Rituraj Roy

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

I knew the University of Birmingham was right for me when its strengths in Accounting and Finance aligned perfectly with my goals. As a former Research Associate, I was drawn to its reputation as a top-ranked, research-intensive Russell Group university and the strong quantitative focus of the MSc Accounting and Finance. The excellent QS ranking, generous scholarships for international students, and supportive, diverse campus environment made Birmingham feel not just like a good option, but the obvious next step.

Why did you choose to study your course?

I chose to study MSc Accounting and Finance because it bridges my research background with the practical skills needed for a global finance career. I wanted rigorous training in areas like financial analysis, valuation, and corporate finance, grounded in strong quantitative methods. This course offers exactly that, while also strengthening my understanding of how financial decisions shape real businesses and markets. It felt like the most logical step to progress both academically and professionally.

What is student life like for you?

As an international postgraduate student at the University of Birmingham, there is an abundance of opportunities to get involved, from student societies and committees to departmental events, employer bootcamps, officer elections and much more. If you were to ask me, “What does student life mean to you?”, I would describe it in two words: vibrant and venturesome. At present, I hold two key roles: Marketing Representative of the Postgraduate Community (a student-run network for taught and research postgraduates) and COSS Student Recruitment and Marketing Student Ambassador. These roles have allowed me to contribute actively to the wider student experience while developing my own professional and interpersonal skills. The University also places strong emphasis on ensuring that students enjoy their time beyond academic commitments. It regularly organises a variety of excursions and day trips, including city tours, domestic and international travel, field visits and many other engaging activities. Beyond these academic and organised social activities, my naturally outgoing personality has helped me meet a wide range of people and build meaningful friendships. Many of them come from different countries, programmes and professional backgrounds, which makes every interaction enriching. One of the unexpected joys of this diversity is sharing and experiencing different cuisines, especially during potlucks and informal gatherings.

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

To be entirely candid, while the university experience as a whole has been exceptional, one particular highlight that truly distinguished itself was the Employers Bootcamp. In a recent collaboration between Birmingham Business School and Citibank, postgraduate students from the MSc Accounting and Finance and MSc Business Analytics programmes were invited to participate in an intensive bootcamp. The experience required us to form teams and undertake a comprehensive analysis of real-world companies, culminating in detailed analytical reports. Following the ten-day programme, presentations were delivered, and I am pleased to share that my team was selected as the winner. As a result, we have been offered the opportunity to spend an entire day with the Citi Research team at their headquarters in London.

What advice would you give to current or prospective students?

You get only a year's worth of student life, so do make the most out of it. My advice that I would give to current or prospective students to help them make the most of their time at Birmingham is; you must balance your academic life with an active effort to explore the city's diverse "villages" beyond the typical student bubble. Cultivate a "third space" for study - like the stunning Library of Birmingham or the quiet corners of the Barber Institute - and engage with your tutors early to navigate the shift toward independent learning. Beyond the books, dive into the creative energy of Digbeth, enjoy an authentic meal in the Balti Triangle, and take advantage of local perks like the free entry to Winterbourne Gardens or the quick rail link into the city center. By picking just two societies—one for your career and one for pure fun—and venturing into independent hubs like Stirchley or the Jewellery Quarter, you’ll transform a standard degree into a vibrant, well-rounded Birmingham experience.