Thriving as University of East London Indian Students: Culture & Life
Your ultimate survival and lifestyle guide for moving from India to the University of East London, covering food, community, and culture.
Updated 3 min readUniversity of East London
Welcome to East London: A Home Away from Home
Moving from bustling Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore to London is an exhilarating life step. For University of East London indian students, the transition is made significantly smoother by East London's rich multicultural tapestry. Areas surrounding the Docklands and Stratford campuses are vibrant, diverse, and heavily populated by South Asian diasporas, making it remarkably easy to find familiar comforts.
Whether you are pursuing a master's in business analytics or an undergraduate degree in engineering, building a support network is vital. Let's dive deep into what you can genuinely expect regarding community, cuisine, cultural integration, and mental health support during your academic journey.
Joining the Indian Society and Finding Your Community
The vibrant Indian society at UEL is your very first port of call upon arrival. During freshers' week, make sure to visit the Students' Union fair to sign up. The society acts as the beating heart of the Indian student community on campus, organizing meet-ups, chai sessions, movie nights, and massive celebrations for festivals like Diwali and Holi.
"When I landed in London, everything felt overwhelming. Joining the UEL Indian Society during my first week introduced me to people who instantly felt like family. We now cook together every Sunday." - Rohan Sharma, MSc International BusinessTop Ways to Engage with the UEL Indian Community
- Attend the annual Welcome Mixer hosted by the Students' Union in October.
- Participate in cultural showcase rehearsals (dance, drama, and music).
- Join WhatsApp and Facebook fresher groups prior to flying to sort out flat-sharing or airport pickups.
- Collaborate with neighboring universities like Queen Mary or King's College for inter-university cultural mixers.
Desi Food Near Campus: Satisfying Your Cravings
One of the biggest concerns for incoming international students is food. Will you miss home-cooked dal and biryani? Absolutely. Can you fix it easily? Yes! East London is arguably one of the best locations in the UK for authentic South Asian cuisine and grocery shopping.
Near the Docklands and Stratford campuses, you have easy access to phenomenal desi food near campus. From street-food style chaat houses to high-end curry establishments, and colossal supermarkets stocked with MDH masala, fresh paneer, and frozen parathas, you will never run out of options.
| Category | Item / Location | Average Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery Run | Weekly Indian essentials (Rice, lentils, spices) | £25 - £35 |
| Quick Bite | Samosa chaat or masala chai near Stratford | £3 - £6 |
| Restaurant Meal | Dinner at a local Punjabi or South Indian eatery | £15 - £25 per person |
| Fresh Produce | Weekly veggies from local Green Street markets | £15 - £20 |
Celebrating Cultural Events and Festivals
Being thousands of miles away from home doesn't mean missing out on your favorite festivals. The university administration and the student union actively support the celebration of diverse cultural events. UEL hosts large-scale events for Diwali, Eid, Navratri, and Pongal.
You will find traditional attire, dazzling performances, and authentic catering arranged right on campus. These events not only help Indian students celebrate their heritage proudly but also introduce British and international peers to the richness of Indian traditions.
Homesickness Support and Mental Wellbeing
It is completely normal to experience culture shock and homesickness during your first semester. The grey UK weather, academic pressures, and being away from family can sometimes take a toll. Fortunately, UEL provides robust homesickness support through professional counseling services, wellbeing mentors, and peer support networks.
Don't hesitate to reach out to the student hub if you feel low. Additionally, talking to senior Indian students who have walked the exact same path can provide immense reassurance and practical coping strategies.
Coping Strategies for First-Year Homesickness
- Maintain a routine: Keep regular sleeping and eating habits, blending British lifestyle with Indian comforting rituals.
- Stay connected: Schedule regular video calls with family, but ensure you actively step out to socialize on campus too.
- Utilize university services: Book confidential mental health sessions via the UEL Student Support portal.
- Cook comfort food: Batch-cooking your favorite Indian meals with flatmates is a great bonding activity.
Conclusion
Your time as a student at the University of East London will be transformative. By actively immersing yourself in the Indian society, exploring local food hubs, and utilizing university support systems, you will turn London into your second home. Pack your bags, keep an open mind, and get ready for an unforgettable academic adventure!