Aakanksha Bhola, Academic Excellence Scholarship
Where you are from: India
Scholarship received: Academic Excellence Scholarship
Why did you choose to apply to study at UCL Laws?
I chose to apply to study at UCL Laws partly due to its rankings and partly due to wanting to specialise in dispute resolution - UCL Laws had by far the most interesting modules.
What are your favourite things about studying at UCL Laws?
Mainly the modules - it’s a rigorous programme so that is my focus. I’m enjoying learning areas that I can put to practical use. London is overwhelming, especially if you’re moving away from your country for the first time, but it is also a lot of fun. I’ve taken part in some UCL Hiking Society events which were really enjoyable.
What do you hope to do once your studies are complete?
Ideally once I’ve completed my studies I would like to go back to India and work in international dispute resolution. Eventually, in the long term, have my own dispute resolution practice.
How did you hear about the UCL Laws scholarships?
I heard about the scholarships through the UCL Laws website.
What impact has receiving this scholarship had for you?
Receiving the scholarship is of course validation of all your efforts you put in prior to coming here. As I only finished my undergraduate degree last year it eases the financial pressure. It has also given me more time to focus on my studies and not have to find a part time job.
If you hadn’t received this scholarship what do you think your plans would be, if not studying at UCL Laws?
I would still have hoped to come here to UCL Laws, but if not, I would probably looking for a job in India. If I hadn’t come here I don’t think I would have had as much of an opportunity to specialise as I have done here.
If someone was thinking of applying for a scholarship what would you say to them?
Applying for scholarships can be an overwhelming process, because you’ve already applied for your place on the LLM and then you have to complete another application for the scholarship. It can be a little daunting because you have to wait to hear about the outcome, but you should apply for them and just remember you’ll have to be patient.
If someone was thinking of funding or sponsoring a scholarship what would you say to them?
It’s very difficult to find scholarships to apply for, but it makes a big difference especially for international students if you’re coming to study abroad for the first time as there’s lots of other things to deal with and consider before being able to begin studying.