An Indian PhD student in Computer Science, currently in his final year in the United Kingdom, has cautioned international students about the challenges of studying there, urging them to think twice before making the move.
In a Reddit post titled ‘UK Is a Trap for International Students – My Personal Experience’, the student described the situation as “extremely tough” and warned that many students struggle financially and emotionally.
“If you’re considering coming here, please think twice, you might end up wasting your money, time, and energy. Many students force themselves into part-time jobs that barely support a decent quality of life. I’ve seen friends who finished their Master’s and even extended their post-study visas become extremely thin, lose their hair, and eventually return to India because they simply couldn’t cope,” he wrote.
Major Concerns: High Costs, Poor Job Market, and Low Degree Value
The student highlighted several key issues, including high living costs, poor food quality, unpredictable work hours, harsh weather, and even “racism.” He also warned of financial strain, with many parents bearing the burden of student expenses.
Additionally, he claimed that a one-year MSc degree from the UK is often considered equivalent to a BTech or BE in India or even lower in the U.S. making it a poor investment compared to full-length master’s programs in the U.S. or India.
“Please take my experience seriously. You might want to reconsider coming to the UK,” he advised.
He further claimed that “99% of my friends have returned to India after completing their MSc or after MSc + PSW.”
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Reddit Reactions: Students Feel Misled
The post sparked widespread discussion, with one user criticizing educational consultants for misleading students.
“If you do basic checks on job prospects, anyone who has gone through this before would tell you the difficulties. However, students still get brainwashed by so-called ‘educational consultants’ whose only motive is to get you an admission in a university that pays them the biggest commission,” the user wrote.
Another user commented on the tough job market, suggesting students reconsider their field of study: “The UK job market is terrible. Stop doing CS and get into other fields. CS’s glory days are behind it.”
With growing concerns over the value of UK degrees and the difficulties of securing jobs, this discussion sheds light on the struggles many international students face.