For most Indian students, studying in the UK is a dream built on ambition, sacrifices, and years of hard work.

But behind the university offers and airport pictures lies a reality many students quietly struggle with — surviving the first few weeks abroad.

From rent deposits and groceries to transport, winter clothing, SIM cards, and unexpected expenses, the first month in the UK can become financially stressful for both students and their families.

26-year-old entrepreneur and former UK student Shreyash Raj says he understands this journey personally because he has lived through it himself.

Coming from a small town in Kanpur and studying at DPS with big dreams in his eyes, Shreyash moved to the UK for higher education at a young age. Like thousands of Indian students, he faced the pressure of managing expenses, adapting to a completely new environment, and building life independently.

“There were moments when even basic expenses felt difficult. Most students don’t openly talk about these struggles because they don’t want their parents back home to worry,” he says.

Instead of letting those challenges stop him, Shreyash decided to build something meaningful for students.

He founded Dredu — a student-focused initiative that helps young people with career guidance, personality development, interview preparation, and corporate readiness. Over the years, the platform has helped more than 10,000 students across different stages of their careers and study abroad journeys.

Now, through a new UK student support initiative, Shreyash is offering grants and practical support assistance of up to ₹1 lakh for selected Indian students planning to study in the UK.

Unlike traditional scholarships that focus only on tuition fees, this initiative is designed specifically to help students manage first-month living and survival expenses after landing in the UK.

The support may include:

  • First-month accommodation assistance
  • Grocery and food expense support
  • Help with settling into the UK
  • SIM card and bank account setup guidance
  • Student community connections
  • Practical support for new arrivals

According to Shreyash, the idea was born after speaking to multiple Indian students who admitted they struggled silently during their first weeks abroad.

“Families somehow arrange tuition fees and education loans, but students still feel financially pressured after reaching the UK. I wanted to create something that genuinely helps during that phase,” he explains.

The initiative is already gaining attention among students preparing for upcoming UK intakes, with many calling it “real support students actually need.”

But Shreyash says this is only the beginning.

His long-term vision includes launching more fully funded scholarships for deserving Indian students in the future — especially if initiatives like this receive support from the Government of India and educational institutions.

At the same time, he aims to scale Dredu into a ₹100 crore+ company within the next five years while continuing to build one of the strongest student support communities for Indian youth globally.

“When students arrive in a new country, even small support can give them confidence. Sometimes knowing someone is there to guide you changes everything,” he says.

Students interested in applying for the support initiative or learning more can connect with Shreyash Raj and Dredu through their official social media platforms and student application channels.