Riya Hari

Why did you choose to study at UCL SSEES?

As an international student from India, my decision to study at UCL SSEES stems from a profound understanding of the region’s strategic importance in global politics today. The 2024 Russian invasion of Ukraine has illustrated the volatility and significance of this region, amplifying the need for specialists who can address its complex, rapidly evolving challenges. SSEES’s expertise in the Central and Eastern European region is indispensable for future policymakers seeking to shape a more stable global landscape, and I am eager to contribute to these efforts with the skills and insights I gain during my study here.

What are you studying and what attracted you to this particular course?

I am a first-year History, Politics & Economics student at UCL SSEES. What drew me to the course was its unique interdisciplinarity and interconnectedness—after all, studying Politics without History, or Economics without either, seems almost impossible to me. I also love that I can still specialize in one subject. I’ve always known I wanted to pursue Economics as a career, but having the chance to study History and Politics alongside it was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up!

How is your course going? Any favourite modules so far?

I’m thoroughly enjoying my course, as it challenges me academically beyond the school curriculum and pushes me out of my comfort zone. I’m especially engaged with Introduction to Microeconomics, which I find rewarding for its mathematical rigour, and Frontiers of History,where I get to explore how historical developments, like the rise of liberalism in Austria, continue to shape contemporary politics.

How would you describe the academic staff at SSEES? What is the support like?

The academic staff and support services at SSEES have been wonderful—each member is incredibly passionate and dedicated to their work. It’s not just the academic support from my professors and tutors, who are approachable and always willing to help with my assignments, but also the wellness staff, who have made my transition from India to a completely different country so much smoother.

What about the social life?

What I love about SSEES is that it feels like a close-knit community within the larger UCL network. This means I get the best of both worlds: the chance to participate in a wide range of events across UCL while also enjoying the more intimate gatherings within SSEES. Both communities are vibrant and incredibly welcoming—everyone is so friendly that it only takes a simple “hi” to spark a conversation. It’s a spectacular environment for connecting with people who share similar interests and discovering new perspectives.

What are your future plans/aspirations?

Honestly, I don’t have everything figured out yet—and that’s okay! A degree in History, Politics & Economics gives me plenty of options. In the short term, I’m leaning towards a career in finance, but I can also see myself moving into academia later, perhaps in research focused on political economy or economic history. This degree keeps so many doors open, and I’m excited to explore where it takes me!

Any advice for those thinking about taking this course?

I’d say focus on not just academic but also personal growth: put in your best efforts, stay open to feedback, and don’t be afraid to learn from your mistakes. It’s important not to overthink things—take it one step at a time and embrace the process. You’ll find that with persistence and an open mind, studying here will be a rewarding experience, and you definitely won’t regret it!