Across London’s universities, Pakistani students are grappling with the realities of academic deadlines, rising costs, and the often-unspoken struggles of mental health. For many, the pressure of high expectations — from families back home and from themselves — weighs heavily during exam season.
Balancing Expectations
H., a second-year student studying business management, explains: “My parents back in Lahore remind me every week how much they’ve invested in my studies. I feel like I can’t afford to slip, even for one assignment.” The sense of responsibility to deliver not just for oneself but for an entire family is a recurring theme.
S., a postgraduate student in health sciences, shares a similar experience. “I got a scholarship, but my living expenses are high. My family still sends money, even with the rupee’s situation. I don’t want to disappoint them, but the pressure sometimes feels unbearable.”
Cultural Barriers to Talking About Stress
Mental health remains a difficult subject within South Asian communities. Several students admit they hesitate to discuss anxiety or depression with their families. “If I tell my parents I’m stressed, they think I’m just not working hard enough,” says M., a law student. “Back home, people don’t really talk about therapy or counselling.”
University support services exist, but stigma makes students reluctant to use them. “It feels like weakness,” says A., a computer science undergraduate. “You worry people will judge you, or that it will somehow reflect badly on your family.”
The Cost Factor
Financial strain is a constant trigger. With rising rents, transport costs, and food prices in London, students juggle part-time jobs alongside studies. R., an accounting student, works in a supermarket three evenings a week. “By the time I get home, I’m exhausted. But I need the money for bills. It’s hard to stay focused on revision when you’re constantly tired.”
Those without part-time jobs rely on remittances from families, which can add another layer of guilt. “When you know your parents are struggling in Pakistan, every pound you spend feels heavy,” says K., an engineering student.
Peer Pressure and Comparison
Beyond academics, students mention the social pressures of living abroad. Many compare themselves to peers who seem more confident, better connected, or financially secure. “You see classmates who can afford tutoring or private study spaces,” says T., studying international relations. “It makes you feel like you’re always behind.”
For some, social media amplifies this gap. Pictures of classmates celebrating after exams or enjoying nights out make those under stress feel even more isolated.
Coping Strategies
Despite these challenges, students are finding ways to cope. Some turn to faith, carving out time for prayer and reflection. “It calms me down before an exam,” says F., a medical student. Others lean on friendships within the Pakistani student community, sharing experiences that only peers with similar backgrounds can truly understand.
University societies also play a role. Pakistani student associations organise study groups, mentorship programmes, and cultural nights that help students find balance. “Just knowing you’re not alone makes a huge difference,” says L., an economics student.
Universities Respond
Institutions across London are increasing efforts to provide culturally sensitive support. Counsellors are being trained to understand the pressures faced by international students. Workshops on stress management are promoted more actively in student unions.
Still, uptake remains mixed. “The services are there, but students don’t always feel comfortable using them,” says one academic advisor. “We need to build trust and normalise conversations around mental health.”
Looking Forward
As exam season approaches, Pakistani students in London continue to juggle expectations, financial strain, and cultural stigma around mental health. While challenges remain, many are finding strength in community, faith, and peer support.
For universities, the lesson is clear: academic excellence must be matched with robust, inclusive wellbeing strategies. For students, the message is that they are not alone — even in a city as fast-paced and demanding as London.
لندن کی جامعات میں پاکستانی طلباء کو امتحانات کے موسم میں شدید دباؤ کا سامنا ہے۔ ان پر خاندانوں کی توقعات، مالی مشکلات اور ذہنی صحت کے مسائل ایک ساتھ اثر انداز ہوتے ہیں۔
خاندانی توقعات: والدین کی قربانیوں اور اخراجات کی وجہ سے طلباء پر دباؤ ہوتا ہے کہ وہ ہر حال میں اچھا کارکردگی دکھائیں۔
ذہنی صحت پر داغ: جنوبی ایشیائی پس منظر کے طلباء کھل کر ڈپریشن یا اینگزائٹی کے بارے میں بات نہیں کرتے۔ تھراپی اور کاؤنسلنگ کو کمزوری سمجھا جاتا ہے۔
مالی دباؤ: بڑھتے ہوئے کرایے اور اخراجات کی وجہ سے کئی طلباء پارٹ ٹائم نوکری کرتے ہیں، جس سے پڑھائی متاثر ہوتی ہے۔ جو نوکری نہیں کرتے، وہ والدین کی بھیجی گئی رقوم پر انحصار کرتے ہیں، اور اس پر گناہ یا بوجھ کا احساس ہوتا ہے۔
سماجی دباؤ: ہم جماعتوں سے تقابل اور سوشل میڈیا پر دکھائی جانے والی کامیابیاں کئی طلباء کو مزید الگ تھلگ کر دیتی ہیں۔
مقابلہ کرنے کے طریقے: کچھ طلباء نماز اور دعا سے سکون ڈھونڈتے ہیں، کچھ دوستوں اور پاکستانی سوسائٹیز کے ذریعے مدد لیتے ہیں۔
جامعات کا ردعمل: یونیورسٹیاں کثیر الثقافتی کاؤنسلنگ اور ورکشاپس فراہم کر رہی ہیں، مگر طلباء کی ہچکچاہٹ ابھی بھی باقی ہے۔
خلاصہ یہ ہے کہ پاکستانی طلباء کے لیے لندن میں امتحانات کا موسم محض تعلیمی چیلنج نہیں بلکہ جذباتی اور مالی آزمائش بھی ہے۔ کمیونٹی سپورٹ اور بہتر پالیسیوں کے ذریعے اس دباؤ کو کم کیا جا سکتا ہے۔
