From Mumbai's Beats To Manchester's Stage: My Life As A Pop Music Student In UK

"Strive for progress, not perfection." It’s been transformative. Coming from Mumbai’s buzzing music scene to a more focused academic environment in Manchester was both exciting and challenging. I had to recalibrate my pace, embrace a new rhythm of life, and slowly ease into a culture that’s both creative and structured. The support from my university and the British Council, and the warmth of fellow international students, made the transition smoother.

Everyone asked me Why the UK?

The UK has always felt like the creative epicentre for contemporary and popular music. With artists I admire having studied or evolved here, I knew it would offer me not just academic depth but also cultural inspiration. RNCM specifically stood out because of its unique blend of tradition and forward-thinking in pop music education. I also wanted to expand my global perspective as a musician and future music executive.

Adi Verma

Scholarship

I was awarded the GREAT Scholarship, which is jointly funded by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council, in partnership with participating UK universities. It played a pivotal role in making this dream a reality. The only advice I can give is to be honest, specific, and personal. Show how your story aligns with your academic ambitions and how the UK experience will shape your contributions in your field.

Advice for prospective students to get the Scholarship

- Start early! Write from a place of authenticity.

- Reflect on how your journey so far has led to this decision and how studying in the UK aligns with your career goals.

- Don’t be afraid to show your individuality!

So my admission and visa process was pretty smooth. RNCM is one of the best music schools in the world and getting in is quite competitive. The admission process was thorough. I submitted my application along with a performance video, and once shortlisted, I moved on to the final stage—an interview and performance in front of the Head of the Department. While the process was demanding, the RNCM team was incredibly supportive, especially during the interview and performance assessment. The visa process, though smooth overall, required a lot of documentation and accuracy, especially financial proof. My advice is to triple-check everything, stay updated with official guidelines, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure.

University and campus life

The community at RNCM has been incredibly inclusive and supportive. Being surrounded by musicians from different backgrounds fosters constant learning. What struck me was how collaborative the environment is; we’re not just classmates, we’re co-creators. I feel that the UK education system encourages critical thinking, independent research, and creativity. It’s less about rote learning and more about developing your unique voice as a scholar and artist. It took me some time to shift from the more structured system to this fluid approach, but I now really enjoy the freedom to explore and express myself.

Struggle of an international student

Homesickness: Definitely felt especially during festivals. To cope, I’ve built small routines that ground me, like evening walks, cooking familiar meals, or video calls with my family. Playing drums and working on original music has also been a great emotional outlet.

Food: Food was definitely a curveball at first, I really missed ghar ka Khaana. Now I keep it simple and comforting. My go to meal is a one-pot khichdi, It's easy to cook and feels like a hug from home.

Accommodation: Finding a place close to uni and within budget took some time, but FB groups and student accommodation websites were super helpful. Adapting to the UK weather also took a minute, and I now wear 3–4 layers every time I go out, especially during winter.

Student Budgeting Tips:

- Track your spending to understand where your money goes.

- Cook at home as often as possible to save on daily expenses.

- Use student discount apps like UniDays and Revolut to avail of special offers.

- Take up part-time jobs—it's a good way to earn and build your network.

- Prioritise essential expenses over luxuries.

Remind yourself: every pound saved helps you stay longer and more comfortable in your study journey.

The author is pursuing a  master’s degree in Pop Music at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), UK