To every student who’s working late shifts, submitting essays at midnight, and still
showing up with a smile:
I see you. I celebrate you. You’re doing better than you think.
As an international student in the UK, you’re not eligible for government support. You
either lean on your parents—or you lean on yourself. In my case, I had to step up.
If you had asked 18-year-old me whether she wanted to live the “full student life” or
spend her university years juggling lectures and multiple jobs, she would’ve chosen fun,
friends, and free time in a heartbeat.
But life had other plans.
Has my situation changed?
Not really.
Today, I’m in my fourth year of self-financing my studies in the UK. I’m now doing my
Master’s at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) — the
same university I used to pass by on the bus and dream about attending one day.
So, for those just starting out or those deep in the grind, here are a few things I wish
someone had told me when I first arrived:
�� 1. Let your employer know your academic schedule — not the other way
around.
I live by my calendar app. I block out time for lectures, seminars, assignments, and yes,
rest. Then I share my availability with my employer. Protect your time. Your education
is the long-term investment.
�� 2. Learn to say no.
Still working on this one, but here’s the truth: you don’t owe 100% to your employer,
especially when you’re balancing studies. A student job will come and go. But your
health, your peace of mind, and your long-term goals (like that internship application
or your dissertation) are irreplaceable.
��️ 3. Talk to people.
Professors and employers are human. Life happens. Deadlines overlap. If your
schedule clashes, communicate early before it becomes a problem. Reliability builds
trust, and trust gives you room to breathe when you need it.

�� Most important:
Be kind. Be grateful. And when you’ve found your footing, help someone else up.
That’s how we all grow.
This morning, during a FAWB team meeting, Ekaterina Ipatova said,
“You need to write a blog about how you managed it all.”
So, here we go — this one’s for every student who’s ever had to dream big while
surviving in London.
You’re not alone. You’re not behind. You’re building resilience, character, and an
incredible story.
At FAWB, we’re bringing more practical content, helpful tools, and meaningful
surprises to our website because our community is our priority.