From Delhi to Norwich: Pursuing a Creative Writing Dream
Nandini Tripathy is currently studying for an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. She grew up in Delhi and completed her schooling at The Mother's International School. After that, she earned both a BA and an MA in English from the University of Delhi.
Her academic years in India were deeply fulfilling. Nandini comes from a family that valued education. Her father worked in marketing, and her mother taught sociology at Maitreyi College before retiring. This environment made learning feel natural rather than forced.
Choosing UEA and Navigating Admissions
Nandini is now 36 years old. After her first master's degree, she worked as a journalist, moved into content marketing, and later became a senior editor in book publishing. Despite her stable career, she felt a strong pull to return to fiction writing.
Her decision to study abroad was not about moving countries or seeking general exposure. It was specifically about finding the right program to improve her writing skills. She chose UEA because of its strong reputation for nurturing storytellers.
She applied only to UEA, focusing entirely on their Creative Writing program. The admission process was straightforward. Nandini handled everything independently without a counselor.
Key requirements included academic transcripts, degree certificates, and a personal statement. She emphasized authenticity in her application. Nandini also submitted her best writing sample.
Additional documents were a TB screening certificate and financial proof for the UK Student Route visa. This could be bank statements or education loan papers.
Financing and Settling into UK Life
Nandini did not apply for scholarships due to her late application. However, she received an automatic PGT merit scholarship of £6,500 based on her BA performance. This amount was deducted from her tuition fees. She is covering the rest through an education loan.
Arriving in the UK was both exciting and disorienting. The first week at UEA felt overwhelming, but the university's Welcome Week for international students helped immensely.
Welcome Week included sessions on visas, budgeting, and practical living tips. There were also social mixers, craft sessions, and sales for essential items like kitchenware. University staff provided valuable guidance on everything from monthly budgets to traffic rules.
Nandini lives on campus at the International Study Centre. She finds the facilities excellent and the location central. Having a 24-hour reception is reassuring. All her classes are within walking distance, making the transition smoother.
Daily Routines and Campus Experiences
Nandini's daily life at UEA is structured and quiet. She stays in an en-suite room with a shared kitchen. Most mornings start with a simple breakfast in her room, followed by lectures or workshops.
After classes, she often relaxes with classmates at on-campus bars or food outlets. On lecture-free days, she walks to the UEA Broad, a peaceful lake near campus, to write or read when weather permits.
The campus library, open 24 hours, is one of her favorite spots. It is calm and well-equipped for focused work. Sometimes, she takes a bus to the city centre to watch movies or attend plays.
Grocery shopping is a weekly routine. Nandini batch-cooks every other day to manage time and expenses efficiently. Several stores are within walking distance of campus.
Public transport is reliable, with frequent buses to and from the city centre, even on weekends. While securing long-term part-time jobs can be challenging, opportunities exist in retail and hospitality. Temporary or seasonal roles are easier to find and offer UK work experience.
Academic Insights and Future Plans
Academically, Nandini's experience at UEA has been positive. Her education in India was excellent, and UEA matches that standard in different ways. The faculty are highly accomplished, and her peers are engaged and talented.
The course structure is thoughtful, and facilities function smoothly. Learning from teachers who are accomplished writers themselves has been invaluable. They share practical wisdom, real-world publishing experience, and insights into creative processes.
Outside academics, the campus offers many social, cultural, and sporting events. Nandini enjoys spending time at campus cafés, particularly Ziggy's for hot chocolate. Her accommodation provides varied vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal options daily.
Looking ahead, Nandini chose this degree for herself. Her goal is to become a better writer by learning from brilliant minds and then return to her life to continue writing. This journey is about doing the work deliberately and honestly.
