My life as a SOAS student in one photo

Our students capture their SOAS experience in a single photo - from late nights in the library and making friends to reflecting on how far they’ve come.

If you're like me, you have hundreds (thousands) of photos sitting idly in your phone - cataloguing great dinners, nights out or random screenshots you don't know why you saved in the first place. It’s like our digital diary, scrapbook, meme vault and junk drawer all rolled into one.

So, how would you pick just one photo to represent something so entirely transformative as an experience at university? Well, you probably can't. But we asked our Student Content Creators anyway. We asked a few of them to send us 'My SOAS in one photo' - and they delivered. 

A bookish companion

“Late nights, early mornings, countless assignments and snack breaks - the SOAS Library has been my constant companion.” Adjua, BA International Relations 

Making friends and broadening perspectives

“This picture sums up my experience at SOAS as it portrays both my international friend group with people from all over the world and the city which I dreamed to call home for so long. 

Here are Morgane from France and Serhat from Turkey. Abby from the US, Mark from Taiwan, Doma from Italy, and Gabby from Brazil are some of the incredible people I got to know at the university. This diversity is what I love about SOAS. It really is an environment where you learn to discover other cultures and get to hear different ideas without any judgement.

This experience gave me the opportunity to broaden my perspective. As I discovered a bit of myself in each of my friends, I understood how small the differences between us really are. I also chose this picture to display the amazing scenery of London and the incredible autumnal walk I took around campus.” Morgane, MA International Studies and Diplomacy 

Layers and layers of discovery

"This is my SOAS, a space built by layers and layers of diverse stories, languages, histories, knowledge, ideas, discoveries, and breakthroughs." Suzanne, MA Migration and Diaspora Studies 

New perspectives on how to think about the world and life

“I found it truly inspiring when the teacher said in class: 'The style we think about the world based upon an ontological and epistemological distinction made between orient and occidental influence the way you see the world, then changes the way how you influence the world.' This gave me a new perspective on how to think about the world and life.” Linshu, MA History of Art and Archaeology 

Becoming my best self

“Becoming my best self - the flowers represent who I was in my first year and the person I've become in my final year. I walked into SOAS anxious, already burnt out from A-Levels and embarrassed that I was starting uni when all my friends had already graduated.  

But Rome wasn't built in a day and with every step, every 9am class, every last minute spent finishing assignments - I pushed through. And then I wanted to do more, BE MORE. So, I turned my face to sun to embrace the opportunities around me instead of rotting in bed all day. I reached out to the Wellbeing department, signed up for their Mentoring scheme, joined societies, wandered around London, indulged in Too Good To Go bags and laughed with my flatmates till dawn.

So now I stand tall, confident and proud of my journey at SOAS - from first year to final year, from uncertain to unstoppable.“ Alysha, BSc Accounting and Finance 

Every SOAS experience is unique, filled with personal growth, fresh perspectives, and unforgettable memories. These photos and stories offer a glimpse into the transformative moments our students have shared. From late-night study sessions to friendships that span the globe, each experience helps shape who you become.

Now it’s your turn - what’s your SOAS in one photo? Share it with us by tagging @soasuni on Instagram or emailing us at marketing@soas.ac.uk. We’re excited to see the moments that have shaped your time at SOAS.