Sanjana Santhosh

Originally from India and raised in Dubai, Sanjana Santhosh brought a global perspective and ambition to her LLM in Corporate Law at UCL. Before London, she published widely on corporate law and IP, interned at a leading law firm, and launched a national legal hackathon. Beyond law, she is also a dedicated Bharatanatyam dancer who has performed at national competitions. Sanjana shares her experience adapting to London’s lively culture, immersing herself in UCL’s academic environment, and developing both as an aspiring corporate lawyer and as an individual.

Give us a brief overview of your academic and personal journey before joining UCL Laws.

I’m originally from India but was raised and educated in Dubai — a vibrant, multicultural city that gave me an early global outlook. I then moved to Bangalore to pursue an integrated BBA LLB (Hons) degree at Christ University, where my curiosity about how companies are structured evolved into a deeper passion for corporate law.

Throughout my academic journey, pursuing excellence motivated me. I secured top ranks, received merit-based scholarships, and published over 15 articles on corporate law, IPR, and financial regulation. My internships at leading firms, including Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, allowed me to work closely with the general corporate team on transaction due diligence and regulatory compliance with the aim of becoming a corporate attorney.

Another highlight was conceptualising and organising India’s first National Legal Hackathon to promote legal-tech innovation. I also participated in and judged trial advocacy, client counselling, and ADR tournaments, helping me develop a client-focused mindset.

Beyond law, I’ve been a Bharatanatyam dancer since the age of 12, performing at national-level competitions and before the Hon’ble Governor and Chief Minister of Karnataka. Dance has taught me discipline, creativity, and resilience, which complement my legal career.

Ultimately, my passion for corporate law brought me to UCL for its rigorous academic environment and global perspective. UCL Laws has a brilliant faculty and an inclusive community, which has been the perfect place to grow both personally and professionally.

What has surprised you most about UCL Laws or your time in London?

Coming from a system that emphasised rote learning and precise reproduction of legal texts, I was surprised by how different the approach is at UCL Laws. Here, we’re encouraged to think independently, critically evaluate ideas, and explore interdisciplinary and comparative perspectives. It’s been incredibly liberating to realise that my interpretation matters, and that learning law isn’t just about absorbing knowledge but also shaping it.

London itself has also been full of surprises — it feels like living inside a film set. From exploring the lively chaos of Tottenham Court Road to the charm of Little Venice and the elegance of Marylebone, every weekend feels like a new adventure. I celebrated my birthday by Big Ben, watched ducks in Richmond, and even spotted deer! Moments that felt straight out of a storybook.

Christmas was especially magical, with Regent Street lights, Covent Garden snow showers, Harrods’ grandeur, and Winter Wonderland festivities. I also explored places like Canterbury, Birmingham, and Bristol. And yes, I had my Notting Hill moment (thanks to Julia Roberts!).

What’s been most special about UCL Laws is the sense of community. Either through societies or casual conversations in Bentham House, there’s a shared purpose and warmth that makes it feel like home.

Can you share some of the challenges you faced during your studies and how you overcame them?

One of my biggest challenges was building meaningful relationships with people from such diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Coming from relatively homogeneous environments in Dubai and India, stepping into a truly global space was exciting but also overwhelming.

At first, conversations didn’t always flow naturally, and social dynamics felt unfamiliar. I realised that connection isn’t always about similarity. Sometimes, it’s about openness and genuine curiosity. So, I pushed myself to attend more events, initiate conversations even when they felt awkward, and listen more and deeply.

Those small efforts paid off gradually. I’ve built friendships with people from all over the world and learned to appreciate different perspectives and communication styles. What began as a challenge ended up being one of the most rewarding parts of my UCL journey. 

How have you grown during your time here – as a student, aspiring legal professional, or personally?

Somewhere between studying debt financing and navigating the Tube, I realised that growth often unfolds in the quietest, most personal ways.

Academically, I’ve moved from focusing purely on structure and precision to embracing ambiguity, questioning why laws exist as they do, not just how. UCL’s environment has developed my analytical skills and confidence to engage with complex legal topics like insolvency reform and ESG compliance, and helped me see them as real-world issues I can contribute to.

Living in London taught me resilience and adaptability. Being in a city as culturally rich and fast-paced as this, I was pushed out of my comfort zone early on — and over time, I learned the value of listening, being vulnerable, and embracing difference. 

Above all, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t always come in big milestones. Sometimes it’s in small moments: confidently sharing a perspective in class, helping a peer understand a concept, understanding concepts beyond the syllabus, or simply navigating a new city on your own. This year has shaped me into a more thoughtful, grounded, and globally aware version of myself. That’s something I’ll carry with me far beyond UCL.

What are your summer plans, and what’s next after graduation?

After months wrapped in coats and scarves, I’ve been waiting for summer to explore more of the UK. My ‘summer bucket list’ includes day trips to Bath, for its Georgian architecture and Roman baths, a countryside visit to the Cotswolds, where every village looks like it was pulled from a postcard, and a sunny weekend in Brighton. These are my plans to recharge and celebrate the year.

Beyond travel, I’m focused on my next steps: pursuing a training contract in the UK aligned with my interests in corporate law. My long-term goal is to qualify as a solicitor through the SQE pathway. I’m preparing through commercial awareness and hands-on experiences and aiming for a firm that values expertise, diversity, and pro bono work.

This summer is about discovering new destinations while mapping out the next steps in my legal career. 

What advice would you give to new students joining UCL Laws this year?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. That’s something I was told early on, and it made a difference. UCL is incredibly supportive, and no question is too small or silly. From apps to help navigate campus to friendly staff in the Postgraduate Office, help is always available. UCL Laws’ official Instagram page is also a great way to get a sense of student life and upcoming events, especially if you’re still finding your footing.

There’s confidential, free support for mental health, long-term health conditions, disabilities, academic adjustments, and visa guidance. UCL has created a support system that truly covers every need and genuinely wants you to thrive academically and personally.

Finally, be patient and kind to yourself. Adjusting to a new country and academic system takes time. You’re stepping into an exciting chapter, and you’re in excellent hands.

Follow Sanjana Santhosh

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sanjana-santhosh-0045221b4

Instagram: @xx_sanjana_xx