Liao Daiqi graduated from college in July and will start graduate school in the fall, having found success in England after struggling in China.

The 22-year-old native of Guangdong province took the gaokao, China's national college exam, in 2011 but didn't get the score she wanted.

"The score only got me access to South China Business College of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, which is in the third or fourth tier," she said.

Soon after, she started thinking about overseas study.

"My original plan was to finish my undergraduate studies in China and then seek further study overseas, if necessary. However, my first year in college in China was disappointing, which made me think twice," she said.

Her freshman year in China was not productive, and she said she "lived a lousy life".

"I was either sleeping or watching movies in the dorm, and I realized that it would not be good for me. My parents also supported my decision," she said.

Liao started preparing for overseas study. After successfully applying to the University of East Anglia in England, she quit the South China Business College and started a preparatory course at University of East Angliain the fall of 2012.

"My English was not good enough, and I started from the language program," Liao said.

Although her education required hard work and an extra year, Liao said she never doubted her decision to pursue a university education in England.

"I am satisfied with my life now. Before studying in the UK, I was dependent on my parents. But now I make important choices on my own," she said. "Even my mother said I was a more mature person."

Liao, who studied accounting and finance at East Anglia, will soon start a master's program at the University of Exeter, also in England.