More Than Just 'Study' Abroad

Halak

Welcome to More Than Just 'Study' Abroad, where you can dive into the real experiences of students studying abroad. Each episode features insightful conversations with international students who share their journeys, challenges, and achievements. The goal is to bridge the gap between expectations and reality, revealing that studying abroad is about much more than academics—it's an adventure that shapes your worldview. Join me in this exploration as I gain a deeper understanding of the experiences that go beyond the lecture halls.

Episodes

  1. FEB 27

    Ep - Studying at UCL, Gap Year and Cinema

    Hehe First video ep is here!! In this episode, we talk about studying at University College London, from undergrad to Master’s, taking a gap year in between, and then into the working world. A short glimpse on how day-to-day life changes between a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree and careers desicion. . . A little more fun chat about cinema, including visits to the British Film Institute and fun stories about meeting actors in London. --- © 2026 More Than Just 'Study' Abroad. All rights reserved. Location visuals include Google Maps for reference. Map data © Google. All third-party materials used for commentary and illustrative purposes belong to their respective owners.

    59 min

  2. 12/22/2025

    EP 6 - From Kolkata to London: Cultural and Academic Differences

    ABOUT THE EPISODE Join Samarpita as she shares her journey from Kolkata to London and what it’s really been like adjusting to life here. In this episode, we talk about studying architecture as a postgraduate student, the differences in academics, and the little culture shocks that come with moving cities. A great listen for anyone thinking about studying abroad or curious about international student life. ABOUT THE PODCAST More Than Just 'Study' AbroadWelcome to More Than Just 'Study' Abroad, where you can dive into the real experiences of students studying abroad. Each episode features insightful conversations with international students who share their journeys, challenges, and achievements. The goal is to bridge the gap between expectations and reality, revealing that studying abroad is about much more than academics—it's an adventure that shapes your worldview. Join me in this exploration as I gain a deeper understanding of the experiences that go beyond the lecture halls. TLDR :) - It's a podcast created by international students, for international students, to share honest experiences, useful tips, and relatable stories about studying abroad.

    1h 4m

  3. 11/21/2025

    LSE Series - EP 2 - JP Morgan to Finance at LSE

    NEW SERIES A mini series that starts conversations with students from different universities. Think of it as the Netflix series version of my podcast - same host, new campuses, new students, new stories. ABOUT THE EPISODE In this episode of the LSE Series, I have a conversation with an LSE Finance Master’s student and former JP Morgan analyst about studying finance in the UK, academic differences, and navigating careers and Graduate schemes. ABOUT THE PODCAST Welcome to More Than Just 'Study' Abroad, where you can dive into the real experiences of students studying abroad. Each episode features insightful conversations with international students who share their journeys, challenges, and achievements. The goal is to bridge the gap between expectations and reality, revealing that studying abroad is about much more than academics—it's an adventure that shapes your worldview. Join me in this exploration as I gain a deeper understanding of the experiences that go beyond the lecture halls.TLDR :) - It's a podcast created by international students, for international students, to share honest experiences, useful tips, and relatable stories about studying abroad. Stay in the loop! Follow More Than Just 'Study' Abroad on Instagram to get the latest updates and your favourite short-form content. If you enjoyed this episode and are going to start university soon in London, check out these episodes LSE Series - EP 1 - Master's after Work Life EP 2 - Arriving in London

    46 min
  4. LSE Series - EP 1 - Master's after Work Life

    11/07/2025

    LSE Series - EP 1 - Master's after Work Life

    NEW SERIES A mini series that starts conversations with students from different universities. Think of it as the Netflix series version of my podcast - same host, new campuses, new students, new stories. ABOUT THE EPISODE In this first episode of the LSE Series, I chat with a Master's student who returned to academics adafterover 8 years of work experience. She talks about what it'it's like getting back into study mode in the LSE classrooms, support services available there and adapting to life in London. ABOUT THE PODCAST Welcome to More Than Just 'Study' Abroad, where you can dive into the real experiences of students studying abroad. Each episode features insightful conversations with international students who share their journeys, challenges, and achievements. The goal is to bridge the gap between expectations and reality, revealing that studying abroad is about much more than academics—it's an adventure that shapes your worldview. Join me in this exploration as I gain a deeper understanding of the experiences that go beyond the lecture halls.TLDR :) - It's a podcast created by international students, for international students, to share honest experiences, useful tips, and relatable stories about studying abroad. 📬 Stay in the loop! Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on my life as an international student in London and a summary of each podcast episode. ⁠Halak's Substack⁠ If you enjoyed this episode and are going to start university soon in London, check out this episode ⁠EP 2 - Arriving in London Guide

    41 min

  5. 08/01/2025

    Final Year Reflections: Advice for Students

    In this episode, we're joined by final-year students from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) as they reflect on their university journey and share honest advice for both new and current students. From managing coursework and deadlines to finding balance, building friendships, and preparing for what comes next, whether that means continuing with further study or stepping into the corporate world, this episode is full of real stories and practical tips. Whether you're just starting university or already partway through your degree, you'll find insights to help you make the most of your time and feel more confident about the road ahead. Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 01:38 - Thoughts about university ending 04:07 - Change in university life: from first year to final year 06:15 - Different Study Styles and habits 09:41 - How have friendships changed? 15:41 - Next step after Graduation 18:38 - Pressure to have it all figured out 22:33 - Planning for Master's 25:47 - Opportunities in London for Creatives 28:15 - Advice for Final-year students 34:57 - What's most important in University? 43:26 - What we will miss about University? 55:33 - 5 Key Takeaways 📬 Stay in the loop!Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on my life as an international student in London and a summary of each podcast episode. Halak's Substack If you enjoyed this episode and are going to start university soon in London, check out this episode EP 2 - Arriving in London Guide RESOURCES MENTIONED Queen Mary University of London Queen Mary Student's Union

    58 min

  6. 10/08/2024

    Arriving in London: BRP Collection, GP Registration, and Navigating Transport & Essentials

    You’ve just arrived in London so, we’re here to guide you through your first steps as an international student. From navigating transport options to get from the airport to your accommodation, collecting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), and completing all essential documentation, we’ll discuss everything you need to know. We’ll also cover how to register with a GP, where to shop for affordable student essentials, and how to navigate London’s public transport. Join us for practical advice to ensure a smooth start to your journey in the UK! Fill out this form to share your thoughts on this episode so I can make future episodes even better. https://forms.gle/ZHJqbSR2yjyCQRm86 Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on my experience as an international student in London, along with a summary of each podcast episode! https://open.substack.com/pub/halakpandya/p/studying-abroad-is-more-than-just?r=2b13t1&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web CONNECT WITH VASU Not So Angry Environmentalists - https://open.spotify.com/show/4NyLyRFTCmBIaEDzQzJu5K RESOURCES MENTIONED Apps: Bolt - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ee.mtakso.client&hl=en_GB Uber - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubercab&hl=en_GB Citymapper - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.citymapper.app.release&hl=en_GB Deliveroo - https://deliveroo.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOopZ65DdI3bFpBrgVNy1PFJ7jigBWPcYgEb6KN4zSgfCVXOHWxVm Trainline - https://www.thetrainline.com/ Unidays - https://www.myunidays.com/GB/en-GB/home?rd=true Immigration documentation resources: UK government website - https://www.gov.uk/ eVisa - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa NI Number - ⁠https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number/how-to-apply⁠ GP registration - ⁠https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/⁠ Student Oyster - https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/18-plus-student-oyster-photocard Banks: Monzo - https://monzo.com/ HSBC - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/ Revolut - https://www.revolut.com/ Llyods - https://www.lloydsbank.com/ Nationwide Building Society - https://www.nationwide.co.uk/

    1h 5m
  7. Money matters - prep before boarding the flight

    09/07/2024

    Money matters - prep before boarding the flight

    In the debut episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the financial realities of moving to London as an international student. From budgeting for your first two months to understanding how to make payments, we cover everything you need to know to settle in with ease—without making the mistakes we did! We’ll discuss the best ways to manage your money, which bank accounts to set up, and how to protect your cash and cards in a new city. Hopefully, this episode can serve as a financial checklist for what to do before coming to London Fill out this form to share your thoughts on this episode so I can make future episodes even better. https://forms.gle/YzvPhhGJZwABN9Te9 Sign up for my newsletter to get updates on my experience as an international student in London, along with a summary of each podcast episode! https://halakpandya.substack.com/p/studying-abroad-is-more-than-just

    37 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Welcome to More Than Just 'Study' Abroad, where you can dive into the real experiences of students studying abroad. Each episode features insightful conversations with international students who share their journeys, challenges, and achievements. The goal is to bridge the gap between expectations and reality, revealing that studying abroad is about much more than academics—it's an adventure that shapes your worldview. Join me in this exploration as I gain a deeper understanding of the experiences that go beyond the lecture halls.

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