What’s it really like to study at King’s? Inside King’s: Student Voices cuts through the prospectus-speak to bring you honest answers from current students navigating life, work, and study in London.
In this week’s post, Kritika, a postgraduate student from Delhi, shares what she wishes she’d known before arriving, from budgeting to finding part-time jobs, adapting to a new academic system, and making sense of student services.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I’m Kritika, a postgraduate student from Delhi, India. I’m studying Organizational Psychiatry and Psychology at King’s College London under the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN). I moved to London in September. It’s my first time living away from home, and I’ve had to learn a lot quickly.
What drew you to King’s, and what has your experience been like so far?
I chose King’s because it’s one of the few universities that offers a specialised course combining psychiatry and psychology at the postgraduate level. The IoPPN is internationally recognised for mental health research, and the course structure matched my academic interests more closely than other UK universities I considered.
Being in central London was also important, it offers access to networking events, public lectures, and work opportunities. Rankings played a minor role, but the real draw was the content of the modules and the reputation of academic psychiatry at King’s.
The experience overall has been mixed: the first semester was chaotic. I was adjusting to a new country, figuring out admin processes (like GP registration, bank accounts), and adapting to a different academic system with fewer contact hours and more independent work. But by the second semester, I had a routine. Things like dissertation confusion and course expectations settled with time, and I’ve learned how to navigate both London and King’s more confidently.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced at university, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was adjusting to life in the UK without prior experience living alone. Everyday tasks, like opening a UK bank account, registering with a GP, or understanding how university services work were confusing at first.
Although my parents had lived in the UK before, they hadn’t in over a decade, so their advice only helped to an extent. What made a real difference was living in student accommodation, where I met others facing the same issues. There was a sense of solidarity, we helped each other through the basics.
King’s also ran a Welcome Fair during the first week with stalls for NHS registration, banking, and student services. That made practical tasks easier, especially registering with a GP, something I hadn’t even realised was necessary before coming here.
My advice: take full advantage of Welcome Week, ask questions at every stall, and be proactive about sorting admin tasks early. Don’t wait for information, Google everything, and email departments directly if needed. Most staff at King’s are responsive and helpful if you reach out.
What resources or opportunities at King’s have made a difference for you?
Two key opportunities have been game-changers for me: working as a Student Ambassador and taking on a role at King’s Academy. I found both through the King’s Talent Bank, which regularly advertises paid, flexible jobs for students within the university.
These jobs pay above minimum wage and are manageable alongside studies. The Student Ambassador role has allowed me to support prospective students, lead campus tours, and answer FAQs. At King’s Academy, I’ve been involved in curriculum co-creation, helping improve teaching and learning experiences, which ties directly into my academic interests.
For students looking to gain work experience or supplement their income, I recommend:
However, some resources are not well-advertised. For example, career services and mental health support exist, but you usually have to actively search or ask your personal tutor to find out how to access them. These aren’t visible by default, it’s important to look for them proactively.
How do you manage the cost of living in London?
The biggest mental shift for international students is to stop converting everything into your home currency. It’s unsustainable, London is expensive, and comparing prices will only make every purchase feel worse. Focus on managing your budget in GBP and living within your means.
Here’s what works for me:
- I use a budget planner to track every expense, from rent and groceries to eating out and transport.
- I work part-time through King’s Talent Bank, which helps offset day-to-day costs.
- I avoid spending heavily at the start of the month and try to plan week by week.
- I look for free or low-cost activities: museums, public events, parks, and just walking around London are all excellent (and free).
- For transport, buses are cheaper than the tube, and I always use the 16–25 Railcard with the student Oyster discount to save 30% on travel.
Another key tip: Don’t feel guilty about spending on things that matter to you, but learn to say no to plans that don’t fit your priorities or budget. You won’t miss out just because you skipped an expensive dinner, the people and the moments matter more than the activity.
Have you found a good network or community? How can new students build meaningful connections?
Yes, and the biggest factor was choosing to live in student accommodation. It made it much easier to meet people going through the same adjustments. We supported each other with everything from setting up bank accounts to figuring out campus life.
My course cohort also became a strong network, thanks to how our lecturers structured the start of the year. We had icebreaker activities and group projects early on, which helped us connect beyond just academics. My department also hosts small events and socials, which make it easier to bond with classmates and staff in a relaxed setting.
Even if you're not living in halls, there are plenty of ways to find your people. Societies are a major one, there’s genuinely a society for almost everything at King’s. If you’re commuting, you can still access all the same events and join societies to meet others. I’ve spoken to many commuting students who’ve built great friendships through clubs, society roles, and KCLSU events.
The key is to show up to things, especially in the first few weeks. Attend Welcome events, join at least one society that genuinely interests you, and don’t be afraid to initiate conversations. Everyone’s in the same boat and looking to connect.
What do you wish someone had told you before starting university?
I wish someone had told me how early graduate schemes and job applications open in the UK, some as early as September. As an international postgrad unfamiliar with the UK job market, I missed several opportunities simply because I didn’t know they existed or when to apply. If you’re hoping to stay in the UK after your studies, it’s essential to research companies, prepare your CV, and understand timelines before or just as the term starts.
I also underestimated how different the weather would be. UK weather is unpredictable and often damp, investing in proper outerwear (a waterproof coat, layers, and decent shoes) makes a real difference in your day-to-day life.
Lastly, I wish I had been kinder to myself in the early months. I overthought every decision, whether it was joining a group, asking a question, or even shopping for groceries. It took time to realise that making mistakes and learning on the go is part of the process. You’re new, and that’s okay.
If you could do one thing differently this academic year, what would it be?
I would’ve tackled my procrastination in the first semester. I underestimated how different the academic system would be with fewer contact hours, more independent work, and assessments that rely heavily on self-direction. I delayed assignments thinking I had more time, but the deadlines came quickly, and the stress piled up.
What advice would you give students starting at King’s?
Start with a clear plan, but stay flexible. Before you arrive, research the UK job market, relevant graduate schemes, and what kind of work you might want to do after your degree. Prepare your CV early and explore platforms like Target Jobs, Bright Network, Prospectus.uk, Indeed etc. they list jobs, internships, and networking events you might otherwise miss.
Also, don’t underestimate how overwhelming the first few weeks can feel. Having a structure, even just a weekly to-do list, makes a difference. But this is your time to explore. Say yes to things that excite you, and no to things that don’t. Postgrad life goes fast, and King’s has more to offer than you’ll realise at first!
Stay tuned for next week’s post, where we speak to Yazid, an MSc in Engineering Management student about dissertations, switching universities, and making the most of London while planning for postgrad life.