by Ridwan Ali, MIFFT2026
The story begins with me, my suitcases, and a new flat. I sent a message to my family to let them know I’d arrived and settled in – and then spent the next hour pretending I wasn’t a little terrified.
London has that effect at first. It’s enormous, fast, and entirely indifferent to the fact that you’ve just packed up your life and moved across borders. What no one tells you is that this indifference is also the point. It forces you to find your footing quickly and, in doing so, discover how capable you really are.
Looking back, these past eight months at London Business School have been some of the most rewarding and energising moments of my life.
One of the biggest surprises has been the Masters in Finance Full-time cohort itself. People from all over the world, with diverse academic backgrounds and professional experiences, are brought together in one place. Whether it was late nights working through group assignments, preparing for interviews, or dinners that somehow stretched into hours of conversation, those moments have turned classmates into close friends. These relationships I know will last well beyond the programme.
What stood out most is how quickly things start to feel tangible here. Sitting in guest lectures with professionals who have built the careers you’re still trying to define offers a powerful sense of perspective. You leave those sessions not just inspired, but with a clearer understanding of where you want to go and how to get there. The events and networking opportunities organised by the Careers Centre have also given me exposure to London’s financial ecosystem in a way that would have taken years to access and build independently.
Additionally, the MiF Programme Team has been a constant source of support. From guidance on elective choices, to organising events and responding quickly to questions along the way. Their involvement has made my whole MiF experience much smoother and supported.
Beyond the classroom, I’ve been actively involved in student clubs, including the Private Equity and Venture Capital Club, and I currently serve as Vice President of Partnerships for the Africa Business Club. These roles have allowed me to engage closely with investors, founders, and operators working across the continent. One of the most rewarding experiences so far has been helping to plan the 24th Africa Business Summit, themed “From Potential to Prosperity: Building Africa’s next Growth Chapter”. I’ve especially enjoyed bringing people and ideas together around investment, innovation, and long-term growth in the region.
London as a financial hub is one thing; the density of opportunity here is unlike anywhere else. But London as a place is something else entirely. As someone interested in photography, I rarely leave the house without my camera. There is always something worth capturing, from bustling markets to quiet streets and striking architecture. Morning runs and walks through Regent’s Park have quietly become one of my favourite routines. Whether it’s a grey, misty morning or one of those rare sunlit days, the park takes on a different character each time. There is something about being out and about before the city rouses that brings a sense of calm.
Relocating to another country for a degree is a leap. After eight months of living in London and studying at LBS, the School and the city have taught me something I hadn’t fully appreciated before arriving: you don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. Staying curious, open, and willing to engage is enough to get started. The rest, inevitably, follows.
I don’t know exactly what the next few months will bring, but I’m certain my decision to study the Masters in Finance at LBS was the right one.