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International student success - Heer's journey

International student success: Heer’s journey to postgraduate study at Royal Holloway

  • Date19 February 2026

Studying MSc Finance at Royal Holloway helped Heer build confidence, community, and a global future.

Image of postgraduate student Heer smiling with orange 'Student Story' graphic banner

Inspiration comes from many places.  

As a child watching her favourite movie Heer dreamt that one day, like the characters on screen, she would have the chance to live in London. Studying the MSc Finance course at Royal Holloway has not only made that dream a reality, it’s given her the independence she’s always craved and a community she now calls home.   

Heer Soni

Choosing postgraduate study at Royal Holloway  

“Sitting in my home in India, researching the University of London federation and finding out about Royal Holloway was so exciting.” 

I wanted to do a postgraduate degree to gain confidence, grow academically, and get global exposure. I was immediately drawn to the course at Royal Holloway because its great reputation in economics and finance. Being close to London, as a big financial hub, is what matters to a finance student like me.   

Aerial view - Royal Holloway - main campus

“It’s the best of both worlds, close to London but also a really safe and supportive environment.”  

As an international student moving to a new country is a huge step, but the community at Royal Holloway is so supportive. I’ve made a lot of friends from different parts of the world and, although we don’t have family here, we support each other just like family does. I’ve joined the Hindu Society, they do pujas and aartis every Thursday, so I just feel like I'm at home.  

 

First impressions . . .  

“Arriving that first day was amazing. Dropping my bags off in my room I caught a glimpse of the Founder's building through the trees and just ran to explore the campus. I didn’t know where I was going but I went everywhere – it was just magical.” 

 

Preparing me for the future  

I’ve really benefitted from getting hands-on with the Bloomberg Terminals. It’s a software tool that real traders use in the daily life, and I’m learning the theory in class that I can then go and apply in the computer lab. I was also surprised at how closely aligned what I’m learning is to the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program - Level 1, which will be a great benefit when I graduate.  

The teaching is great, and all the professors are very supportive. If I ever have any doubts or need help to sort my problems, they’re available on teams, via email, and even for in-person meetings.  

Collaborative group work

Royal Holloway has given me the confidence to succeed. As a student ambassador, meeting new people and giving campus tours is also enhancing my communication skills. These skills will be so important in my field of finance for when I will have to explain complex things to clients.  And, if I can move halfway across the world to study a masters, I know I can handle any challenge in my future job! 

 

My favourite memory . . . 

“The environment is so peaceful. I love spending time with my friends, walking around the campus, and studying in the old library in Founder's building. It’s so beautiful and is connecting history to modern world  - it’s my favourite place to study.” 

 

Advice for prospective students  

“Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It's very normal to feel nervous at first, but trust me, you are not alone.”  

There’s so much support available at Royal Holloway and everyone is really friendly. I found the course structure and academic style here very different to start with but the support services can help make the transition much easier so make sure to take advantage of them early on.  

 

Find out about the support on offer and what life is like for international students at Royal Holloway. 

International Students

 

Discover more about postgraduate study at Royal Holloway through our exclusive postgraduate events. 

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