Sofia Shashkini

Coming from a small post-Soviet country like Georgia, opportunities such as studying in the UK are not available to everyone. It is a privilege that comes with responsibility. Studying abroad had always been my dream, yet the UK felt out of reach for a long time. When I discovered that I could complete my foundation year back home and then move to the UK to study law and complete my degree in just two and a half years, I was thrilled. I knew immediately that this path was something I wanted to pursue.

What truly drew me to Buckingham was the small class sizes and the promise of direct, meaningful engagement with lecturers. I knew that this kind of environment was exactly what I needed to succeed. Still, arriving at Buckingham to study law was daunting. I struggled with imposter syndrome and a persistent fear that I wasn’t good enough, that at some point I would be “found out.” That feeling was paralyzing at first, but it also became my motivation. It pushed me to work harder and give my absolute best.

The small-group teaching environment challenged me in ways I had never experienced before. Being in such intimate classes meant there was no place to hide, and it pushed me to raise my hand and contribute, no matter how nervous I was. Every time, that hand went up, even when it was shaking. I spoke up even when my answers were not fully right, knowing that the process of engaging, questioning, and sometimes being wrong was shaping my understanding far more deeply. These small classes gave me the space to learn actively, to test my knowledge, and to grow through discussion rather than silence.

Having a personal tutor made a significant difference. Knowing there was someone I could confide in and turn to for guidance helped me feel supported and grounded. The small-scale nature of the university meant that I was never just a number. I felt seen and valued by my lecturers, who knew us as individuals rather than faces in a crowd. That connection created a strong sense of accountability and motivation not wanting to let myself or my teachers down.

Law school was not easy. It came with its ups and downs, moments of self-doubt, tears, and moments of real joy. The struggle taught me resilience and perseverance, how to keep going even when things felt overwhelming. Along the way, I met people who became more than friends; they became family. The memories we shared are ones I will cherish forever.
Buckingham taught me skills that I believe I would not have gained elsewhere in such a short time. The accelerated nature of the program pushed me to produce my best work under pressure and helped me develop discipline, focus, and adaptability, skills that extend far beyond academics.

Outside the classroom, Buckingham gave me an experience of a lifetime. I joined the Music Society, became its Social Secretary, and worked as a bartender at the Students’ Union bar. These experiences allowed me to grow socially, professionally, and personally. My academic life and social life complemented each other rather than clashing, giving me a truly balanced university experience.

In the end, everything paid off. I still remember receiving the notification that I had graduated with a First Class degree. It was a moment that brought everything full circle. Every challenge, every late night, every memory, every story, and every moment of laughter had led to that achievement. While everything must come to an end, this ending felt like the true reward for the work I had put in, the moment where I finally reaped the fruits of my labour.