The women who got me through King’s

University can often feel like something you have to navigate on your own. Between deadlines, new environments and the pressure to keep up, it's easy to believe that everyone else has it figured out while you’re just trying to stay afloat. But if there’s one thing I’ve realised during my time at King’s, it’s that no one really gets through it alone.

I’m Parmiss, a second-year Classics student currently studying abroad in Sydney. During my time on the other side of the world, I’ve been thinking about the relationships that keep me connected to King’s. While International Women’s Day has passed, the women who support us don’t stop making an impact once the calendar moves on. If anything, their influence is felt in the everyday moments – the quiet encouragement, reassurance, and care that carry us through our degrees.

I asked students at King’s to share the women who got them through university. What came back was a reminder of just how powerful these relationships can be. 

For Mahima, that person was her Head of Department, Dr Rachel Hunt. More than just an academic figure, she created an environment where learning felt both engaging and accessible, making even the most challenging material enjoyable. Just as importantly, Mahima recalls how she was always there to offer support whenever it was needed, no matter how big or small, reinforcing the confidence that can make all the difference in a student’s journey.

For Rosalee, that support came from much closer to home, and yet, at the same time, from across the world. As an international student, she credits her mother as a constant source of motivation. Having studied chemistry at her local university in Australia, her mother’s own academic journey continues to inspire Rosalee to keep pushing herself, even from thousands of miles away. Her experience speaks to the often unseen emotional backbone behind university life, particularly for those navigating it far from home.

Gio highlights the impact of an inspiring tutor, Dr Jenny Russell, whose genuine passion for teaching has left a lasting impression. Her enthusiasm for property law, Gio explains, is ‘infectious’, transforming what could feel like a complex subject into something engaging and thought-provoking. Week after week, her ability to break down difficult concepts has not only supported Gio academically but encouraged him to think more deeply and confidently about his work.

And sometimes, the person who gets you through university is simply the friend who is there for it all. Hannah reflects on her friend Kat, who has ‘greatly enriched’ her time at King’s in ways both big and small. From Monday morning catch-ups that make the start of the week feel lighter, to spontaneous extracurricular plans and the occasional glass of wine, their friendship captures the balance of fun and support that defines so much of university life. At the same time, Kat’s constant reminders about deadlines and admin, alongside the reassurance of not being the only one running late, highlight how practical and emotional support go hand in hand.

For me, one of those people has been my study abroad tutor, Dr Lucy Audley-Miller, who I was also lucky enough to be taught by in my first year. With a content-heavy degree and the often overwhelming study abroad process, I remember how positive, enthusiastic and encouraging she was, and always with a smile on her face. Now, even from across the world, I still correspond with her, and she continues to make me feel supported despite not being physically at King’s. Knowing that I have that support system to return in my final year has made all the difference.

Together, these reflections show that success at university is rarely achieved alone. Behind every deadline met, every exam taken and every milestone reached, there are people, often women, offering support in ways that might go unrecognised.

Even though International Women’s Day may be over for 2026, appreciation doesn’t have to be limited to a single moment. These women continue to shape our experiences every day, reminding us that community, connection and care are at the heart of what it means to be a student.

So, as you read, take a moment to think about the women who have supported you, and maybe even take a moment to thank them!