Why I Chose to Photograph Migrant International Students in the UK As My Project

I chose to focus my photojournalism project on migrant international students in the UK because their stories often go unseen, even though they are a big part of university life. We hear about them in news articles and statistics, but we rarely see their real experiences or what their day-to-day lives actually look like.

For many students who travel to the UK to study, the journey is not easy. They leave their families, adjust to a new culture, and try to succeed in a place that works very differently from home. Some deal with language barriers, financial pressure, and the feeling of not fully belonging. These are essential things to highlight, as they are not always discussed openly.

What made me choose this topic is that migrant international students often carry a mix of emotions—hope, stress, excitement, loneliness, and pride. These emotions can be powerful when captured through photography. A single image can show more than words sometimes can: someone trying to stay connected with home, someone celebrating a small win, or someone finding comfort in new friendships.

I also wanted to show that international students are more than just a “category.” They each have a unique story, background, and reason for being here. The UK is known for its diversity, and international students play a huge role in that diversity. Photographing them allows me to explore what life looks like from their perspective and understand the challenges they face.

Even though I am not an international student myself, I see the impact they have on universities and in communities. I meet people who are trying to balance their culture with a new environment, and those experiences deserve attention. This project gives me the chance to learn from them and to use photography to tell stories that might otherwise stay hidden.

In the end, my goal is to bring awareness and understanding. I want my photos to encourage people to look beyond the surface and appreciate the strength it takes to move across the world for education. If my work helps others see these students with more empathy, then the project has been successful.