Intellectually stimulating and deeply reflective
Hello! My name is Rida, and I’m an international student from Pakistan currently completing my BSc in Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London. My time here has been a transformative journey, both academically and personally.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my student life was becoming a Student Ambassador. This role gave me the opportunity to represent Royal Holloway to prospective students from around the world. Whether it was speaking at Open Days or guiding visitors around campus, I found genuine joy in sharing my experience and being part of a welcoming, supportive community.
Studying psychology has been intellectually stimulating and deeply reflective. The course structure allowed me to explore everything from cognitive neuroscience to developmental psychology. I particularly appreciated how practical examples were integrated into learning like using sensory associations (such as a specific perfume while studying and revising with it later for better recall) to understand memory processes. It’s amazing how applicable psychology becomes to daily life.
Although my initial plan was to continue straight into a master’s degree and secure a psychology-related job, my time at university helped me reassess and explore wider interests, such as Human Resources and Learning & Development. It showed me the value of staying open-minded and adapting your path as you grow.
Outside of academics, being an international student taught me crucial life skills. I learned to manage my finances, live independently, and build friendships that will last a lifetime. Living in the UK has also expanded my worldview, I’ve become more self-reliant, tolerant, and confident in social and professional spaces.
To anyone considering Royal Holloway or studying in the UK: it’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. There are challenges, but there are also countless opportunities—on campus, in your course, and within yourself. My advice is to be proactive, stay open to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to carve your own path.
- Rida