I started my PhD in Environmental Law in SOAS University of London in September 2017. The School of Oriental and African Studies is the best institution for studies and research on Asian and African continents, with departments focusing on their language, literature and culture. Law school at SOAS is one of the major institutions which offers courses on environmental law with a global south perspective, law of Asian and African nations, and complete course on water law and policy, among other major courses. The school is the best research institution for research in water law and policy.
Various funding and scholarship opportunities exist for application for research degrees in SOAS. In addition to SOAS Research Studentships, several external funding options, such as the Commonwealth Scholarship, Felix, Inlaks and so on also enable students from India to study in SOAS. Commonwealth Scholarship for a PhD allows me to fulfil my research and enjoy a better student life with extra-curricular and a cosmopolitan student life in London. I was also selected for a SOAS Studentship.
Global campus
I enjoy both student and tutor life in SOAS. A truly global campus with global faculty and students, its first attraction is the famous statue of renowned Tamil poet, Thiruvalluvar. Seated in a traditional Indian guru style, he welcomes you to the world of knowledge. The University of London Campus, British Museum, the British Library and 150-year-old London Pancras are also in the neighbourhood. SOAS is surrounded by many tube stations and two main train stations making it easily accessible to students.
Cultural and social life in SOAS also has a global touch. One main attraction you would see in the campus is the long queue of students for lunch (rice, daal , papad , pickle and dessert) provided everyday noon by Hare Krishna group. Societies of each community and country celebrate every festival. You would never miss India in SOAS.
Life in central London is attractive as well as expensive. Apart from tourist attractions, students could also explore various events like music shows, dramas, and theatre plays. Every year, there comes the Lord Mayor Parade, a ceremonial parade organised by the Lord Mayor, ceremonial Mayor of the City on his journey to Royal Court of Justice, the Thames boat race, and the vintage car rally from London to Brighton are attractive to spectators. Thus, life and studies in London are truly interesting and inspiring.
Gayathri D Naik is a PhD Research Scholar at SOAS University of London.
