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From India to London: How Saloni navigated university life as a postgraduate student

UAL postgraduate student Saloni Jain poses in front of a London telephone box on the street with four of her friends on a sunny day.
  • Written byPetra Harrison
  • Published date 03 December 2024
UAL postgraduate student Saloni Jain poses in front of a London telephone box on the street with four of her friends on a sunny day.
Saloni Jain, 2024 MA Graphic Branding & Identity, London College of Communication, UAL | Photograph: Saloni Jain

There's a lot to consider as a postgraduate student moving to London for the first time, but also a lot to look forward to. UAL alumna, Saloni Jain is a multidisciplinary visual designer who relocated from India to London to pursue her MA in Graphic Branding and Identity. We asked her all the important questions around postgraduate study, including the application process, unforgettable experiences, creative growth and future career ambitions.

How did you find out about UAL and how was your application process? Any tips?

I was 19 when I found out about UAL and immediately knew it was where I wanted to study. During my final year at ISDI (Indian School of Design and Innovation), I began the application process, driven by my passion for design and creativity. While I applied independently, I also received valuable support from my colleague counsellors who guided me through the steps. They connected me with Envision, the official UAL agency representative for India, who ensured a smooth and stress-free enrolment journey, making my dream a reality.

Tip: When I worked on my portfolio, I focused on quality, showcasing projects that reflected my creativity and explaining the story behind them. For my personal statement, I stayed authentic, sharing my journey and passion for design while showing why UAL was the perfect fit. Staying true to myself made all the difference!

What made you end up choosing UAL for postgraduate study?

I was accepted into all the universities I applied to, but UAL was always my first choice. I was drawn to its impressive facilities, exposure to diverse cultures, and the unique opportunities it offered. The university's ranking and scholarship also played a significant role in my decision, pushing me out of my comfort zone. London College of Communication (LCC) offered the perfect course in branding, and its legacy as the oldest print college further solidified my choice.

MA student Saloni Jain sits cross legged towards the camera whilst sat on an old fashioned drawing table. She wears trainers and a red sweater dress smiling toward the camera.
Saloni Jain, 2024 MA Graphic Branding & Identity, London College of Communication, UAL | Photograph: Saloni Jain

As a student from India, how did you find the process of moving to London?

Moving to London as a student from India was surprisingly smooth and didn’t come with too many hurdles. Sure, there were moments of culture shock, but those actually helped me grow - I’ve become more independent and responsible because of them.

What I love most is how my college celebrates so many different cultures. It makes me feel like I belong here.

I’ve also been lucky to find my own group of friends who make life here so much fun. All of this has made London feel like a second home to me.

Can you tell us about any standout moments for you at UAL?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned at UAL is to celebrate small wins. I’ve found so much joy in completing artworks and experimenting with various printing techniques, including RISO, photolithography, print finishing, screen printing, and letterpress. Exploring these facilities has been incredibly rewarding.

A memorable highlight for me was winning a Bronze Pentaward on October 25 for my project Aha – Sustainable Can Design. It reminded me to celebrate every victory, no matter how small, and embrace each day as it comes.

An illustrated piece of artwork by Saloni, depicting her journey from hometown, Vijayapura, to London. The artwork shows an animated figure crossing from side of the road to the other which contains London landmarks. These include London Bridge, Big Ben, a telephone box and the London Eye.
'From Vijayapura to London' by Saloni Jain, 2024 MA Graphic Branding & Identity, London College of Communication, UAL | Photograph: Saloni Jain

How has your postgraduate journey at UAL shaped your creative perspective and career goals, and what are your aspirations moving forward?

Studying at UAL has completely shifted my perspective on my career. I now see myself working in a branding agency rather than a big corporate company, as it offers more hands-on opportunities and exposure. I’ve realized I prefer practical, tactile work over purely digital projects, and reading books over articles inspires me more deeply.

Looking ahead, I aim to push boundaries in design, continue growing as a creative professional, and make meaningful contributions to the field.

Any final words of advice for prospective postgraduate students who are considering UAL?

If you’re considering studying at UAL, go for it - you’re about to have the time of your life. It’s a journey that will teach you so much, from working part-time and becoming independent to cooking your own meals and learning to take care of yourself. Adulting here is challenging but also fun!

Academically, UAL opens up new perspectives, moving beyond traditional design methods to offer hands-on experiences that I’ve personally loved. Don’t overthink it - just apply. It’s a life-changing experience you won’t regret!

Saloni's journey offers so many insights into the postgraduate experience at UAL. If you're inspired to follow a similar path, explore our postgraduate courses and discover how UAL can help shape your creative future.

Follow Saloni's creative journey on her website and LinkedIn.

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