Crossing oceans, chasing dreams: a journey of growth, love, and new beginnings

As we sit down to write this, we're filled with a mix of emotions—gratitude, pride, nostalgia, and excitement for what lies ahead. Ours is a story of two people who left the comfort of home, and who found strength in each other during the most challenging and transformative years of our lives.

We’re Jayakrishnan and Anjana. Both of us pursued our master’s degrees at the University of Dundee—Anjana graduated in 2022 with an MSc in Spatial Planning with Sustainable Urban Design from DJCAD, and I followed a year later, completing my MSc in Business Analytics (with Big Data) at the School of Business in 2023.

Since graduating, we’ve continued to grow in our respective fields. I am currently working as a Data Scientist at Booker | Tesco Group, and Anjana is working as a Town Planning Officer at a local council.

But our story began long before we set foot in Dundee, Scotland.

From high school sweethearts to dreamers

We met in high school—a quiet moment that etched itself into my heart.
Anjana began her bachelor’s in Architecture, while I pursued Computer Applications. From that point on, we weren’t just two students in love—we became partners in dreaming, building, and planning our future. We spent countless hours talking about everything: the lives we wanted to create, the places we hoped to see, and the kind of impact we wanted our work to have on the world.

Years passed by. After graduation, life took its natural course. I was placed directly from college into an MNC—Cognizant Technology Solutions—as an Analyst, while Anjana began her professional journey as a Junior Architect.

But Anjana had always carried a different dream. She often spoke about studying abroad, of immersing herself in urban planning on a global scale, and understanding how sustainable cities are shaped around the world. Though she was gaining experience locally, her heart was set on something bigger—on exploring how thoughtful design and planning could transform communities.

After months of careful research and reflection, she discovered the perfect course at the University of Dundee. It blended planning legislation with sustainable urban design—aligning seamlessly with her passion and long-term vision. It wasn’t just a course; it was the next step toward the future she had always imagined.

Long distance, late nights, and determination

In August 2021, Anjana made the big move to Scotland. It was the start of a long-distance chapter in our relationship—and probably the hardest phase we’d ever been through. She was adjusting to a new country, navigating a demanding academic programme, and juggling multiple part-time jobs just to keep things going. She worked as a steward, waiter, bartender—you name it.

Watching her from afar made me rethink my own path. I was doing well at Cognizant, receiving promotions and recognition. But something inside me felt like I was playing it safe. I started asking myself: Was I really chasing my dream, or was I just sticking to the comfortable route?

After exploring several options, the MSc in Business Analytics at the School of Business stood out. It wasn’t just the curriculum that drew me in—it was what I had witnessed through Anjana. I had seen how much she had grown, both personally and professionally, during her time there. That transformation inspired me.

It was a big decision, but one I was ready to make. I resigned from my job and, surprisingly, even convinced a close colleague to do the same. When I shared my plans for a master’s abroad, he was intrigued—and before long, we both took the leap together.

Choosing Dundee felt right. It wasn’t just about earning another degree—it was about rediscovering myself in a place that had already given someone I loved so much room to grow.

Reunited in Dundee

In September 2022, I landed in Scotland. Anjana and I reunited at Dundee Station after a full year apart. She was just finishing up her degree and starting to look for full-time roles. I, on the other hand, was just starting mine.

My course introduced me to modern data tools like Python, R, Power BI, Tableau, and SQL. It was challenging, especially since I had been away from academics for a while. But I loved every bit of it. I even got the opportunity to serve as a Student Representative for my programme, giving me the chance to engage in leadership, voice student concerns, and be part of something bigger than the classroom.

Like Anjana, I worked multiple part-time jobs—at Subway, as a steward, at events, and in local shops. It wasn’t easy balancing studies and work, but we always had each other to lean on. And we were lucky to have a solid support system.

One of the most cherished parts of our time in Dundee was the amazing group of friends we found—people who stood by us through everything and made those years truly unforgettable.

Supporting each other through every step

There were so many late nights and early mornings. Assignments, applications, part-time shifts, visa renewals, and endless responsibilities. But we stood by each other through it all.

In early 2023, Anjana landed her first full-time role as a Planning Officer with Guildford Borough Council. It was a huge milestone. She had worked so hard, and seeing that hard work pay off was incredibly fulfilling. She moved to Surrey while I stayed back in Dundee to finish my dissertation.

The School of Business helped me secure an internship as part of my programme, which I later extended post-graduation to gain more experience. Once I completed my degree, I moved to Surrey to be with Anjana. I started applying for roles across the UK—Manchester, London, Wales—you name it. There were rejections, even at final interview stages. It was frustrating, but Anjana was always there, reminding me of how far I’d already come.

New careers, new cities—and a new chapter ahead

Meanwhile, Anjana secured her second job as a Planning Officer—this time with West Northamptonshire Council—and we moved to Northampton together. Breaking into the UK IT market wasn’t easy. I continued working as an intern for quite some time, facing one challenge after another. But in June 2024, after several rounds of interviews and a lot of perseverance, I finally had my breakthrough—I landed a full-time Analyst role. Just six months later, I was promoted internally to a Data Science position focusing on Business Intelligence at Booker | Tesco Group, marking a significant step forward in my career.

Now, we live and work just a short drive apart. We’ve both built careers in fields we’re passionate about. And after everything we’ve been through—from high school to professionals in the UK—we’re finally preparing to take the next big step: we’re getting married in September 2025.

Why recommend Dundee?

For any international student considering the UK, we wholeheartedly recommend the University of Dundee. It’s more than just an academic institution—it’s a nurturing, inclusive environment that genuinely supports its students both inside and outside the classroom.

From day one, we felt welcomed. The international support services were extremely helpful with everything from visa queries to settling into life in a new country. The lecturers and academic staff across both DJCAD and the School of Business were not only knowledgeable but incredibly approachable. Their guidance helped Anjana refine her thinking, stay challenged, and remain resilient even during difficult times.

The university also offered valuable opportunities for personal and professional development. My role as a Student Representative allowed me to take on leadership responsibilities, advocate for student needs, and develop communication skills that continue to benefit me in my current role. Additionally, the School of Business provided access to internship opportunities in the data science field, which played a crucial role in helping me break into the industry.

For Anjana, the academic flexibility, access to real-world case studies, and encouragement to push creative boundaries helped her stand out in a competitive job market.

The city of Dundee itself plays a big part in the experience—it’s compact, friendly, and vibrant. You’re never far from a green space, a cozy café, or a cultural event. And for students coming from abroad, that sense of community makes a world of difference.

Looking back: what this journey means to us

From India to Dundee, from late-night study sessions to job interviews, from living in different cities to finally building a life together—it’s been a journey marked by faith, resilience, and unwavering support.

The University of Dundee wasn’t just where we earned our degrees; it was where we truly came into our own. It’s where we grew—individually and together—navigating challenges, discovering new strengths, and shaping the future we dreamed of.

Now, as we prepare to celebrate our wedding in September 2025, we look back with immense pride at how far we’ve come. Dundee will always hold a special place in our hearts—for the lessons it taught us, the friendships it gave us, and the memories that will stay with us forever.

Work hard, take the leap, and surround yourself with people who believe in you. Because sometimes, the most transformative journeys begin with a quiet hope—and the courage to take that first step.

With the right mindset, and the right place—like Dundee—anything is truly possible.