Got officially nominated by Nepal govt (MoEST) for full scholarship at UIU Dhaka for BSc Data Science what should I know before going? First time leaving Nepal
Namaste everyone. Nepali student here, 2nd semester TU Kirtipur. Today I got officially nominated by Nepal's Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MoEST) through Singha Durbar for a government scholarship at United International University (UIU), Dhaka, Bangladesh for BSc in Data Science. The nomination letter is signed and official.
I have never left Nepal in my life. This is my first time going abroad.
I need honest advice from people who have actually done this:
About the process:
What happens after MoEST nomination — step by step?
How long does passport take if I apply urgent?
NOC process — how many days realistically?
Bangladesh student visa from Kathmandu — how long, any problems?
About Dhaka life:
Is Dhaka safe for a Nepali student living alone?
How much monthly budget do I realistically need outside scholarship?
Which area near UIU is safe and affordable for housing?
How is the food — can Nepali students adjust easily?
About UIU specifically:
Any current UIU students here? How is the academic pressure?
How is the hostel situation for international students?
Any Nepali students already at UIU?
What to bring from Nepal:
What do you wish you had brought that you couldn't get in Dhaka?
What did you bring that was useless?
Any Nepal-specific things I should stock up on?
Biggest regrets / advice:
What do you wish someone had told you before you left Nepal for the first time?
What mistakes did you make in the first month?
I want to go fully prepared and not regret anything later. Any advice — big or small — is appreciated. Please be honest, not just encouraging.
Comments I especially want:
Nepali students currently in Bangladesh
Anyone who went through MoEST scholarship process
UIU current or former students
Anyone who moved abroad alone for the first time
Dhanyabad 🙏