Karan Jain

Hello! I'm Karan Jain, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Accounting and Finance at the University of Leeds. I come from Pune, India, where I completed my Bachelor of Commerce with International Finance. I also became an ACCA Affiliate by clearing all my exams on my first attempt, studying side by side with my undergraduate degree. All these qualifications helped me strengthen my technical knowledge and my passion for the subject.

I had never lived away from my home or studied in a different city; hence moving to a new country was a drastic change for me both personally and academically. I wanted to challenge myself, experience living independently and also enjoy some freedom and study in an environment that encourages international perspectives and critical thinking. I have always been curious about new cultures and eager to learn from people with different backgrounds, and that excitement motivated me to pursue my master’s degree immediately after completing my undergraduate studies.

I first heard about the University of Leeds while exploring UK universities renowned for their accounting and finance programmes. The reputation of Leeds University Business School and the success of its graduates really stood out to me. What impressed me the most was the school’s emphasis on balancing academic theory with real-world application, which was exactly what I was looking for. I also appreciated the university’s global reputation, its top 100 world ranking, and the course structure, which I found to be one of the most comprehensive and well-designed among all the programmes I reviewed.

My experience at the university has been amazing so far. From the very first week, I felt welcomed and included. The University organised a range of induction events and activities to help new students connect, like the global cafe, and of course, we received plenty of freebies to start our Leeds journey! The academic environment is stimulating and supportive, lecturers encourage us to engage in debates and case studies, which test our technical understanding and also develop our problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

I was also extremely honoured to receive the International Excellence Scholarship. This recognition of my academic achievements not only motivated me further but also made me appreciate the University’s commitment to supporting talented students from across the world. In addition to this, Leeds offers a wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities, which makes higher education more accessible and inclusive.

Beyond academics, the University has provided me with numerous opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Beyond academics, the University has provided me with numerous opportunities to grow personally and professionally. I was honored to be elected as the Course Representative by my peers. In this role, I represent the student voice, collaborate with academic staff, and contribute to improving the learning experience for my coursemates.

Also, the university's Careers Service team organise regular career fairs, skill-building workshops, and one-on-one sessions to help students refine their CVs, prepare for interviews, and connect with potential employers. These opportunities have been incredibly useful in preparing me for life after university and in understanding how to navigate global career pathways in finance and accounting.

Leeds is an incredibly student-friendly and safe city, full of energy, culture, and opportunity. Settling in was very easy, and it felt homely very quickly.

Leeds is an incredibly student-friendly and safe city, full of energy, culture, and opportunity. Settling in was very easy, and it felt homely very quickly. The city is lively and not overwhelming, and its strong student community creates a real sense of belonging. I often take late-night walks around the city or down to Leeds Dock, where I enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and relax my mind. During weekends, I love taking day trips to nearby cities like York, Harrogate, and Manchester, and many others are still left to explore. Each city has its own charm and unique character, and exploring them gives me a break from my studies. Surprisingly, I’ve also grown to love the cold weather in Leeds as it’s refreshing, and I enjoy the crisp air, especially during my evening walks.

Studying at the University of Leeds has been a life-changing experience. I’ve learned to live independently, manage my time effectively, and adapt to a multicultural environment that constantly inspires me to do better.