More Than A Degree
Khushi Chawla, a KCL graduate from India, reflects back on her personal growth since taking the leap to study abroad.
“Stranded at Gatwick Airport at 2 AM, in a continent where I knew absolutely no one, with cards that wouldn’t let me book a cab, no clue what to do next.”
This wasn’t exactly how I had imagined my big move to London. I had spent months planning, picturing myself stepping confidently into this new chapter of my life. But at that moment, I wondered if this was a sign to book the next flight home.
I was born and brought up in a bustling family, where there was always someone to turn to — whether for advice, or just a warm cup of chai. The idea of moving across continents, away from everything familiar, was almost unthinkable.
Yet, there I was—alone in London, with no connections, no familiar faces, and no idea what the next few months would bring.
“I had come to King’s College London for a degree, but deep down, I knew this journey was about more than academics. It was about rediscovering myself in a city that knew nothing about me.”
Would I find my place in this vast, fast-moving world? Would I ever call London home?
I didn’t have the answers then.
But now, looking back, I realise that King’s didn’t just give me an education—it gave me resilience, independence, and a new sense of belonging.
Learning to Navigate a New World
Moving across continents was more than just an address change — it was a shift in perspective, culture, and identity. In London, I was suddenly in a sea of new faces. This was truly a city that never seemed to stand still.
At first, even the small things felt monumental—learning to switch from rupees to pounds without doing mental gymnastics, adjusting to "You alright?" as a greeting rather than a genuine inquiry, and, of course, mastering the art of navigating the London Underground without looking like a lost tourist.
But slowly, London became home. I found hidden bookshops along the Thames, and started feeling a quiet thrill every time I tapped my Oyster card like a local.
Beyond the Classroom: Finding My Voice
Academically, King’s delivered exactly what I had hoped for—engaging discussions, brilliant professors, and coursework that challenged me. But let’s be honest, degrees don’t come with a manual on how to navigate life in a new country, survive on Tesco meal deals, or figure out which bus actually stops where it says it will. That’s where everything outside the classroom came in.
As a Student Ambassador, I helped with event planning, delivered campus activities, and reassured prospective students that, yes, London rent is terrifying, but somehow, we all make it work. What started as a small role quickly turned into a deep connection with the university — one that has continued long after I graduated.
It’s been two years since I completed my master’s. In that time, I have had the opportunity to explore different departments and collect more ID badges than I can count. Currently, I work with the International Engagement & Services Directorate, expanding my understanding of global partnerships and institutional strategies — because apparently, I just can’t leave King’s.
“Through these roles, I have learned that King’s isn’t just a university—it’s a space that continues to challenge, support, and shape me in ways I never expected. “
Representation and Realisations
As the only Indian in most of the departments I worked in, I became acutely aware of what it means to be invisible yet always visible. It wasn’t just about being "the only one" in the room—it was about feeling the absence of others who looked like me, who might understand the nuances of my experience.
One powerful moment was a Chai Samosa meet-up organised by Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice Chancellor of King’s College London, an event celebrating our Indian roots. It was a bold statement of inclusion. The event was met with overwhelming appreciation from the staff: not just for the delicious samosas, but for the simple yet profound act of highlighting diverse cultural identities. It reminded me that representation isn't just about numbers—it's about creating spaces where every voice can resonate.
“It reminded me that representation isn't just about numbers—it's about creating spaces where every voice can resonate.”
More Than a Degree, a New Version of Me
I haven’t left King’s, and in many ways, it feels as though I never will. This place is woven into the fabric of my every day—its heartbeat echoes through my work, its lessons flow through my thoughts, and its legacy is embedded in everything I do. I’m still here, not just in the literal sense, but in the way King’s continues to shape me. It is a space that keeps nurturing, challenging, and expanding my horizons, as though the very institution is invested in my growth.
King’s isn’t just where I work; it’s the engine that drives me forward. It’s the constant reminder that learning is never finished, and growth is always underway. So, while the campus may look different, and the faces may change, one fact remains: I am, and will always be, a part of this place — just as it is, and always will be, a part of me.