I am currently enrolled in a foundation year at Kaplan International College London, where I am preparing to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance at City, University of London. My background is a blend of diverse cultures—I am half Arab, half Russian, and was born in Kazakhstan. Growing up in such a multicultural environment has shaped my worldview, making me adaptable, open to new experiences, and capable of connecting with people from various walks of life.

Outside of academics, I am deeply passionate about fitness, sports, and creativity. A dedicated gym enthusiast, I have cultivated discipline and resilience through consistent strength training. Basketball, a sport I hold close to my heart, has taught me teamwork, strategic thinking, and perseverance, even in the absence of a court to practice on regularly.

In addition to my love for sports, I have a creative streak that I’ve explored through music production. I have had the privilege of producing beats for popular artists in Russia and Kazakhstan, an experience that refined my ability to innovate, meet deadlines, and adapt to high-pressure environments. Cooking is another passion of mine, particularly Italian cuisine. I enjoy perfecting classic dishes, from creamy risottos to handmade pizzas, as the process allows me to combine precision with creativity. These experiences—whether in sports, music, or cooking—have instilled in me a strong work ethic and a versatile skill set that I apply to my studies and broader ambitions.

My passion for fitness and basketball also contributes to my personal development. Regular gym sessions have helped me build discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of commitment, while weekly basketball practices have sharpened my teamwork and problem-solving skills. These activities remind me of the importance of consistency and perseverance, traits that are equally vital in my academic and professional life. Collectively, these experiences have shaped me into a more determined and self-aware individual.

Growing up in Kazakhstan with a multicultural background has also influenced my academic journey, offering me a unique perspective on global economic systems and financial practices. These insights, combined with my current academic training, have reinforced my passion for pursuing a career in accounting and finance, where I hope to contribute innovative and practical solutions to complex financial challenges.

Outside academics, my multicultural background as someone who is half Arab and half Russian has naturally honed my ability to connect with people from varied perspectives. Social experiences like attending Winter Wonderland with friends have further strengthened my interpersonal skills, teaching me the value of empathy, cultural awareness, and shared experiences in building meaningful relationships. These communication skills are ones I aim to carry forward into my future professional and academic endeavors.

My involvement in fitness and basketball has also provided valuable life lessons. Through consistent gym training, I have learned the importance of dedication and goal-setting, while playing basketball has strengthened my teamwork and strategic thinking. Additionally, my passion for cooking, especially Italian cuisine, has taught me precision, patience, and the art of creating something unique. These diverse experiences have equipped me with a versatile set of skills, shaping me into a proactive and resourceful individual ready to excel in my academic journey and future career in accounting and finance.

1. Academic Facilities

The university has several libraries, including the Northampton Square Library, which offers silent study areas, group workspaces, and computer stations.

Cass Business School (now Bayes Business School) has specialised finance labs with Bloomberg terminals for financial market simulations.

2. Social Spaces & Clubs

There are over 100 student societies, including academic clubs (Finance, Law, Engineering), cultural societies, and sports teams.

City Students Union organizes networking events, career fairs, and social activities.

3. Outdoor Areas on CampusThe main campus has open spaces like Northampton Square Garden, a quiet place where students relax and study outdoors.

There are cafes and seating areas around the campus for informal study sessions.

4. Typical Student Life

Many students engage in part-time jobs or internships while studying.The university provides career services to help students with job placements, resume building, and interview preparation.

There is a strong international student community, making it a diverse and inclusive environment.

Discussion Points

1. One thing I found out that I did not know before

City, University of London has a dedicated Finance Society that organises networking events with professionals from major banks and investment firms.

University Readiness in Pathways CareerSource helped me develop time management strategies, research techniques, and study skills essential for independent learning. I have attended transition sessions that covered academic expectations, time management, student support services, and networking opportunities, which have helped me prepare for university life. Researching my degree program at City, University of London has given me insight into the modules I will study, assessment structures, internship opportunities, and professional certifications like the CFA. Furthermore, I understand the importance of academic integrity, including plagiarism policies, exam regulations, and the need for honesty in coursework. Completing the Kindness Curriculum Honesty package reinforced the significance of ethical academic conduct and fair assessment, which are crucial for personal growth and professional credibility.

Communication, Collaboration, and Leadership has been a game-changer, as it deepened my understanding of effective teamwork, professional communication, and the importance of leadership in both academic and professional settings. To enhance my communicative abilities, I’ve developed a personal action plan, which includes practicing public speaking, refining my writing skills, and proactively contributing to group discussions. Additionally, my presentation skills have evolved tremendously—I have delivered several visually compelling and well-structured PowerPoint presentations, ensuring that my slides are clear, engaging, and aligned with my subject matter. One standout moment was my business case study presentation, where I effectively tailored my language to my audience, maintained eye contact, and confidently conveyed complex ideas, receiving positive feedback from both peers and lecturers. Beyond academics, I have participated in Life and Career Skills activities, where I collaborated with a team to develop a mock business proposal, demonstrating leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to synthesize diverse perspectives into a cohesive strategy. My team navigated challenges, delegated tasks efficiently, and ultimately delivered an outstanding project that showcased our ability to think critically, work under pressure, and present innovative solutions—all of which are essential skills for future success.

Creative Production: Earlier in my life, I had the opportunity to produce music beats for popular artists in Russia and Kazakhstan. Working in music production enhanced my creativity and attention to detail, as I spent hours fine-tuning sounds to achieve the perfect result. It also taught me to work under pressure, since delivering quality tracks on time was essential. I carry these creative and deadline-management skills into my studies, for example when finding innovative approaches to solve a problem in an assignment.

Fitness & Sports: My dedication to fitness has imparted lessons in goal-setting and perseverance. By sticking to a regular gym routine, I’ve learned how to set personal goals (like increasing my lifting weights or improving endurance) and steadily work towards them. Meanwhile, playing basketball weekly has improved my teamwork and strategic thinking. On the court, I must cooperate with teammates and adjust our strategy in real time – skills directly transferable to group projects and leadership situations in academic or professional settings.

Culinary Arts: Another somewhat unexpected teacher has been my passion for cooking, especially Italian cuisine. Cooking requires precision and patience – from measuring ingredients to timing a recipe just right – and it’s taught me to follow processes carefully while also being creative. Preparing meals for family or friends has improved my multitasking ability (for example, managing several boiling pots at once!) and given me an appreciation for creativity in everyday tasks. This hobby reminds me that learning can happen anywhere, and it has made me more adaptable and detail-oriented in all aspects of life.