Written by Bulbul Prakash, 1st Year PhD Politics student, The University of Manchester. 

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

This quote from Martin Luther King Jr. perfectly captures the start of my PhD journey and experience in Manchester. The excitement of a new chapter was palpable, but so was the overwhelming reality of academic pressure, cultural adjustment, and the absence of familiar faces. As an international student from India, where dinner is typically late and nights are often alive with activity, adjusting to the early mornings and structured routines of Manchester took some serious adaptation.

Embracing Change: From Night Owl to Early Bird

I’ve always been a night owl, thriving in the quiet hours of the night. However, I knew my late-night habits wouldn’t cut it in a rigorous PhD programme. Determined to reset my body clock, I set out to form new habits which included shifting my dinner time drastically, bidding farewell to late-night feasts and embracing early meals around 6PM. This change not only helped me sleep better but also made waking up early a lot less painful.

Mornings soon became my favourite part of the day. Armed with a steaming cup of coffee, I’d watch the rain dance over Manchester while catching up on news in Malayalam—a slice of home in a foreign setting. By 9:30 AM, I’d be at the department, feeling a sense of camaraderie as I settled into the rhythm of academic life.

Navigating Food Adventures

Food was a whole new world. As someone who loves meat, British cuisine wasn’t too foreign, but the real game-changer was the air fryer. It revolutionized my kitchen experience, allowing me to whip up quick, healthy meals—perfect for a busy PhD student on a budget.

Beyond my own cooking experiments, Manchester’s diversity introduced me to a rich tapestry of flavours. Spanish cuisine became a favourite, blending seamlessly with my South Indian palate. Tapas, paella, and allioli found their way onto my dinner table, adding a delicious twist to my meals. Exploring Chinese supermarkets was another eye-opener, where I discovered delicacies like century eggs, donkey-hide gelatin jujube, and pig’s blood cake—foods I’d only read about but quickly grew to appreciate.

The best part? Potluck dinners with my flatmates became a celebration of global tastes. From Nigerian jollof rice to Peruvian causa, each meal was a reminder of the cultural mosaic I was lucky to be a part of.

A Flavourful Feast – Our Indian Potluck Dinner

Prioritizing Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Balancing the demands of academic life with physical activity became crucial for me. I decided to join BetterUK, which offered access to swimming, yoga, Zumba, Pilates, and more. These activities weren’t just about staying fit—they became my escape from the pressures of academia. Yoga sessions provided solace, Zumba brought me pure joy, and a swim was the perfect way to unwind after a hectic day.

On weekends, I eagerly ventured out to explore the picturesque destinations near Manchester. The Lake District, with its lush green valleys, tranquil lakes, and towering peaks, offered a refreshing escape into nature. Hiking in the Peak District presented invigorating challenges and stunning vistas that replenished my energy and cleared my mind.

A View Across the Canal – Marple

Yet, amidst the physical challenges, maintaining mental wellbeing was perhaps the toughest hurdle. The PhD journey is intense—balancing research, deadlines, and personal life can take a toll. It took time for me to acknowledge the importance of mental health and to seek help when needed.

University counselling services and NHS support were instrumental on my path. Qwellchat offered a lifeline through online therapy sessions, providing a safe space to express my concerns. Manchester Talking Therapy enabled me to delve deeper into the roots of my stress and anxiety. Sharing my challenges was a liberating experience. It reminded me that seeking help is a display of strength, not weakness.

Embracing Diversity and Community

One of the most enriching aspects of my PhD experience in Manchester has been the friendships forged with fellow international students. We bonded over shared experiences of navigating a new culture and academic challenges. Sunday roasts, boardgames, coffee rituals, and spontaneous potluck dinners became cherished traditions, creating a sense of community that transcended borders.

Relaxing at Peel Park, Salford: A Weekend Retreat

Manchester’s diversity didn’t just broaden my culinary horizons; it enriched my perspective on life. My Indonesian friend introduced me to Luwak coffee, a rich and smooth brew that quickly became a favourite and my Turkish friend showed me the art of Turkish coffee- brewed in a cezve and served in small cups, perfect for lingering conversations. From the world’s largest coffee producer, my Brazilian friend introduced me to the smooth, full-bodied flavour, and dark roast profile characteristic of Brazilian coffee.

These coffee rituals taught me that life, like coffee, is best enjoyed slowly and with others. Coffee breaks with colleagues became a cherished part of my daily routine. As a politics student, these breaks were a welcome respite from the intensity of research and academic writing. Over steaming cups of coffee, we’d engage in lively discussions about British elections, movies, and football (although I’m not particularly a fan, living in Manchester made it inevitable).

Finding My Ikigai

In the whirlwind of PhD life, I’ve come to realize the importance of balance and purpose. Ikigai, the Japanese concept of finding one’s reason for being, resonates deeply with me. A balanced life isn’t just about academic achievements—it’s about nurturing physical health, safeguarding mental wellbeing, and embracing the richness of cultural diversity.

To my fellow international PhD students embarking on this journey, remember—you’re not alone. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and above all, take care of yourself. Seek support when needed, cherish the friendships you make along the way, and savour every moment of this transformative experience. As I continue my PhD journey with renewed vigour and a deeper appreciation for life’s complexities, I’m grateful for the lessons learned and the resilience gained.

Here’s to finding balance, pursuing passions, and thriving in the midst of academic pursuits. May your journey be as enriching and fulfilling as mine has been.

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