under the International Graduates Scheme (IGS). Check with your international advisor for more details.

The Opportunity to Travel

Indians aren?t known to be spontaneous travellers, but studying in the UK can change that. Students here get access to three countries in one province - England, Scotland, Wales and the province of Northern Ireland. The well-established air, rail, coach and bus networks make it easy not only to travel within the United Kingdom, but also to close-by European countries. Discounts and special rates are usually available for students. In short, the large Indian diaspora in the UK will make Indian students feel right at home.

Test Requirements

Nearly all colleges require some standardised tests as part of the admissions process, including the TOEFL. For those who have studied in an English Medium high school, TOEFL, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, is relatively simple. Those who have attended school and college in a language other than English may find it considerably harder. See page ( ) for a more information and registration information. Depending on the course you are opting for, you could also be required to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the A-levels and/or the GCSEs and other equivalents. For many international students, these tests are important when applying for a degree or career-based courses.

Cost of Living

Your costs while living in the UK will extend beyond your course fee. You need to factor in a budget for accommodation, meals and other living expenses. The advantage of studying in the UK is that international students pursuing a full-time courses that lasts more than six months get all the benefits of the country's National Health Service. This basically means free consultation and hospital care for you and your family.