Name: Neev Gulabani | Institution: Royal Holloway, University of London | Course: Business Management | Location: United Kingdom
Key Highlights
- Campus and city: Neev enjoys Royal Holloway’s campus life with easy access to London
- Academic shift: He started at Cardiff University before switching to business management at Royal Holloway
- Student leadership: He has been serving as the President of the Indian Society of the institution, organising cultural and social events
- Living abroad: Neev is gaining business acumen abroad to join his family’s jewellery and real estate business in India
On most mornings at Royal Holloway, University of London, Neev Gulabani’s day begins with a short walk across manicured lawns, the striking red-brick Founder’s Building rising dramatically against the English sky. Some days his lectures start at 9 am; on others, closer to noon. The rhythm is familiar now — classes during the week, society meetings in the evenings, and lively university-hosted parties on weekends.
This confident campus routine was built on a journey that began with uncertainty, exploration and a willingness to change course. “I wanted a campus-based university but also close to a developed city. Royal Holloway gave me both,” says Neev in a chat with Global Indian.
Choosing a campus close to London
The appeal of Royal Holloway was clear from the beginning. Its campus setting offered a close-knit student community, while its proximity to London provided access to one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Academically, his business management course follows a familiar structure — lectures spread across the week, independent study time, and group discussions. The difference, however, lies in direction.
Starting out at Cardiff University
In June 2022, Neev applied to four UK institutions: Cardiff University, the University of Leeds, the University of the Arts London, and Queen Mary University of London. By August, offers had arrived from all four. The decision came down to lifestyle as much as academics.
“I was looking for a campus-based university and a good location in a developed city,” says Neev, who chose Cardiff University. The Welsh capital offered a welcoming environment and the immersive campus experience he was looking for. The admission process itself was fairly straightforward, centred largely around writing a statement of purpose. “It was about explaining why I wanted the course. That reflection helped me understand my own motivations.”
Arriving in the UK
September 2022 marked the beginning of his four-year programme, with the first year structured as a foundation year covering arts, humanities, law and social sciences. Arriving in the UK felt significant but surprisingly calm. His father travelled with him, helping him settle into his accommodation and even dropping him off at college on the first day.
“That made the transition much easier. But once he left, I realised this was my responsibility now.” Fortunately, his years at boarding school had already prepared him for living independently. “I didn’t struggle much with settling in because I was already used to being on my own.”
Learning in an international classroom
Cardiff’s classrooms reflected the global nature of the university. Students from the US, UAE, China and many other countries shared the same lectures. “You learn a lot just from conversations. Everyone has a different perspective.” The academic content also brought some surprises. Sociology, in particular, caught his interest. “I had never studied sociology before. It was interesting to understand how societies function and how systems shape behaviour.”
Classes varied in timing — some mornings began at 9 am, while others started later in the day. The flexibility left space to explore the city and build friendships.
Rethinking the direction
As the first year progressed, Neev began reconsidering his academic path. Growing up in a family involved in jewellery and real estate meant business conversations were common at home. Gradually, he found himself thinking more about entrepreneurship and how businesses expand.
“I developed an interest in eventually joining our family business, especially real estate,” he says. The shift wasn’t a rejection of media or arts. Instead, it felt more like a practical recalibration. “I realised that understanding business fundamentals would be more useful for where I see myself in the long term.”
A move to Royal Holloway
That realisation led to a change of university and course. Neev moved to Royal Holloway, switching to a business management programme. “The decision felt right for several reasons — the course itself, the campus, and the fact that some friends from my previous schools were joining the same year. It felt like a fresh start but also familiar.”
Today, his lectures cover subjects such as management theory, marketing strategy and organisational behaviour. “The topics feel practical and relevant to real-world ventures back home.”
Leading the Indian society
Alongside academics, campus life has taken on another dimension. Neev now serves as the President of the Indian Society at Royal Holloway. “We host cultural and social events for students. It’s about creating a space where people feel comfortable and connected.”
The role involves organising events, coordinating with university teams, managing budgets and working with a student committee. “Running a society teaches you a lot — teamwork, planning and staying organised.”
Weekends on campus
Weekends bring a different atmosphere. Royal Holloway regularly hosts university parties and social events that bring together students from different courses and societies. For Neev, these gatherings are simply part of the wider university experience. “They’re a good way to meet people outside your course and unwind after the week.”
Growing up in Hyderabad
Born and brought up in Hyderabad, Neev grew up in a family involved in jewellery and real estate. “Business discussions were common at home, but there was never pressure to follow a particular path.” At school, he balanced academics with sports, regularly playing badminton and finishing third in an inter-school tournament. He completed his schooling at Good Shepherd International School, scoring nine A*s in his GCSEs.
A period of uncertainty
Despite his academic record, the months after Grade 12 brought uncertainty. “When school ended in 2022, I didn’t immediately know what I wanted to pursue. It was confusing.” Instead of making a rushed decision, he chose to consult a career counsellor.
The suggestion that emerged was unexpected: a media and arts course. “It wasn’t something I had seriously considered before. But when I thought about it, I realised I was curious about communication and society.”
Discovering independence
For Neev, studying abroad was never just about academics. His parents supported the decision because they believed the experience would help him grow. “They wanted me to gain exposure and become more independent.” Living in a different country meant learning to manage daily life — from finances to responsibilities — while building new social circles.
Looking ahead
Today, Neev plans to return to India after completing his studies and join the family business in jewellery and real estate. His journey from Hyderabad to Cardiff and then to Royal Holloway reflects a period of exploration rather than a straight path.
For him, the past few years have simply been about trying things out, adjusting along the way, and gradually figuring out where he fits best. And on most mornings, that journey continues with a quiet walk across the Royal Holloway campus.
- Follow Neev Gulabani on LinkedIn
