How SOAS student Ruchika Ahire learnt to live independently in central London

In September 2025, Ruchika Ahire landed in London alone, carrying three large suitcases and a backpack. There was no internet connectivity, very little guidance and no clear idea of what to expect. Yet, on her first trip abroad, she was confident she would find her way.

She navigated the airport by herself, located the Piccadilly Line and travelled to Wood Green, where she was staying. Managing three heavy suitcases on the escalators was perhaps the hardest part. It reminded her of home, where someone would always be around to help with luggage.

Luckily, a kind woman helped her with the suitcases and Ruchika eventually reached her accommodation. “That day taught me a lot. I had to learn to do everything independently from the very first day,” says Ruchika, speaking to The Global Indian.

Now pursuing a master’s in Environmental Politics and Development at SOAS University of London, the experience has made her more confident and self-reliant.

Choosing SOAS

Ruchika initially shortlisted SOAS, the University of Sussex and the London School of Economics (LSE). She was also offered admission to the University of Sussex for its MS in Sustainable Development programme.

“When I was deciding where to study, the first thing I looked at was the course itself. I specifically wanted a programme focused on the development sector,” she says.

The SOAS programme explores global environmental issues, poverty and inequality through critical political ecology, with a particular focus on the Global South. Faculty was another important consideration, along with QS rankings. “At the time, the University of Sussex was ranked first in Development Studies, followed by SOAS and then LSE.”

Why London

Ultimately, location played an important role in her decision. “Being in London was a major factor in my decision,” says Ruchika, who is pursuing a one-year programme. Being in the heart of the city also meant access to a diverse academic, cultural and professional environment that matched what she was looking for.

Learning to manage money

Ruchika brought almost everything she needed from India, except a pillow. It was the first thing she bought in London and cost £7. “I remember standing there thinking about how much that was in Indian rupees and wondering whether buying it was justified,” she says with a smile.

Living alone and managing her finances made her highly conscious of every expense. Her parents send her about £500 a month for expenses, but she has learned to budget carefully enough to make it last nearly two months. During her first semester, she even hesitated before spending £1.75 on a bus ride.

“Looking back, the biggest challenges were learning to manage my finances, adjusting to complete independence, and making friends from different cultural backgrounds.”

Finding a global circle

One of the most rewarding parts of studying at SOAS has been meeting students from around the world. “My very first friend here was Marina, who is from Brazil and also works in the development sector. She eventually became my best friend.”

Although English was the common language, Ruchika initially found different accents challenging. “Some people spoke extremely fast, while others spoke slowly. Understanding different accents took time.”

She also had to become more comfortable approaching faculty members. “Eventually, I realised that interacting with professors was simply part of university life here, and I gradually became more comfortable initiating those conversations.”

A new academic lens

Ruchika has completed assignments across modules including Global Commodity Chains and Production Networks, Informal Work, Feminist Political Economy, Political Ecology, Green Finance and Laws of Natural Resources.“These modules introduced me to perspectives I had never encountered before and helped me develop a far more nuanced understanding of global issues.”

She spends considerable time in the library because the academic environment at SOAS is very different from what she experienced previously. Moving from hospitality and media and communications into environmental politics and development meant that much of the subject matter was unfamiliar. “It was challenging, but I am genuinely grateful for everything the university has taught me and for the perspective it has given me.”

Making space for wellbeing

The seminars and workshops Ruchika attended were largely focused on environmental issues. She also appreciated the attention given to mental health through university sessions.

“I am grateful that the education system here recognises the importance of mental well-being and actively creates space for those conversations.” She has also noticed greater openness in the UK around conversations about ADHD, autism and neurodivergence. “Back home in India, those conversations are still relatively uncommon.”

Life beyond campus

Weekends give Ruchika time to unwind with friends. She also enjoys painting, reading, watching films and visiting museums. Living in London has given her opportunities to explore its cultural spaces. Bloomsbury, known for its literary history and the British Museum, is among the areas she enjoys exploring.

From hospitality to development

Ruchika describes her academic journey as unconventional. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality before pursuing a master’s in Media and Communications. She then switched careers and spent two years working in the development sector.

That field experience helped her understand the sector from the ground level. Her course at SOAS has given her a stronger analytical understanding of development issues. “It has given me a broader perspective on addressing challenges in the sector.”

Ruchika had initially chosen hospitality because it seemed exciting. Once she entered the field, however, she realised it was not what she truly wanted. “Fortunately, I had the privilege of changing careers, although I didn’t have much guidance while making those decisions.” Over time, she realised that her real interest lay in the development sector.

The cost of studying abroad

Her parents supported her decision to study abroad from the beginning, but financing the programme was a challenge. Ruchika eventually took an education loan to fund her studies.

Choosing development also made the decision more difficult because it is not generally viewed as a highly lucrative career. “The salaries are often lower than those associated with careers such as engineering or architecture, and naturally parents worry about long-term financial security.”

It took time for her parents to come to terms with the decision. Today, she says they are happy to see where she is. Both her parents are retired. Her mother worked in government service, while her father worked with Air India.

Looking ahead

Ruchika hopes to work with NGOs or within government, primarily in the development sector. “Ultimately, my goal is to help create a world where women and people of all genders have equal opportunities to thrive.”

Her ambitions extend beyond gender equality. She wants to contribute to a society that is safer, more inclusive and more equitable for women, gender-diverse communities, animals and the environment. “I hope to be part of a future where every major decision is made with people, nature and the planet in mind,” says Ruchika, who was born in Mumbai, was a state-level swimmer and took up paragliding, becoming one of the youngest paragliders at the age of nine.

• Follow Ruchika Ahire on LinkedIn