The Indian National Students Union (INSA) UK recently organised a special welcome event for newly arrived Indian students in Britain. Here an Engineering Management student from London shares some insights from the event.
The Indian National Students Association UK (INSA) is a beacon of support and community for Indian students pursuing their dreams in the United Kingdom. Founded in 2016, INSA's mission is to provide Indian students with a sense of home away from home, fostering an environment of cultural exchange and academic growth.
INSA's dedication to the social wellbeing and networking of Indian students is truly commendable. Their vibrant tapestry of activities and events seeks to maintain and celebrate India's rich cultural heritage while aiding students in their integration into British life. Among their many initiatives, the Welcome Reception and Boat Party 2023 at King's College London in mid-October stands out as a shining example of their commitment.
This grand event, which welcomed students arriving for the September intake, was nothing short of an honour for all who attended. The reception gathered a remarkable assembly of prominent diaspora members including Lord Rami Ranger, the Founder of Sun Mark Ltd; Khushal Mehra, Host of the Carvaka Podcast; Lord Karan Bilimoria, Founder & Chairman of Cobra Beer; Mr Jitendra Arora, Partner & CISO at Deloitte; Mr Bobby Mehta, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Portsmouth; Mr Rachit Juneja, COO of LeveragEdu, FlyHomes & FlyFinance; and influential YouTube personalities and career coaches.
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The event was a privilege in itself, allowing students to hear and interact with these accomplished individuals who were once only distant aspirations. Lord Bilimoria's words of wisdom, sharing valuable insights on life in the UK, enriched the event, reminding students that every moment here is precious.
The reception went beyond the superficial, offering tangible advice on job hunting, crafting impressive CVs, and effective networking. Students were motivated to aim high and chase their dreams, encouraged by Jitendra Arora's inspiring words. INSA recognised the immense potential that Indian students hold, and they provided guidance on how to harness it by creating compelling profiles on platforms like Indeed, Reed, and LinkedIn.
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But INSA's efforts didn't stop there. Following the reception, an unforgettable boat party was organised, providing a unique opportunity for students to connect with their peers and engage with the event's speakers, career coaches, and YouTube influencers. This post-reception gathering allowed students to delve deeper into discussions about life in the UK and seek guidance from these accomplished figures.
INSA, as an organisation, takes great pride in being the "home away from home" for students in the UK. Their dedication to fostering a sense of community and providing students with the tools they need to succeed is truly commendable. The Welcome Reception and Boat Party 2023 is a testament to their unwavering commitment to Indian students, and it's a beacon of inspiration for students embarking on their academic journey in the UK. With INSA's support, these students have a network and a guiding light, ensuring that their time in the UK is not just an education but an unforgettable experience.
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by Farheen Khan
Farheen Khan, a member of the Indian National Students Association (INSA) UK, is studying for her Master's in Engineering Management at the University of East London.