For Lily, choosing to study a masters in Ancient History at Royal Holloway was an incredible experience. Having studied her undergraduate degree here, she wanted to continue her studies in the same supportive and inspiring community.

“I just love it here. I knew deep down that once I started my undergraduate degree, I wasn't going anywhere. I feel like I'm a part of a place where I’m loved and supported, and that's really what I want for my education.”  

“I love my subject, so being able to continue it felt like an opportunity that I couldn’t miss,” she continues. “I’ve enjoyed building on modules that I did in my undergraduate degree, learning new things in different areas, and exploring a lot of the ancient world that I hadn’t thought about before.  They all have such an enthusiasm and passion for what they're teaching, and I've got a great relationship with them, so it's been brilliant to continue working with them for my masters."  

“There was one lecturer that who taught me in my second year, and who was my dissertation supervisor in my third year. Her passion and drive really encouraged me, and she helped me to compare modern life and the ancient world in new ways. I've really loved working alongside her again while doing my masters." 

The course is jointly run by Royal Holloway, King’s College London and University College London, which was a big draw for Lily, as it provided the opportunity to study at both the Egham and central London campuses. “I've been taught by a range of different lecturers and met a wider variety of people, which has helped me to examine my subject in ways that I’d never considered before."

Staying on at Royal Holloway for her masters also meant Lily could continue learning new skills through the university's clubs and societies. “I've begun learning French and I've even started going to the Witchcraft and Occult Society - things I would never have considered doing before. I've met new and amazing people in this community.” 

Lily praised the support from the Careers team for helping her to understand how she can apply the skills she’s learned in her future employment. “I used the careers drop-in centres to develop personal and work skills, like being a good team player and learning to assert myself and handle difficult situations. It helped me prepare for life after education.” 

“My advice for future Royal Holloway students is to just breathe,” says Lily.  It’s advice she wishes she could have given her past self.  “You're going to grow as a person. It's going to be okay. Studying here is so fulfilling.”