Nepali student in the UK dies during treatment

A Nepali student who had traveled to the United Kingdom for studies has passed away.

Twenty-two-year-old Vivekananda Mandal, a resident of Hanumannagar, Kankalini-10 in Saptari district, died while undergoing treatment at Sunderland Royal Hospital, according to NRNA UK President Rajendra Pudasaini, citing medical sources.

Mandal had arrived in the UK in September 2023 to pursue an undergraduate degree in Computer Science. He had been suffering from lung and respiratory problems for the past few months.

On Sunday, after experiencing breathing difficulties, Mandal called his neighbor, Garima Malla, and shared his condition. Upon her advice, he immediately went to Sunderland Royal Hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU and treatment was initiated. However, doctors declared him dead on Monday, Pudasaini said.

According to Pudasaini, the process to repatriate Mandal’s body to Nepal will begin in accordance with the family’s request.

Mandal had been preparing to return to Nepal before completing his studies. He had been expelled from Sunderland University due to non-payment of outstanding tuition fees amounting to £3,000. His visa was valid until February 14, 2026.

Under UK regulations, students have the right to remain in the country for up to 60 days after expulsion if they do not submit a new application.

“The UK is not as easy as it seems” – Pudasaini

NRNA UK President Pudasaini urged students to take their health seriously and seek medical attention immediately if any issues arise.

“Many students hesitate to visit hospitals or even register with a GP, and as a result, their health problems become complicated,” he said, adding that the Nepali community must now focus on raising awareness.

He also advised students from financially weak backgrounds not to come to the UK for undergraduate studies, citing the country’s difficult living conditions.

“The UK looks good in pictures and videos, but sustaining life here is extremely difficult,” he said. “If even settled families find life challenging, the hardship faced by newly arrived students is unimaginable.”

Factors such as a new environment, high expectations versus harsh realities, lack of employment opportunities, and heavy financial burdens imposed by universities have led many students to suffer from mental health problems, with some even taking their own lives.