When she moved here a year ago, there was one thing that put Harshada at ease. She said: “I really like the people of Liverpool. It’s always been about the people for me, along with the culture and the food. I expected the UK to be a very contrasting experience for me coming from India, but I think because of a city like Liverpool, it made me comfortable.”

Harshada likes to spend her time exploring Bold Street and going to Sefton Park with her friends. She says the biggest difference for her now is her confidence and openness to talk about the experience. She adds that she would never have signed up to do something like the short film back in India.

Harshada said, “I’ve never been this person to take part in something like a social experiment or even be filmed. But I moved abroad and this was a perfect opportunity for me to expose myself there. I think Liverpool and University made me better and more confident. Moving away wasn’t easy, so I feel like now that I’ve moved and lived for so long, no matter what happens, I have the confidence that I can tackle something in life.”

It’s a similar story for Andrea Neeto Anto, who is from Kerala, an Indian state home to palm-fringed beaches, a vast network of canals and the Western Ghats mountains. In the film, Andrea also appears with a degree in media and communication with film studies. She was also drawn to the university’s course options, but found it difficult to settle at first.

Andrea said: “The whole experience was a bit overwhelming at first. In my first year I was really surprised. I was really reserved. You slowly start to meet people and feel comfortable. And the biggest challenge was putting yourself in the world. But I think this was the best. Taking advantage of such opportunities or meeting people – it was very good. Now I’m more confident as a person.”

The 21-year-old began to enjoy exploring the city, particularly the docks, and was able to meet like-minded people through the university’s various dance, music and Indian societies. However, being open on camera about her experiences was a bit daunting.

She said: “We all work as international student ambassadors so this was something that came about. I was actually a bit too hesitant to pick it up at first as I had never faced a camera before. It was a huge step, but I think I enjoyed the experience. After coming here and watching him, it’s really good.”

Andrea feels that the chance to step out of her comfort zone was crucial for her. She said: “I think it’s just the school system in India. You go to school, you come back, you meet your bunch of people – it’s like living in a little bubble. Moving here has developed me so much as an individual. It’s great to meet new people and interact. I think it was a huge cultural change, but at the same time a really good experience.”

Akhil Skaria, 31, also features in the film. Studying for a master’s degree in business administration, he too was drawn to the university. Despite being a big Manchester United fan, he had only heard good things about Liverpool from his friends who visited.

Akhil is from Bangalore, known for its tech industry, parks and vibrant nightlife. He also felt it was the right time to explore something new. He said: “I have reached a comfort zone at home. I was working in the education sector. There was a time when you knew you were getting too comfortable.”

Akhil has had the chance to explore the UK through ballroom and Latin society membership with performances across the country. However, he insists Liverpool is the friendliest city he has come across, even if the Scouse accent has sometimes been challenging for him.

Laughing, he said: “You watch a lot of British films to get used to the British accent. But then I came here, I was like, oh my God. My ballroom Latin instructor is a Scouser. When he used to give instructions, I would say to myself, should I go here or should I go there? It was a bit difficult for me to process.”

For Akhil, the little things you have to learn when you move to a new city add up to change you as a person. He said, “When I was at home, everything was provided, everything was given to you right here. Here, you start from scratch. You have to learn how to pay for a bus ticket and that you need £1 to unlock a trolley. At the same time, I hugged him.”

The three, who all live together Liverpool city centrethey barely knew each other before the film, but now they’ve learned as much about their home country as they have about Merseyside. Akhil said: “I think even though we come from India, we come from different parts of India with different experiences, so it’s great to mix it all up and hear from each other.”

Even if they decide to move back to India, they all agree that their time at Liverpool will stay with them forever. Akhil said, “I have made friendships and bonds that could last a lifetime from here. Liverpool has definitely become home for me in the UK.”