Nare

What’s your background?

I am from Armenia, where I was born and raised in the town of Sisian before moving to the capital, Yerevan.

At high school, I specialised in Insurance, a social sciences-based discipline that provided a strong foundation for further study in the humanities.

I later chose Modern European History & Politics and Classical Civilisation as my optional modules on the UPC.

How is the UK education system different to your home country?

The emphasis on critical analysis and independent learning in the UK system was the biggest difference for me.

In Armenia, education is more memorisation-based and centred around structured, teacher-led instruction.

I also had to adapt to writing academic essays, which was entirely new to me.

The UPC supported this transition through detailed guidance from my Academic English and LNAT tutors, which helped me build confidence in this new style of learning.

Why did you choose to study your International Foundation Year at UCL?

I remember feeling quite concerned about the challenges of applying for undergraduate Law programmes in the UK, and this concern drove my research and ultimately led me to choose the UPC.

What made the UPC stand out from other foundation courses was its structured support for Law applicants, particularly through LNAT tutoring over an eight-week summer course, alongside weekly classes during the first term.

Equally important to me was the sense that the programme was designed with international students in mind, building their confidence and providing a clear academic transition into competitive undergraduate study.

I am confident that this combination of support played a key role in my successful applications to King’s College London and other leading universities.

Was your time on the UPC as you expected?

The UPC experience was a genuine dream come true.

Despite my extensive research into the UK education system and UCL itself, I did not expect to feel so supported by my tutors, who consistently took into account students’ individual educational backgrounds and went above and beyond to create a comfortable and effective learning environment.

I felt supported at every stage of the course, from completing my UCAS application to preparing for final exams.

Moreover, the UPC became more than just an academic course for me; I met some of my closest friends, who have been my anchor in London ever since, including during the stressful transition into undergraduate study.

Where did you live during the UPC, and how was your experience?

I stayed in Goldsmid House, a UCL student hall based in Victoria, where I shared a flat with mostly first-year undergraduates.

I was fortunate to have amazing flatmates studying a range of subjects, including Law, which was particularly helpful during my university application journey.

Living in university accommodation made it much easier to settle into student life, build friendships, and feel supported both academically and socially.

Which degree are you studying now and what is it like?

I am currently studying Law at King’s College London.

It is definitely challenging and can be quite intense at times, especially with the amount of reading and the pressure to stay on top of everything, but it is also really interesting and rewarding.

What I enjoy most is how much it pushes you to think critically and engage with real legal issues.

One big difference compared with the foundation year or school is that you are now focusing almost entirely on legal subjects, which can feel demanding at first but also makes the work more engaging if Law is what you are genuinely interested in.

While it can be stressful, the transition felt much more manageable because of the academic foundations I built during the UPC.

How has the UPC helped you in your degree?

The UPC introduced me to the academic standards expected from students at university level, which significantly reduced my anxiety about transitioning into my undergraduate degree.

Even the smallest details, such as using university e-learning platforms, navigating library databases, and learning academic referencing, made the beginning of my studies much smoother.

Where is/was your favourite place on campus and why?

My absolute favourite spot was on the fourth floor of the Student Centre, specifically the seats overlooking the terrace.

It offers one of the most stunning views on campus, so it is a must-visit when you make it (and I am sure you will) to UCL.

I also have to mention the Donaldson Reading Room in the Main Library — another must-visit and a perfect place to romanticise long hours of studying.

What is it like to live and study in London?

London proved to be much more welcoming than I ever imagined.

Coming from a small country, I was initially sceptical about adapting to the fast-paced city life London has to offer, but I quickly realised that there truly is a community for everyone here, and you will find that to be true as well.

I fell in love with the picturesque parks of Bloomsbury, which became my comfort places during stressful exam periods, and I found my people, who made the experience so much more enjoyable.

I do have a bit of a love-hate relationship with TfL: tube delays and strikes were probably my biggest cultural shock, but over time I adapted and learned to take it in my stride.

What advice would you give to future UPC students?

Allow yourself time to adjust to the environment, but be clear about what you want to gain from your foundation year.

Keep track of your deadlines and extracurricular commitments to avoid unnecessary anxiety, but don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it — it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the level of responsibility you may be carrying for the first time.

Do your best to meet your academic goals, but most importantly, enjoy your time on the UPC.

This year can be truly life-changing in ways you may not expect.

And finally, if you were looking for a sign to submit that application, consider this to be it.

Good luck!