My Background
Hi everyone! My name is Pashmin, and I’m Persian Indian. I grew up in Qatar, a country in the Middle East, and I spent most of my childhood in the capital city, Doha. I went to Oryx International School, where I was always curious and eager to explore new opportunities, whether in learning, creating, or leading.
Even though I had plenty of options locally, I quickly realized that the path I really wanted to pursue just wasn’t available in Qatar. That’s when the idea of studying abroad started to excite me, a chance to step out of my comfort zone, gain new perspectives, and fully embrace opportunities I might not find at home. As I began looking into universities, I considered places in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and even Qatar itself, weighing each option carefully as I imagined the next chapter of my life.
My Applications Process
When it came time to start my applications, I ended up applying to 12 universities. I know that might sound like a lot (most people around me were applying to 5-8) but I wanted to keep my options open and explore every possibility.
Waiting for replies was honestly nerve-racking. Every notification felt like a mini heart attack, and I found myself checking my inbox constantly, hoping for good news. It was a mix of excitement and anxiety, and even though it was stressful at times, the process taught me a lot about patience and resilience.
Why I Chose to Study Abroad
One of the biggest questions I got during this whole process was, “Why not just stay in Qatar?” And honestly, Qatar has given me so much. It’s where I grew up, where I went to school, and where I really found my voice. But for university, I wanted something different. I’ve lived in Qatar my whole life, and while the comfort was enjoyable, it also became a kind of bubble that sheltered me from making mistakes and learning from them.
On top of that, the specific product design course I wanted to study (at the standard I hoped for) simply wasn’t offered locally. So, going abroad wasn’t just about independence and new perspectives, it was also about fully immersing myself in the field and pursuing my interest to the highest degree. Qatar will always be home, but I knew I needed to step outside of it to grow.
How I Chose My University
At first, I (like so many others) thought about applying to Oxbridge or the Ivy League. But I quickly realized that prestige alone doesn’t guarantee the “right” course. A lot of people tried to convince me that prestige was everything, but I can promise you it’s not. What matters most is finding a university that truly fits you, and with over 21,000 institutions around the world, there’s definitely a perfect one out there for everyone.
Strathclyde ticked all the right boxes: a strong reputation in design, excellent industry connections, a scholarship opportunity, and a unique pathway that allowed me to enter directly into the second year. This meant completing my BSc in just three years instead of four, and earning my MSc with only one additional year, finishing both degrees in a total of four years instead of the usual five. Choosing a program that was practical and aligned with my goals felt far more meaningful than simply chasing a big-name institution.
My mantra throughout this process became: “we get to choose where we go” and with the right research, you can make that choice with confidence.
What Made My Application Stand Out
Beyond my DT awards, a few things really strengthened my application:
Proven excellence in DT: I achieved the highest IGCSE grade in the Middle East and scored 100% in my coursework.
Leadership roles: Being head girl and holding multiple captaincies highlighted my sense of responsibility and teamwork.
Social impact: I started a small business selling custom paintings and donated the profits to animal shelters, which showed initiative and values.
Balance of academics and extracurriculars: I paired strong grades with meaningful commitments outside the classroom.
One thing I learned is that the hardest part isn’t just listing achievements, but showing the university how your values align with theirs. For scholarships especially, the focus can shift, some may be creativity-based, others sports-driven, or academic-focused. The key is to tailor your story to their language.
My Research Template
When I was choosing and narrowing down universities, I created a simple research checklist that I recommend every applicant use:
University name and location: Think about the climate, transport, nearby shops, and the local culture.
Course details: Look closely at the modules, studios, projects, placements, and accreditations.
Fees and scholarships: Compare tuition, living costs, and scholarship opportunities.
Admissions process: Check deadlines, portfolio requirements, interviews, and tests (like IELTS).
Extra requirements: Be aware of subject prerequisites, portfolios, interviews, or English tests.
Employability: Look into graduate outcomes, industry links, and internship opportunities.
Personal fit: Consider the campus vibe, city life, support services, and course length.
I cross-checked every university against these criteria and slowly narrowed a broad list into a focused shortlist. This helped me make a confident decision about where I’d thrive the most.
Some Common Setbacks I Faced
I often found that some university websites did not have enough information, or that time zones made it difficult to call and schedule conversations. In instances like these, it’s best to email the admissions office and ask for clarification. Calling isn’t always viable, so find other ways around it, don’t be shy and contact universities; it’s their job to help you, and your job to do your best to find any info you need.
Of course, some universities will give you offers that look good on paper but don’t feel right in person, so it’s important to know what you want to base your decision on. It’s also important to start your application process early - I had difficulty balancing exams, research, and applications at the same time. This includes having all your documents ready: transcripts, references, portfolio material, and doing any additional tests your university or course may require.
Final Words
Let go of the fear that you’re not “good enough” to apply to a certain university or course. Apply ambitiously and honestly, giving your maximum effort so that you don’t regret the work you put in. Communicate with universities when in doubt so they can (and will) support you. But most importantly: choose a university that serves your career path, not just a name on a list.
I didn’t have my life figured out at 16 or 17 (no one does), but you find your direction by trying, researching, and asking questions, so that you too can step out of your bubble and into bigger and better things!
