Name: Ridhi Kotimreddy | Institution: Lancaster University | Location: Lancashire, UK | Course: BA Architecture
Key Highlights:
-
Ridhi chose Lancaster University over the University of Manchester for reputed faculty, facilities, and low student-faculty ratio
-
She quickly adapted to campus life despite initial homesickness and daily life challenges
-
BA Architecture focuses on design, technical skills, sustainability, and cultural exposure
-
Ridhi aims to work as an architect before starting her own firm
When Ridhi Kotimreddy decided to pursue a course in architecture from a reputed university in the UK, she expected the admission process to be a time-taking affair. But it turned out to be the contrary.
Having applied through the UCAS (UK’s Universities and Colleges Admission Service), she chose the five best universities. She got an offer from all of the five, leaving her pleasantly surprised. The University of Manchester appeared to be a good choice, going by the world rankings. But a careful, last minute evaluation led her to Lancaster University.
“Lancaster was equally good, or even better (than Manchester). The faculty was well reputed, the amenities were the best and they even have a separate architecture school,” says Ridhi, in a chat with Global Indian.
Above all, the student-faculty ratio was what stood out for Ridhi. “The Lancaster school of architecture takes less number of students, so there is more focus on individuals,” she says, pointing out that the student satisfaction rate and placements were also impressive.
The three-year BA Architecture course at Lancaster course primarily focuses on Design, structural and technical aspects as well as the humanities of architecture. “The exposure to different cultures that I get through my course and the emphasis on sustainability is sure to give me an edge over other practicing architects in Hyderabad, as and when I decide to work after returning back,” says the Hyderabad girl.
The initial days
Ridhi’s relatives live in London, so she drove down to their house straight from the airport. Her parents accompanied her.
“We went shopping for about a week and bought household items, groceries, cutlery, bed linens and everything I needed for my dorm,” she informs.
Her uncle drove her up north to the Lancaster University, which made the whole process of moving in a lot easier. “Once I got to the university, I remember feeling very low at first, once my parents had left. But the same day, I made a lot of friends and the freshers week events had started, so that was a good distraction.”
Finding friends
She mentions that her flatmates were really nice, which made the change much easier. “There were quite a few Indians that I met, but I didn’t find many Telugu friends. Apart from that, there were people from all over the world, mostly from Europe and Asia,” says Ridhi, who would wake up early, make herself a light breakfast and head to the classes.
Settling in
While the first few weeks were tough, Ridhi settled fast and adjusted well.
“I remember burning rice the first day I tried to cook, cutting my finger while making models for school, being annoyed about cleaning the dishes and doing laundry. At first it was all very new and I wasn’t happy about it,” smiles the architecture student.
But as it became part of her everyday routine, Ridhi started to enjoy cooking, and was able to come up with hacks to make her work easier.
“The weather is one thing I have not adjusted to fully yet, it’s mostly cloudy and rainy in Lancaster, much like Hyderabad in July. It is also very cold,” says Ridhi, who badly missed delivery systems like Swiggy or Blinkit in her initial days as she had to fetch everything by herself. Eventually, it turned out to be an important lesson as she learnt to do all things by herself.
TEA Talks
For first year students, there aren’t too many seminars and workshops at Lancaster. “We have a talk each semester called TEA Talks, which stands for Technology, Environment and Architecture Talks. These were held each semester and they were interesting. We got insights from practicing architects and other professors about topics like AI, sustainability, the future of architecture and more.”
Projects and portfolio submissions
She also attended the AI and Architecture summit 2025 in Morecambe. “My course is entirely based on projects and portfolio submissions, and we don’t have any written exams. We do three projects (one portfolio or essay) each term for each of our four modules, which is what we are graded on,” says Ridhi of her course, which involves making models, doing technical drawings and research work falling within four broad categories — environment, society, digital making and critical heritage.
On most days, Ridhi works on her projects as there are submissions once every four weeks.
Enjoying leisure time
During weekends, Ridhi either goes into the town with friends or simply strolls around the huge campus, which is located on a hilltop, the lower slopes of which are landscaped parkland which includes Lake Carter duck pond and the university sports fields.
“There are a few Indian societies which regularly host events. I make it a point to attend them,” informs the student, who also pays a visit to the sports centre or just watches the sunset while having food.
If she has a lot of work, Ridhi stays late in the library. Apart from this, she regularly watches Telugu movies that remind her of home.
From Hyderabad to United Kingdom
Born in Hyderabad in 2006, Ridhi initially studied in Kangaroo Kids and later went to Sancta Maria International School in Lingampally from where she completed her 12th grade.
“During high school, I played volleyball for my school’s girls team, and also participated in dance and other cultural events in school,” says Ridhi, who also founded her school’s debate and design societies.
“My parents always wanted me to study abroad to get that exposure, meet new people, learn about new cultures and wanted me to be able to learn to live by myself and be independent,” she says.
Although she is the only child, Ridhi’s entrepreneur father and homemaker mother were keen on sending her to the UK to study. “I think it was easier for them to do this, since we have relatives in London.”
Future aspirations
Upon completion of her course, Ridhi aims to work as an architect to gain experience and then launch her own firm in Hyderabad. “I hope to be able to bring my roots and values into my future designs and create a mosaic of different influences and experiences through each structure I design.”
She intends to create spaces that not only function as shelter but are also an experience, ones that inspire and connect individuals to their surroundings.
- Follow Ridhi Kotimreddy on LinkedIn
