My name is Samarth Parakh, and I completed the IB Diploma Programme at Neev Academy, Bangalore, India. I graduated with a final score of 38 points and had a predicted score of 40. I scored 6s in most subjects, a 5 in Spanish, and earned 3 core points, with an A in my Extended Essay in Business Management and a B in Theory of Knowledge. Currently, I am studying Business Management at King’s College London.

The Application Process to King’s College London

The application process for King’s, like most UK universities, was conducted through UCAS. I submitted one personal statement to five universities, hence I couldn’t mention any by name. Instead, my approach was to keep the essay broad while still making it relevant.

I applied to universities such as LSE, King’s College London, Warwick, Bath, and Manchester, all for Business Management. Since the modules across these universities were quite similar, I structured my personal statement around my interest in those modules rather than the institutions themselves. I researched the course structure, looked into the modules and faculty, and tried to implicitly convey why I was interested in studying those subjects.

For my year, UCAS required only one essay, unlike the newer format with multiple questions. There wasn’t anything especially unique about King’s application process beyond UCAS itself, but the brainstorming and research phase—understanding what King’s values and how its course is structured—played a big role in shaping my statement.

Extracurriculars and Supercurriculars in the UK Context

A common myth about UK applications is that extracurriculars don’t matter at all. While it’s true that grades carry significantly more weight in the UK than in the US, extracurriculars still matter—especially when applicants have similar academic profiles.

I included activities such as debate, but more importantly, I focused on explaining how these activities connected to Business Management. Rather than listing achievements, I emphasized how skills like critical thinking, communication, and argumentation would help me succeed in the course. In the UK context, extracurriculars and supercurriculars matter as they demonstrate academic interest and suitability for the subject beyond the classroom.

Life at King’s College London

After six months at King’s, I’ve grown to really enjoy the experience. King’s is a city university, which means there is no traditional campus. I live in student accommodation and commute to university daily, which is something to keep in mind when applying.

I strongly recommend student accommodation, especially in the first year. It’s cheaper than private housing, makes it easier to meet people, and fills up extremely fast—so applying early is crucial. I applied late but was lucky enough to secure one of the last available rooms.

London itself is vibrant and fast-paced, and I personally enjoy city life over campus life. However, students who prefer a self-contained campus environment might find universities like Warwick or Bath more suitable.

Living Costs

Living in London is undeniably expensive, especially if you plan to go out frequently. Because of this, I work a part-time job, which I would strongly recommend. Finding part-time work isn’t too difficult, and there are plenty of student discounts and apps that help reduce costs. While London is pricey, managing expenses becomes easier with a job and smart budgeting.

The UK Student Visa Process

The UK student visa process was relatively straightforward. It’s an e-visa system handled through VFS Global. The application involves submitting your university acceptance letter, financial documents, and travel details. The form itself is fairly self-explanatory.

For unsure students, using an agent can be helpful. Agents typically charge around ₹3,000–₹5,000 and help review documents to ensure everything is in order. Personally, the process was smooth as long as the instructions were followed carefully.

I did not need to take an English proficiency test, as my IB English score met King’s requirements. My condition was a 5 in English, which I achieved.

Advice for International Students Applying to King’s and the UK

My biggest piece of advice is simple: learn how to cook and clean before you leave home—it makes life much easier. Academically, enjoy Grade 11, but focus on Grade 12. Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun. The university experience is not just about academics; it’s also about personal growth, independence, and enjoying the journey.

If you’re considering King’s College London, I’d say—go for it, but make sure you understand what city university life really looks like.