Your ultimate guide to building a vibrant network, finding authentic desi food, and overcoming homesickness in East London.
Moving from India to study at Queen Mary University of London is an exciting milestone. Situated in the vibrant East End of London, QMUL offers a Russell Group academic experience combined with a deeply multicultural environment. For Queen Mary University of London indian students, stepping onto the historic Mile End campus is the start of an incredible academic and personal journey. However, adjusting to a new city, weather, and academic system can occasionally feel overwhelming. This guide is designed to help you integrate smoothly, connect with the local Indian student community, and make the most of your time in the UK.
One of the fastest ways to settle into university life is by getting involved with student-led organizations. The Students' Union at QMUL hosts a thriving Indian society that serves as the central hub for cultural celebrations, networking mixers, and social hangouts. From lively Diwali balls to regular Bollywood movie nights and cricket matches, the society ensures that you never miss out on home comforts.
"Joining the Indian Society during my first week at Queen Mary completely changed my university experience. I found my closest flatmates and best friends at the welcome mixer!" - Aarav Sharma, MSc International BusinessOne of the first things every Indian student searches for after unpacking is a taste of home. Fortunately, the East End and nearby areas are absolute havens for desi food near campus. Whether you are craving spicy street food, a comforting South Indian masala dosa, or ingredients to cook your own dal and biryani, you will find plenty of options within walking distance or a short tube ride from Mile End.
Whitechapel, located just a few stops away on the District and Hammersmith & City lines, features the legendary Brick Lane and Whitechapel Road markets. Here, you will find numerous South Asian grocers, sweet shops, and curry houses. Local supermarkets like Sainsbury's and Tesco also stock basic Indian staples, but specialized stores like Tasveer or local Banglatown grocers offer authentic spices, frozen parathas, and fresh paneer at competitive prices.
| Expense Category | Weekly Average (Self-Catered) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries & Spices | £35 - £50 | Shopping at local East End markets saves money. |
| Eating Out / Takeaways | £20 - £40 | Treating yourself to local curry houses or campus cafes. |
| Social Events & Dinners | £15 - £30 | Indian society meetups and weekend outings. |
Living in London means you never have to compromise on celebrating your festivals with grandeur. As part of the wider Indian student community, you will have opportunities to celebrate Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and Eid with fellow students and the broader London diaspora. Queen Mary's campus regularly hosts cultural showcases, dance performances, and guest lectures celebrating South Asian heritage. Furthermore, iconic central London locations like Trafalgar Square host massive public celebrations for Diwali, bringing together thousands of people for food, music, and fireworks.
It is completely normal to experience moments of homesickness, especially during the darker autumn and winter months in the UK. Adjusting to independent living, managing cooking and cleaning alongside rigorous coursework, and missing family can take a toll. Fortunately, QMUL provides robust homesickness support through its dedicated Advice and Counselling Service, student welfare hubs, and peer mentoring programs.
Do not hesitate to reach out to university counselors or wellbeing advisors if you feel overwhelmed. Additionally, talking to senior Indian students who have walked the exact same path can provide immense reassurance and practical coping strategies.