After arriving in the UK to pursue her studies at a prestigious London university, Indian writer Pranjali Hasotkar quickly realised that the financial reality of living in one of the world's most expensive cities was far harsher than she had anticipated. As the cost of living soared, Hasotkar felt financially trapped and socially isolated.
In a heartfelt first-person account published by the Metro, Hasotkar candidly shared her experiences, stating, "What had now become abundantly clear to me was that, by comparison, I was just too poor to hang out with my friends – but I could never tell them that." Instead, she often made excuses, telling her friends she couldn't attend social events involving spending money because she had a class submission due the following day.
