Keshavi is an MSc Autism student within the Institue of Education at the University of Strathclyde

Keshavi Arya

On Thursday 7th September 2023, I embarked on a life-changing journey as I left the familiarity of my home, bid farewell to family and friends, and ventured into a new chapter of my life. I landed in Glasgow at 1.20am and was immediately astonished by the beauty of this city.

Although the cab driver told me it was a busy day for traffic, coming from a country with a population of 1.408 billion, it felt like a Sunday afternoon to me. As I headed to my accommodation, I met a bunch of friendly people who were the living definition of the city’s slogan: People Make Glasgow.

We had a great Freshers’ Week. I met new people, tried new cuisines, made new friends and got in touch with my classmates for the year. But things were not without challenges. Moving to a new culture, environment and community is not easy. I missed my people, my vegetarian Indian food, my friends, colleagues and most importantly my family.

As classes began, I got experience of Glasgow’s gloomy, depressing weather. It felt like it drizzled all the time and I missed the sun shining over my head. My mother used to tell me that I am like a butterfly – unique and special in my own ways and free to fly where I want. But as I came out of my cocoon to fly, I felt that here the wind was too much!

Burning the midnight oil

Three months flew by in a snap of the fingers and I was preparing for my first assignments. I was burning the midnight oil to understand the new curriculum, APA 7, academic writing, finding research papers and many other things. With so much pressure and leaving friends and family behind, the thought flashed into my head: “why am I doing this to myself?” While in that moment of self-doubt I reflected back on my three months’ journey at Strathclyde.

Strathclyde offered me not only a place to study and build up my career but also became a second home. The Library is not only a place to study and find books – the staff will also help you with general life queries (for example, advising me to wear waterproof trekking shoes and a puffer jacket instead of an umbrella).

The Faculty members are not just welcoming, they also understand the experiences of international students. They made it easier for us by providing guidance. One was kind enough to speak slowly for us and was happy to introduce us to Scottish dialect like wee, aye, bonnie and many more. There were many international student inductions, skill classes, wellbeing sessions and party events to help give us the best possible student life.

Services like the careers service, learner development support, library services, disability and wellbeing and Strath Union are not restricted to the educational point but help you to grow overall. I made many international friends on the terrace in the Student Union and the best part is that they all love the veg pao bhaji served there!

Learning to fly

To humour myself, I’ve started drawing unusual similarities between Indians and Glaswegians. In Indian culture, we cover our heads as a mark of respect; here, Glaswegians cover their heads with hoodies to shelter from the wind. But joking apart, I have developed over the past three months not only educationally but personally. I feel my overall personality has evolved. Strathclyde has given me many experiences to cherish for a lifetime, like when I saw snow fall for the first time in my life.

There are nine months left for me to complete my course and achieve the success I aim for. I am sure there will be more struggles and more difficult days. But I know that Strathclyde has my back and I am all charged and geared up to face those issues. Each day spent here at Strathclyde is worth as the university not only the provide you a vibrant learning environment with high quality facilities but also gives you a rewarding and absorbing experience which contributes to your individuality. I believe now that I am learning to fly in this overbearing wind.

That’s all for now. I am now going to Glasgow Cathedral to enjoy Christmas carol service and later on will join free Christmas events like gingerbread-making, tree decorating, a Christmas ceilidh – gaining new experiences, meeting new people and learning something different every day.