Hi there, I’m Rohan!

To those reading this blog post, I completely understand the excitement, nervousness, and anticipation that comes before starting your master’s degree. I was in the same place just 10 months ago – preparing to travel halfway across the world to begin my journey at Loughborough University, my dream university and, quite rightly, the world’s number one for sport-related subjects!

A bit about me

My name is Rohan, and I am currently pursuing a master’s in Sport Management, Politics and International Development. I know, it is a mouthful, which is why we call it SMPID.

My journey to Loughborough was a long one. I completed my undergraduate studies in 2017 and entered the world of management consulting. But as a lifelong sportsperson, I soon felt the pull to align my work with my passion. A few years later, I shifted to the Indian sports sector, while also planning to further my knowledge – and where better than Loughborough? I was also fortunate to be awarded the Chevening Scholarship, a scholarship programme that supports potential leaders from over 160 countries.

Yet, even with this recognition, I was nervous. I was returning to academic life after seven years and asked myself: Will I manage to study again? Will I make friends? Can I settle into a new country? Is this course right for me?

One thing that gave me confidence amidst all this uncertainty was the course itself. While planning, I kept my focus on the SMPID programme, and I can confidently say choosing it was one of the best decisions. It aligned perfectly with my goals, offering not just insight into sport management, but also a deep dive into the politics, governance, and the development of sport, areas that are essential to understand how sport intersects with the broader world. And that was exactly what I was looking for.

Laying the groundwork

One of the first things I did to prepare was write to the programme leader and module leaders. I introduced myself, shared a bit about my background, and asked whether they recommended any readings. I kept thinking: have you done a bit too much? But their replies were thoughtful and encouraging, small gestures that made me feel welcome.

I also began searching for accommodation. Since my scholarship confirmation came late, I missed out on University-owned accommodation. Fortunately, I found a place through the Loughborough Student Pad, which lists University-approved properties. Moreover, the University support team helped review my tenancy agreement, another sign of how well-supported I would be here.

Another thing that helped: I joined the Loughborough Students Facebook group, where I found some of my coursemates. Eventually, we created a WhatsApp group, which meant I already had some familiar faces to look forward to seeing.

And finally, since I had been out of university for a while, I slowly began easing myself back into academics. I made a schedule, browsed some readings, and tried to wrap my head around academic writing – something that initially terrified me (spoiler: it is not as scary once assessments actually begin).

The beginning of a new chapter

From the very first day, I felt like I was where I belonged. During orientation, Dr Minhyeok Tak, the SMPID programme director, created a warm and welcoming environment. We introduced ourselves, shared our passions and ambitions, and I felt incredibly lucky to be part of such a diverse group. Our classroom brought together students from all over the world, and I knew I would learn just as much from them as from our lecturers.

That WhatsApp group we set up before arriving? It worked wonders. I already knew a few friendly faces by the time classes began, and we quickly added more classmates to the group. It gave us an early sense of community – something the SMPID programme became known for. In fact, we planned an unofficial social during our first week, and the people I met there soon became some of my closest friends.

Finding my place – on campus, the pitch and the classroom

Early in the term, I also put my name forward to be the SMPID programme representative, and was fortunate to be selected. This role gave me the chance to connect more deeply with both classmates and staff, and gave me a deeper understanding of how the university supports student voices.

Another highlight of my year? Starting a football team made up of SMPID and Sport Management students to compete in the Loughborough Sport social league! It quickly became one of my core memories. Weekly training sessions, matches, and team outings helped me build strong friendships beyond the classroom, and gave me a regular outlet for sport and fun.

All of these experiences were enriched by a truly fulfilling academic journey. The SMPID programme’s focus on politics, governance, international development, and integrity in sport offered a unique lens that extended beyond traditional sport courses. Engaging with lecturers and being encouraged to contribute our own viewpoints made the learning feel personal and empowering. Every SMPID student I spoke to shared the same sentiment: our lecturers were not only experts but also among the most supportive professionals we had encountered. They provided an environment that was safe, engaging, and truly collaborative. And it was not all academics – we even had two fantastic class socials with our lecturers, a reminder that two-way relationships between students and staff can make the learning experience even more rewarding.

Final thoughts

To wrap up, here are a few suggestions from me for incoming students:

• Take time to learn about your course and understand what excites you about it
• Create a loose study schedule – especially if, like me, you are returning to studies after a break
• And most importantly: be open to learning from others and building relationships

Loughborough University gives you the space and opportunities to do all of this, and when I look back, it is these moments that bring the biggest smile to my face.