Gautam Sanghmitra

How did you know that the University of Birmingham was the right choice for you?

The three primary factors influencing a prospective student's choice of University are ranking, employability, and scholarships. As an academically motivated person, I evaluated these criteria and chose Birmingham. Ranked 76th worldwide (QS), leading institution for graduate employability, and the £18,000 scholarship sealed the deal. And obviously, Birmingham's the second-largest city in the UK, with immense diversity and opportunities – what else could I ask for?

Why did you choose to study your course?

I want to be a policymaker, and with an undergraduate degree in political science and a research internship under a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, for my master's, I wanted to pursue a specific degree that resonated with my career aspirations and aligned with my knowledge in the field. International Relations checked all boxes. While reviewing the course modules, I was impressed by the breadth of options available; very few universities offer a module on nuclear weapons, which further strengthened my preference for Birmingham.

What is student life like for you?

I've been actively involved with the University of Birmingham since joining in September 2025. I'm an elected committee member of two societies: Postgraduate Representative for the Politics Society and Outreach Officer for Amnesty Society. And the founding member of Graphic Design Society. I am also an elected Representative for the School of Government and was recruited as a Graduation Usher for the December graduation ceremony in the Great Hall. On the creative side, I write for Redbrick newspaper and produce “day‑in‑my‑life” videos, featured on the University's official Instagram. I've also collaborated with the School of Government and Student Living Instagram pages. Recently, I was invited to be a panel member for a Q&A with January‑intake students. I attend most university events while staying academically focused – I have around 9 hours of lectures and seminars a week and spend a bit of time everyday in the University’s Main Library (teaching suite’s my favourite study space) working on assignments – this is my student life in a nutshell, so far.

What's your favourite memory of university life so far?

Socially, it was when I met my international flatmates, who've been gifting me cute stuff since September! They see me as their sister. Academically, it was when I received distinction-level grades for my favourite module. Financially, it was when I got interview confirmations for part-time job roles as Graduation Usher, COSS student ambassador & student content shaper at the University. And last but not the least! When I discovered Winterbourne House and Garden has free entry for University students.

What advice would you give to current or prospective students?

Explore, Read, Socialise. Repeat. Speaking from personal experience, the more you're involved with studies, events, part-time work, and travelling, the less likely you'll miss home (especially international students), and eventually Birmingham will feel like home. Join societies, read in cafes and libraries, work when it's manageable with studies, engage with fellow classmates in seminars, talk to professors during office hours, travel to nearby places with friends, and certainly – cook with your flatmates. Birmingham's love.