A Nepali student studying in the United Kingdom has died during treatment. Twenty-two-year-old Vivekananda Mandal of Hanumannagar, Kankalini-10, Saptari, passed away while undergoing treatment at Sunderland Royal Hospital, according to NRNA UK President Rajendra Pudasaini, citing doctors.
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 severe breathing difficulties, Mandal called his neighbor and sister figure, Garima Mall, and explained his condition. Following her advice, he 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, procedures have been initiated to send Mandal’s body to Nepal as per the family’s request.
Mandal was preparing to return to Nepal before completing his studies. He had been expelled from Sunderland University after failing to pay outstanding tuition fees of £3,000. His legal stay in the UK was valid until February 14, 2026. Under UK regulations, an expelled student is allowed to stay for up to 60 days if no new application is submitted.
NRNA UK President Pudasaini urged Nepali students in the UK to take their health seriously and seek medical attention immediately if they face any health issues. He noted that many Nepali students hesitate to visit hospitals or even register with a GP, which often leads to complications.
He also cautioned that the situation in the UK is more challenging than many expect and advised students from weak financial backgrounds not to come for undergraduate studies. He said that factors such as a new environment, high expectations versus harsh reality, lack of job opportunities, and heavy financial burdens imposed by universities have led many students to suffer from mental health issues, with some even resorting to suicide.
About the Author
