Zayal Sirdar, Graduate Student - Utrecht University

I am currently living in the Netherlands pursuing a Masters in Organizational Behaviour and Work Psychology from Utrecht University. My courses and experiences at King’s prepared me for this. If I can give any advice to future students it would be this – always ask for help. I have gained many mentors at King’s simply by being authentic and honest when I needed some extra assistance. 

"King's is a place where you can step out of your day-to-day act of having everything together and be your true, authentic self."

I learned so much during my time at King’s and met some truly incredible people. I took a psychology degree with a drama minor which often meant balancing a heavy academic load with lengthy rehearsal schedules but the friendly, flexible professors helped to ensure I was never overwhelmed. 

One of my fondest memories came during my 3rd year. I was overloaded with classes, rehearsals, work, leadership and volunteering commitments. I walked into Methods and Statistics and my professor said to me: “Zayal, I can tell you are extremely overwhelmed right now. I think you need to give yourself grace and take some time to collect yourself.” I left class, went straight to the costume room, sat with a few friends, and cried over numerous cups of tea. 

I think that’s the beautiful thing about the drama program at King’s, and King’s in general. It’s a place where you can step out of your day-to-day act of having everything together and be your true, authentic self. There are people here in every capacity who are ready to support you.