Thinking of studying abroad? Discover why speaking to alumni gives you real insights into jobs, academics, and life after graduation—long before you pack your bags.
Studying abroad is one of the most life-changing experiences you’ll ever have. But let’s be honest—it’s also one of the costliest and riskiest decisions you'll make. Universities spend millions on marketing: glossy brochures, virtual tours of high-tech campuses, and bold claims about job placements. But do they show you the real student journey?
Many international students, after arriving, find themselves facing unexpected academic pressures, financial stress, limited career guidance, or even visa-related challenges. These are rarely highlighted during admission webinars or brochures.
👉 Your shortcut to the truth? Speak to someone who’s already done it—with Inforens.
If you're planning to study abroad—and especially top-tier schools like Imperial College London, the London School of Economics (LSE), University of Luxembourg or Columbia University—talking to alumni can give you a brutally honest picture. These conversations can help you make smarter decisions about your course, finances, and future career—before you commit.
Alumni Tell You What Google Can’t
While official university websites give you polished facts, alumni give you lived experience. They’ve sat in the same lecture halls, searched for jobs with the same visa limitations, and navigated the same cultural adjustments you’re about to face.
Want to know how accessible financial aid is for international students? Or how many graduates from your program actually land jobs in the UK? London School of Economics alumni, Imperial alumni, or QMUL alumni will tell you straight—no filters, no fluff.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask alumni, “If you could go back in time, would you pick the same course or university again?” You’ll be surprised how often the answer is “No.”
For example, students in mechanical or electrical engineering programs often assume they’ll receive extensive lab exposure. But some Imperial College London notable alumni say their programs were theory-heavy, with limited hands-on time. Similarly, chemical engineering grads may tell you that coursework is intense and research-oriented, while civil engineering students from highlight how transferable their degrees were—but also share struggles around getting chartered or licensed in the UK.
Do International Students Actually Get Jobs in the UK?
Here’s the million-dollar question:
“Do people from my course get jobs here after graduation?”
The answer varies wildly depending on your field, your visa, and how well the university connects you to employers. That’s why talking to recent alumni is non-negotiable.
👉 Let Inforens connect you with verified alumni who’ve walked the same path to get real placement stats.
Some Imperial College notable alumni have successfully landed jobs in finance, tech, or consulting—but even they admit it takes relentless networking and strong personal branding. Similarly, UCL alumni or QMUL alumni may tell you the university hosted plenty of job fairs, but they had to hustle hard to convert those into real offers.
Don’t rely solely on outdated stats from 2019. Speak to someone who graduated in the past year. Immigration rules, job markets, and visa pathways have changed significantly—only alumni can help you understand what it's like now.
Go Beyond Rankings: What’s Behind the Numbers?
You might spend hours admiring London School of Economics notable alumni, reading about global economists or finance giants who once studied there. But here’s what the rankings and official pages won’t tell you:
- Whether international students felt included and supported.
- If the “career support” led to real interviews or just resume workshops.
- How responsive professors or advisors actually were when you needed help.
👉 Book a 1:1 alumni call with Inforens and ask the hard questions to know what rankings don’t show.
Some London School of Economics alumni praise the brand’s weight in the job market, while others feel the support structure wasn’t as strong as advertised. These nuanced insights are what help you avoid costly surprises.
Understand Finances, Culture & Mental Health—From Someone Who’s Lived It
Most students plan their budgets based on tuition and housing estimates on university websites.
What about hidden costs like visa fees, unexpected rent hikes, emergency travel, or council tax confusion?
Only alumni can share the real costs of studying abroad:
- Rent differences between Zones 1–5 in London
- Whether part-time jobs are actually manageable with your course
- Weekly grocery costs and transport card expenses
- Mental health support or lack thereof
👉 Don’t guess your budget. Ask Inforens to match you with alumni who’ll break it all down for you.
Culture shock is another reality many don't usually think about. Whether it’s language barriers, microaggressions, or mental health challenges, these are best discussed with people who’ve experienced them first-hand. Some Imperial alumni say the intense academic culture left them isolated, while others found their support system through clubs and societies.
Alumni Networks Are Long-Term Career Assets
Think alumni are only good for course advice?
Alumni networks can unlock:
- Job referrals and interview tips
- Mentorship opportunities
- Short-term housing or sublets
- Mental health support from people who “get it”
👉 Get early access to alumni networks via Inforens before you even fly abroad.
Top-tier networks like Imperial College London notable alumni, UCL alumni, or London School of Economics alumni are powerful—if you activate them early. Many universities launch official alumni programs after you enroll, but Inforens gives you a head start by connecting you with those communities right now.
Looking at the U.S. Too? Talk to Alumni There as Well
If you're considering studying in the U.S., alumni conversations are just as valuable.
Take University of Southern California. Reading about USC notable alumni or USC famous alumni might wow you—but alumni will tell you if the brand actually leads to jobs in California, or if you’ll struggle with OPT/CPT timelines and STEM extensions.
Want the real story behind Columbia University notable alumni and the Columbia University alumni network?
👉 Let Inforens connect you with alumni from both UK and U.S. universities so you can compare real-world outcomes—not just branding.
You’ll discover key differences in:
- Career services effectiveness
- Visa-to-residency pathways
- On-campus job availability
- Alumni involvement and responsiveness
These insights can make or break your final decision.
So… Is Studying Abroad Really Worth It?
Let’s be honest:
Studying abroad can be a gateway to global opportunities.
But without proper guidance, it can also be a very expensive misstep.
Alumni are the only people who can help you assess whether the ROI is worth it—for your course, university, and future plans.
👉 Still unsure? Inforens can match you with alumni who studied your exact course at your dream school.
Whether you're headed into engineering, finance, data science, or public policy, having honest conversations with alumni lets you approach your education as an investment—not a gamble.
🎓 Start Today
Create your free profile on Inforens and get connected with real alumni who studied the exact course at the exact university you're targeting. Whether it’s LSE alumni, Imperial alumni, QMUL alumni, Columbia University alumni, or USC famous alumni, your answers are just one message away.
That one conversation could shape your entire future.