Oxford Brookes has its own incredibly strong identity

From India to the Heart of Oxford – My Journey Begins

Deciding to study abroad was not something I had planned since childhood, but it became a deeply personal decision shaped by a desire for growth, exposure, and challenge. I come from India specifically from Bengaluru, a fast-paced and energetic city that's always buzzing with life. But I felt I had hit a point in my academic journey where I needed something more than just a traditional classroom setting. I wanted global perspective, exposure to practical learning, and the chance to interact with people from all over the world.

That’s when I discovered Oxford Brookes University and honestly, it felt like the perfect fit.
 

Why I Chose Oxford Brookes University (and Why I'm Glad I Did)

People often associate Oxford only with the University of Oxford, but Oxford Brookes has its own incredibly strong identity. It stood out to me because of its highly specialised courses, amazing industry connections, and practical approach to education. What sealed the deal for me was the MSc in Construction Project Management. Coming from an architecture background, I wanted to move toward managing construction and infrastructure projects, and the course structure at Brookes was exactly what I was looking for focused, technical, and industry-oriented.

The faculty here are approachable and very encouraging. They are not just teachers they're mentors. What I also appreciated is that a lot of the coursework is research-based, which has helped me gain confidence in my academic skills. You’re not just expected to memorise content; you're encouraged to analyse, think critically, and find your own voice.
 

Life on Campus – Modern, Welcoming, and Full of Surprises

Oxford Brookes has several campuses, but I spend most of my time at the Headington Campus, which is modern and really well-equipped. The library is probably where I’ve spent the majority of my days it’s open 24/7 during peak study weeks, and I love the quiet study zones, group rooms, and even the café inside where I usually grab my coffee between lectures.

There's also a huge sports centre (Brookes Sport) where students get discounted memberships. I joined a couple of yoga and dance sessions there during my first semester, and it helped me break the ice and meet people outside my course. The campus has a very student-friendly vibe modern buildings, tech-equipped classrooms, and so many green spaces around.
 

Finding Home Away From Home – My Accommodation Experience

I chose to live in student accommodation for my first year, and I must say it was one of the best decisions I made. I stayed at Clive Booth Student Village, just a short walk from the Headington campus. It’s surrounded by trees, calm, and the rooms are quite spacious for student housing. What I loved most was how international the community was. My flatmates were from Thailand, Nigeria, and Italy, and it didn’t take us long to form a little family.

We cooked together often, and those kitchen conversations taught me more about the world than I could’ve imagined. You learn how to respect cultures, communicate with empathy, and genuinely enjoy diversity.
 

Adjusting to Life in the UK – A Cultural Shift with a Lot of Tea

Coming from India, everything felt a little quiet at first. The pace of life in Oxford is much slower than what I’m used to in Bengaluru. People are polite, wait patiently in queues, and say "sorry" even if it's your fault! But these small things began to grow on me.

The weather? That took time. Carrying an umbrella every day has become second nature now. But there's something charming about the drizzle, the cozy cafés, and how beautiful the streets of Oxford look in the fog.

Social life here is different too. In India, your social circle is often built around family and close-knit friends from school or college. Here, it’s more about shared interests. I made friends through societies, group projects, and even simple things like waiting in line for coffee. Everyone’s generally very open and welcoming, especially when they know you're from abroad.
 

Course Spotlight – MSc Construction Project Management

If you’re someone considering studying this course, let me say go for it. It’s intense, but the learning is so rewarding. We study everything from procurement to risk management, digital construction technologies, and sustainability. One thing I’ve particularly enjoyed is how they link theory to real-life case studies.

The professors often bring in their own industry experiences, which adds a practical layer to everything we study. We’ve had guest lectures from professionals in the UK construction industry, and many modules involve independent research and presentations, which prepare you for the real world. I’ve grown a lot not just as a student, but as a professional.
 

Discovering Oxford – A City Straight Out of a Movie

Living in Oxford feels like living in a postcard. The cobbled streets, historic buildings, vintage bookshops, and quaint cafés it never gets old. On weekends, I often go for long walks along the Thames or explore the university parks. Port Meadow and Christ Church Meadows are some of my favourite spots to unwind.

There’s a great mix of history and modern life here. You’ll find centuries-old pubs with amazing stories, next to high-street fashion brands and bustling shopping centres. It’s a very walkable city, and public transport is easy to use when you want to visit London it’s only about an hour away by bus or train.
 

How I Spend My Free Time – More Than Just Studies

Balancing life here is something you learn quickly. The course is demanding, but there’s always time for personal growth. I joined a couple of societies at Brookes one focused on international students and another on entrepreneurship. These societies organise events, mixers, and trips which are great for networking and having fun.

I also spend time journaling, going for walks, and trying out new places to eat. Oxford has everything from classic British pubs to Indian, Thai, and Middle Eastern restaurants. I even found a little Indian grocery store in Cowley Road that stocks all my favourites from home.
 

Studying in English – From Doubt to Confidence

English is my first language, it’s something I’ve always been comfortable with, thanks to my schooling in India. However, academic writing in the UK has its own tone and expectations, and it took a while to adjust. Thankfully, the university offers writing support services and workshops, and they’ve helped me improve not just my essays but also my confidence.

Group discussions, seminars, and presentations also gave me the space to practise and become more fluent. Everyone’s patient, and mistakes are seen as part of learning, which makes the environment feel very safe.
 

What I Wish I Knew Before Coming Here

Looking back, I wish I had known just how independent life here is. In India, everything is very structured and you often have support at every stage. Here, you have to figure things out whether it’s cooking your own meals, budgeting, or planning your schedule. But that independence is what shapes you. It forces you to grow.

Another thing? Pack a good raincoat. And bring things that remind you of home it could be your favourite snacks, photos, or traditional clothes. They help on the days you feel homesick.
 

Final Thoughts – A Journey That Changed Me

Studying in the UK, especially at Oxford Brookes, has been a turning point in my life. I’ve not only grown academically but also discovered a version of myself that’s stronger, more curious, and more adaptable than I ever imagined. If you’re considering this path then just take the leap. It won’t be easy all the time, but it will be worth it.

Every international student comes here for a degree, but we all leave with so much more memories, friendships, lessons, and a new home in our hearts.

- Deeksha