Gandhi had dropped out of the cheapest college he could afford in Bombay.

[36] Mavji
Dave Joshiji, a Brahmin priest and family friend, advised Gandhi and his family
that he should consider law studies in London.[37][38] In July 1888, his wife
Kasturba gave birth to their first surviving son, Harilal.[39] His mother was not
comfortable about Gandhi leaving his wife and family, and going so far from home.
Gandhi's uncle Tulsidas also tried to dissuade his nephew. Gandhi wanted to go. To
persuade his wife and mother, Gandhi made a vow in front of his mother that he
would abstain from meat, alcohol and women. Gandhi's brother Laxmidas, who was
already a lawyer, cheered Gandhi's London studies plan and offered to support him.
Putlibai gave Gandhi her permission and blessing.[35][40]
Gandhi in London as a law student

On 10 August 1888, Gandhi, aged 18, left Porbandar for Mumbai, then known as
Bombay. Upon arrival, he stayed with the local Modh Bania community whose elders
warned him that England would tempt him to compromise his religion, and eat and
drink in Western ways. Despite Gandhi informing them of his promise to his mother
and her blessings, he was excommunicated from his caste. Gandhi ignored this, and
on 4 September, he sailed from Bombay to London, with his brother seeing him off.
[39][36] Gandhi attended University College, London, where he took classes in
English literature with Henry Morley in 1888–1889.[41]

He also enrolled at the Inns of Court School of Law in Inner Temple with the
intention of becoming a barrister.[38] His childhood shyness and self-withdrawal
had continued through his teens. He retained these traits when he arrived in
London, but joined a public speaking practice group and overcame his shyness
sufficiently to practise law.[42]

He demonstrated a keen interest in the welfare of London's impoverished dockland

communities. In 1889, a bitter trade dispute broke out in London, with dockers
striking for better pay and conditions, and seamen, shipbuilders, factory girls and
other joining the strike in solidarity. The strikers were successful, in part due
to the mediation of Cardinal Manning, leading Gandhi and an Indian friend to make a
point of visiting the cardinal and thanking him for his work.