From island breeze to London freeze – my journey from the Maldives to the UK

First impressions arriving in the UK

Landing in the UK felt like entering a completely different world, I was immediately greeted by the chilly air that was a stark contrast to the warm ocean breeze that the Maldives had to offer. Always having to layer up was definitely a change that I had to quickly incorporate into my daily routine. As I settled in my first impressions of the UK was that everything felt so new and different, however there was a sense of excitement that came with that. I noticed that everyone in the UK seemed to live a fast-paced lifestyle, from people racing to catch their trains to work to students dancing and singing in the club scene.

Cultural differences

One thing I noticed instantly was the difference in communication styles; the British often say casual reserved greetings like “You alright?” which are not necessarily intended to illicit a genuine response. In contrast, communication in the Maldives tends to be more direct with people often engaging in small talk as a way to build rapport. This can be largely due to the Maldives’ small size, which breeds familiarity amongst the people. Additionally, the short winter days in the UK bring the sunlight to fade as early as 4pm, creating a marked contrast to the long sun-drenched evenings in the Maldives. While rain is a commonality between the two countries, I’ve noticed that the British rarely rely on umbrellas, whereas people in the Maldives often use them to shield themselves from the heavy rain during monsoon season.

Life at university

Choosing the University of Northampton was a decision shaped by both academic and personal reasons. I chose the University primarily for its exceptional Sports Rehabilitation and Conditioning course, which offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. A major highlight of the course is it having its own Sport Injury and Rehabilitation Clinic (SIRC), where students have the opportunity to gain experience working with real clients under professional supervision in order to hone their skills before going out into the real world. In addition,  the incredible opportunity to become a Basketball Scholar-Athlete through the University’s Energy Elite Athlete Scholarship programme really solidified my decision to choose this institution. My life at university as a student-athlete has been a rewarding experience. It extends beyond the training sessions, but being in a supportive community of like-minded athletes who share similar aspirations has fostered a deep sense of belonging.

Missing home

While transitioning from faraway to a new country where I almost never saw familiar faces was challenging, it ultimately became a life-changing decision. Once the initial excitement of my move died down, homesickness hit me hard. I found myself missing little things that I wished I had shown greater appreciation to being around constantly before such as the idyllic sunsets and scenery, speaking in my mother tongue, and being surrounded by friends and family. While I found myself missing home , I was developing my own routine in the UK and felt a sense of pride and accomplishment over menial tasks, as I could see that I was growing so much as a person. I learnt to celebrate the small wins and to give myself some credit for being able to endure a whole new lifestyle alone in a foreign place. It helped a lot that I was fortunate enough to have made some amazing lifelong friends who ultimately have become my second family here in the UK and played a huge role in helping me adapt and navigate this new chapter in my life. Though the Maldives will always hold a special place in my heart and homesickness may linger, I look forward to embracing this new experience and forging my own path here going forward.

Mariyam Iva Ashraf (Ivy Ashraf)

Mariyam Iva Ashraf - most people call her Ivy - is an Athlete Scholar for Basketball at the University of Northampton studying BSc Sport Rehabilitation and Conditioning.