Wasifreflects

Category: Life in the UK

  • The “Term Time” Puzzle – Life as a PhD Student in the UK

    Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

    When you’re doing a PhD in the UK, your life doesn’t run on the neat calendar blocks of undergrad life. There’s no “September to December term” followed by a long winter break, then “January to March” with another big gap in between.

    Nope.
    For most of us, it’s research all year round.

    Recently, I had an email from Sainsbury’s (my weekend job) asking for my term dates for 2024–2025. Simple enough, right? Except… as a PhD student, I don’t really have “term dates” in the same way. My only official breaks are Christmas, Easter, and the odd bank holiday. The rest of the year, I’m “in term” even if I’m taking a short holiday, it’s something I apply for through my department, not an automatic university break.

    I explained that I’m getting a letter from my university to confirm this. But the request got me thinking… it’s funny how small admin details like this can remind you how different a PhD is from other courses.

    When people ask me, “When’s your next holiday from uni?” I almost laugh. The truth is, the research doesn’t stop experiments, writing, and deadlines don’t follow the public school calendar. If I want a break, I plan it, request it, and then go straight back to the lab or my thesis.

    It’s not a complaint — it’s just the reality. Doing a PhD is a bit like having a long-term job where the boss is your research question, and it doesn’t take days off.

    So yes, I’ll get the letter for Sainsbury’s. But deep down, I know the real “term” for me is every single day until I hand in that thesis.

  • The UK and Immigration: A System Built on Contradictions

    Introduction Immigration remains one of the most debated topics in the UK. While politicians often blame immigrants for economic strain or social issues, the UK continues to rely heavily on foreign workers. This blog explores the complex history, economic reality, and contradictions at the heart of British immigration policy.

    A Historical Perspective

    Post-WWII Britain: Welcoming Help
    In 1948, the British Nationality Act allowed citizens from Commonwealth countries to move to the UK freely. The country needed workers to rebuild after the war, and immigrants from South Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa were encouraged to come. They took up essential roles in transport, manufacturing, and especially the newly formed NHS.

    1970s–1990s: Rising Fear and Restriction
    As immigrant communities grew, political rhetoric shifted. The government started imposing stricter controls, especially targeting people from non-European countries. Politicians like Enoch Powell stirred public fear, and laws were passed to limit settlement and family reunification.

    2000s: EU Expansion and Public Backlash
    When the EU expanded in 2004, workers from Eastern Europe could enter the UK without visas. Immigration numbers surged, especially in low-wage sectors. While businesses benefited, public sentiment shifted. Concerns over pressure on housing, jobs, and public services played a big role in the Brexit vote.

    The Modern Contradiction

    “We Need You, But We Blame You”
    The UK economy depends on immigrants. About 1 in 6 NHS workers were born outside the UK. In social care, over 20% of the workforce are immigrants. Agriculture, hospitality, transport, and tech also rely heavily on migrant labour.

    Yet, the political narrative often blames immigrants for problems like housing shortages or overloaded public services. Rather than address the root causes—such as government cuts or lack of investment—immigrants become convenient scapegoats.

    Tight Rules, Open Doors
    Despite tough rhetoric, the UK still grants visas for healthcare workers, international students, and skilled professionals. Why? Because the country needs them. An aging population and worker shortages mean that cutting immigration would harm the economy.

    Media and Public Perception

    The media plays a powerful role in shaping how people view immigration. Sensational headlines often exaggerate migrant-related issues, creating fear and division. This puts pressure on politicians to “act tough,” even if the policies make little economic sense.

    What’s the Real Issue?

    The UK doesn’t have an immigration problem. It has a policy honesty problem. Politicians need to acknowledge the benefits migrants bring while addressing real concerns—like housing, wage stagnation, and public services—through proper investment and planning.

    A Personal Perspective: What If We Just Stopped Immigration?

    Many people, including myself, have thought: If immigration is truly the problem, why not just cap it or stop it entirely and see if things improve? This would be a fair test to see whether the issues blamed on immigrants are actually caused by them—or whether deeper problems like government mismanagement, poor planning, and inequality are the real culprits.

    Stopping immigration would have consequences. Key sectors would suffer from labour shortages, the economy could slow down, and public services might struggle even more. But such a step might also force the nation to confront its real problems head-on, without scapegoats.

    This isn’t about being anti-immigration—it’s about demanding honesty. If the system can’t function without migrants, then politicians should stop blaming them and start building fairer, more sustainable policies.

    Conclusion

    Immigrants have helped build modern Britain—from driving buses and caring for the sick to developing software and starting businesses. The UK’s future depends on fair, balanced, and honest immigration policies. It’s time to stop the blame game and start recognising the real value of those who come to make the UK their home.

    Written by: Sardar Wasif Ashraf Khan
    A voice for balance, fairness, and understanding in a divided debate.