Iman Malik

What motivated you to study in the UK?

I was motivated to study in the UK because of its outstanding reputation for academic excellence and its deep-rooted legal tradition. As a Canadian student pursuing law, I wanted to immerse myself in a place where many of the legal principles that shape our system were developed
and gain a deeper understanding of how they continue to influence legal practice across Commonwealth countries, including Canada.

Studying in the UK also offered a valuable international perspective that I knew would broaden my approach to the law and strengthen my ability to think critically and globally. On a personal level, the opportunity to live and study abroad represented a meaningful challenge that would help me grow in independence, resilience, and confidence. Ultimately, the combination of rigorous legal education and personal development made the UK the ideal place for me to begin my legal journey.

Why did you choose the University of Birmingham? 

I chose the University of Birmingham because it offered everything I was looking for. It has a respected law school, strong academic support, and a community that feels genuinely welcoming. Birmingham Law School stood out to me for the way it combines a strong academic foundation with opportunities to develop practical skills. There is a clear focus on helping students build strengths that matter beyond assessments, including legal research, advocacy, and confident legal reasoning.

I also appreciated how the University feels both vibrant and grounded. The campus is beautiful and full of history, but it is also a place where you can picture yourself building a day-to-day routine. From the start, it felt like somewhere I could study, meet people, and feel at home while working toward my goal of becoming a lawyer.

How has the scholarship supported your academic journey or overall student experience?

The High Fliers Undergraduate Scholarship has had a real impact on my academic journey and overall student experience. It has eased the financial pressures of studying abroad, which has helped me focus on my courses and settle into life in the UK more smoothly. With that added stability, I have been able to put more time and energy into my studies and fully engage with the opportunities available at the University.

Just as importantly, the scholarship has been a strong source of motivation. Being recognized in this way has made me feel supported and confident in my path, and it has encouraged me to stay committed, work hard, and get involved in student life as I work toward becoming a lawyer.

What do you enjoy most about living and studying in Birmingham?

What I enjoy most about living and studying in Birmingham is the balance it offers. It has the energy of a major city, with plenty to explore, but it still feels welcoming and easy to settle into. I have loved being able to explore the city centre, try new cafés and restaurants, and walk along the canals, which add a really unique feel to the city. As a student, I also appreciate how well connected everything is. Getting to campus, the library, and different parts of the city is straightforward, which makes day-to-day life feel manageable. Overall, Birmingham has been a great place to study because it offers both a lively atmosphere and spaces where you can focus and feel at home.

What advice would you give to students from your home country considering studying in the UK?

My biggest advice would be to embrace the experience fully, even before you feel completely “ready.” Moving countries can feel overwhelming at first, but the adjustment becomes much easier when you put yourself out there. Take advantage of Welcome Week, get involved in a society (or even create one), and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. Those early connections can make a huge difference in how quickly you feel settled and supported.