Do British Asian Students Regret Going to University?

The importance of going to university has long been emphasised within British Asian communities and families.

Traditionally, university is seen as a pathway to success.

For some British Asian families, like those from Pakistani, Bengali, and Indian backgrounds, university is more than just about academics.

It’s also a matter of family pride and cultural expectations.

Desi parents and elders see higher education as a means to secure financial stability and career success.

There can be a stereotype that Desi parents want their children to be, for example, doctors, lawyers, teachers and pharmacists.

Moreover, attending university is meant to be a time of intellectual and personal exploration.

Nevertheless, some challenges and issues can impact how Brit-Asians feel about deciding to attend university.

DESIblitz explores whether British Asian students regret going to university.

Financial Pressures and Debt Concerns

British Asian students, like many others, face high tuition fees.

The fear of student debt looms large, causing many to reconsider the value of a degree.

The Student Loans Company (SLC) asserts that graduates in England leave university with average debts of £44,940.

In March 2024, the BBC revealed that the highest outstanding student debt in the UK was more than £230,000.

The highest level of interest accumulated was around £54,050, and the largest amount of non-compliance interest (NCR) accumulated surpassed £17,500.

Ben Waltmann, an economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, stated that the highest debts “won’t be representative at all of most graduates’ experience”.

While some students secure scholarships or parental support, most take on significant loans.

The eye-watering financial burden can be a significant factor in regret.

Sonia, a 27-year-old British Pakistani who undertook a BA in Sociology, told DESIblitz:

“I wish I had the chance to go university before fees tripled in England. I know it’s not the American system, so unless I earn a certain amount, I don’t have to pay back.

“But when you reach that threshold for repayments, it’s hard; I have friends who are struggling.

“Makes me nauseous when student loans send the round-up of what I owe. The interest means no point in me trying to pay bit by bit, even if I wanted to.

“I don’t regret going, but I regret that wanting to learn put me in debt.”

“I’m forced to avoid jobs with higher wages that would mean loan payments start since I can’t afford the automatic cuts.”

Debts are written off at the end of loan terms, often 30 years, no matter how much is owed.

Nevertheless, the repayment thresholds can put graduates in a tough spot due to high living costs and other financial obligations.

Employment Challenges After Graduation

The challenges faced after graduation can make some British Asian students regret attending university.

Students can enter university with high expectations of securing a lucrative job post-graduation. However, the job market is highly competitive.

British Asian graduates sometimes find themselves in roles that don’t align with their degrees.

Graduates can also find navigating the job market challenging, leading to frustration and regret.

Adnan, a 25-year-old British Pakistani, studied Criminology and stated:

“Honestly, I wish I’d done an apprenticeship or gone to work straightaway; that would have been easier.

“I did my degree because of my interest in the subject; my career plan wasn’t there. Thought just having a degree would help.

“But too many people with degrees.

“My 2:1 degree is worth less to some than the third from a more prestigious uni.”

Adnan’s experiences after graduation have made him wish he had taken a different path.

Hasina*, a 33-year-old British Bangladeshi, graduated with a law degree. When asked if she regrets going to university, she told DESIblitz:

“Partially. Part of my regret is mostly because there wasn’t enough information and guidance on alternatives.

“Or on how to navigate through life post-graduation and deal with matters such as not getting the grade you want or hoped for, etc.

“There are so many options out there which are not contingent upon getting 2:1 or above.

“But they always make it seem as though there isn’t, which makes one feel like they’re isolated and doubt themselves.

“However, I feel that the degree helped me stand a better chance during interviews when applying for a job.

“Even though the position may not have required you to have a degree, it made me stand out.

“Stand out more against the candidates who didn’t have any qualifications at the time and who applied for the same role.

“Also, in my profession, I’m often asked why I don’t have any additional qualifications, even though it’s not strictly necessary.

“When the market wasn’t doing too well, and vacancies were scarce, some recruiters used this against me. So, I am glad I can at least stand up and say I have a degree, and that’s sufficient.”

Did the Impact of Covid-19 on University Life Lead to Regret?

The pandemic drastically altered the university experience. Indeed, as researchers and academics McGivern and Shepherd stated:

“The pandemic profoundly disrupted university students’ lives.”

The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that during lockdown, 29% of students reported dissatisfaction regarding their student experience.

Moreover, 65% reported issues with their accommodation and a decrease in overall life satisfaction.

Online classes, reduced social interaction, and uncertainty about the future caused some students to question the value of their education.

Jas, a 40-year-old British Indian, had the final year of his undergraduate degree during the pandemic and lockdown. He shared:

“The transition and overall experience was horrible. It was not what I wanted.”

“The lecturers did everything they could, but I deeply missed the rich discussions that took place face-to-face.

“Online platforms don’t permit the same type of interactions. It was also upsetting for many of us to not be able to enjoy our final year together.

“I regret how drastically our final year experiences were altered. Still very glad I had the chance to go later in life to study.”

Aisha, a 24-year-old British Pakistani, also studied during the pandemic and lockdown:

“First year before Covid was a blast. The second year online was different.

“First, it was like cool; I could be in my PJs and online. But after a few weeks, it got sad because everything was online.

“Uni is about being there on campus, engaging with people, and doing things.

“I regret not taking a gap year or knowing I should take one. Although I don’t know what I would have done instead.”

The Learning & Social Experience: Is University Worth It?

University is meant to be a time of exploration, both academically and socially. It is often promoted as a time for social growth and networking.

However, some British Asian students struggle to fit in, feeling isolated or disconnected from their peers.

Ruby*, a 28-year-old British Bengali, undertook an undergraduate and postgraduate degree:

“Undergrad was great. I loved every moment, especially the outside exams. A great mix of people from different backgrounds.

“My Masters was different; the student and staff population was heavily White and upper middle class. And for some reason, I felt it.

“It was subtle things that added up.

“Felt like the odd person out, made me spend less time on campus. I was more quiet than during undergrad.

“The postgrad degree, I regret doing where and when I did. Wish I’d done some work first and chosen a different uni.”

A sense of isolation and racial microaggressions can lead to a less fulfilling university experience, as was the case for Ruby.

Shakira*, a 33-year-old British Bengali, also undertook an undergraduate and postgraduate degree:

“University was the best time of my life because I was able to learn and just be. The friends I made and the people I met left a lasting impression.

“I had freedom for the first time. Space and time away from home.”

“There were issues after graduating from my Masters. Finding work was hard, and it would have been easier if, like my sister did, I had gone straight into work.

“But if I could go back and change things, I wouldn’t. The way I learnt to think and question and the friends and lecturers I met shaped me.

“It gave me independence from the family and helped me be confident in myself as a person.

“I gained faith in my ability to do tasks myself and make decisions.

“Living on campus one year really was the best decision. Then, due to money went home, but that one year was great.”

The university experience is unique to each individual.

It can be a time when important friendship bonds are made, and one is free to explore and learn. Yet, for others, it can be an isolating experience.

The future of higher education for British Asians may see a shift.

With the rising costs of university and changing job market dynamics, alternative education and career paths may become more attractive.

Whether university is the right choice for British Asian students depends on individual circumstances.

However, these circumstances do not exist in a bubble and are shaped by broader societal and structural forces.

While some may regret their choice, others find that university provides valuable opportunities and invaluable experiences.