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, Ryan, a final-year Psychology BSc student from Hong Kong, reflects on his time at King’s, from making connections in a huge cohort, leading a student-run athletics club, and budgeting smartly in one of the world’s most expensive cities!

 

 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

Hi! I’m Ryan, and I’ve just wrapped up my final year studying Psychology BSc at King’s. I’m originally from Hong Kong, where I grew up and studied at an international school. I did the IB and came to the UK straight after finishing school, so the transition to university life here was a pretty big one. King’s wasn’t initially my first choice, but in hindsight, I’m really glad I ended up here. It’s been a journey of academic growth, personal development, and finding my place in a new city and community.

 

 

What drew you to King’s, and what has your experience been like so far?

Coming from Hong Kong, the UK was already a popular destination for further studies. I was drawn to King’s because of its strong reputation in Psychology and, more specifically, its close connection to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) and the Maudsley Hospital, one of the most well-known mental health institutions in the world.

Although King’s wasn’t my first choice initially, I ended up appreciating its strengths more than I expected. Even without a placement year, I had access to guest lectures and teaching from experts in the field, which made my academic experience feel more connected to real-world practice. Overall, I’ve felt that my education here has been delivered by people who are deeply experienced and passionate about the subject, and that’s made a big difference to me.

 

 

What’s one challenge you’ve faced at university, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges for me was the lack of in-person teaching, especially during my second year. Many of our lectures were pre-recorded, and I found myself only physically on campus for about two hours a week, one seminar and one Q&A. As an international student who moved all the way to London, that felt incredibly isolating. It made me question why I was even here when so much was online.

To cope, I leaned heavily on digital platforms to stay connected. I kept in touch with classmates through WhatsApp and Instagram, and engaged with lecturers via KEATS forums, they were usually quick and detailed in their responses, which I really appreciated. It wasn’t ideal, but making the most of the tools available helped me stay afloat. I’m glad things are shifting back to more in-person learning now, and I hope that continues for future students.

 

 

What resources or opportunities at King’s have made a difference for you?

For me, the most meaningful part of my experience outside the classroom was joining societies, particularly the Athletics Society. I started off just taking part, but later became a committee member and led a weekly Wednesday social run around London. It was open to all levels, and we built a small, supportive community that was genuinely one of the highlights of my time at King’s. We even secured sponsorships from brands like cereal and protein bar companies, and ran events beyond our regular sessions, including Christmas runs and socials.

On the other hand, I tried engaging with Talent Bank but didn’t follow through with the full application process. That said, I do think King’s offers a lot but it’s on students to seek things out and stay proactive. KCLSU was helpful when I needed support running in society elections, and the Welcome Fair was a great way to discover opportunities early on.

 

 

How do you manage the cost of living in London?

London is definitely expensive, so budgeting has been essential. I receive a weekly allowance from my parents, and I track every penny using a budgeting app, that’s helped me stay on top of where my money goes and whether I’m overspending.

Cooking at home saved me a lot during my first year. Eating out adds up quickly, so learning to cook basic meals was a game-changer. For transport, I recommend doing the maths before committing to a travel card, in my case, it wasn’t worth it because I didn’t travel daily during peak hours. But if you're in five days a week, a travel card can make a big difference.

One of the best tips I can give: get a 16–25 Railcard and link it to your Oyster card. You’ll get 1/3 off off-peak travel, which adds up fast. Also, open a UK bank account as soon as possible, so many places are card-only now, and sorting your banking early will make life much easier.

 

 

Have you found a good network or community? How can new students build meaningful connections?

Yes, but it took effort. Psychology is a huge course at King’s, so by second and third year, everyone’s split across different modules and schedules, it can feel scattered. What helped me build meaningful connections were two things:

First, certain modules created natural opportunities to connect. One in particular, focused on therapeutic techniques, involved deep group discussions. It was in those spaces that I formed stronger, more personal bonds with classmates, especially others who, like me, were interested in becoming psychotherapists.

Second, joining a society made a huge difference. Through the Athletics Society and the run club I led, I built a small, close-knit community. That consistency really helped me feel grounded.

For new students, I’d say: be proactive. Use LinkedIn to connect with course mates and alumni, join societies early on, and take advantage of fresher events. That said, I do think King’s could do more, I would’ve appreciated more networking events organised by the department or more chances to hear from alumni or current professionals in the field. Right now, a lot of the burden to build a network falls on the student.

 

 

What do you wish someone had told you before starting university?

I wish someone had told me just how diverse university would be, not just in terms of culture, but in personalities, worldviews, and ways of working. In school, you're often surrounded by similar types of people, but university throws you into a much wider mix. It can be a real eye-opener, and it helped me grow a lot as a person.

I also didn’t know what to expect at all. I’m a first-generation university student, so I came in without any reference point. If I could go back, I’d remind myself to come in with an open mind and a willingness to learn not just from the lectures, but from the people around me. Everyone is figuring things out at their own pace, and that’s okay.

 

 

If you could do one thing differently this academic year, what would it be?

In hindsight, I would’ve given myself more permission to enjoy first year instead of approaching it with so much pressure. I was really focused on being “the perfect student”, turning up to every lecture, getting assignments done early, and always being on top of things. While that discipline helped in some ways, I now realise first year is also meant to be a time of discovery.

It’s the best time to figure out how you learn, explore London, meet new people, and build habits that will carry you through the rest of your degree. If I could do it again, I’d let myself loosen up a bit and say yes to more experiences outside the classroom.

 

 

What advice would you give students starting King’s?

Make the most of your time at university, it goes by faster than you think. You're going to meet people from all over the world, and that’s a huge part of what makes studying in London unique. Take the time to enjoy that, because after university, life tends to get more routine.

Stay open-minded. You’ll meet people with very different backgrounds and ways of thinking. That can be challenging at first, but it’s also one of the best ways to grow.

Don’t just focus on academics. Say yes to social events, try different societies, and enjoy the experience while it lasts. You’ll remember the people and experiences more than your day-to-day study routine.

 

 

This marks the final post in our “Inside King’s: Student Voices” series. We hope Ryan’s story gave you practical insights into life at King’s and what to expect as a new student.

If you haven’t already, make sure to check out the other three student profiles in this series, each one offers a unique perspective on studying at King’s and making the most of university life. You can read them all on the KCLSU Blog.