George Hindikos arrived at Kent Business School to study Management with a Foundation Year believing university might be beyond his reach. Four years later, he graduated with First Class Honours.
He calls Kent “one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life”, saying it made him more independent, resilient and confident.
George shares why he chose a foundation year, how he achieved a First and what he enjoyed at Kent.
My A-level exams were cancelled due to COVID-19, so I looked for work rather than university, but opportunities in London were limited.
My girlfriend began at Kent and, seeing how much she enjoyed it, I applied. Although I had the grades for the three-year course, two years out of education meant I wanted to rebuild confidence and give myself the strongest start. It was one of my best decisions.
It introduced me to university-level study before the degree and rebuilt habits including researching, referencing, academic writing and workload management.
It also showed me I was capable of more than I thought. By first year, I felt prepared for university life.
I liked the campus, atmosphere and Canterbury location. I wanted a broad business degree, studying strategy, marketing, finance, HR, operations and digital analytics.
Looking back now, did your experience live up to what you hoped for when you first arrived?
It exceeded my expectations. I arrived hoping to gain a degree and improve my career prospects, but did not expect such personal development.
University made me more independent, resilient and confident. Managing work and study, meeting people and stepping outside my comfort zone changed me.
My final-year dissertation had the greatest impact. I examined why UK Gen Z consumers buy or avoid fast fashion, including consumer behaviour, sustainability and social media.
Strategy projects were also valuable. Analysing Boeing’s strategic issues showed how top-level decisions can have major consequences.
They strengthened my ability to research problems, analyse information and communicate findings.
Consistency and time management. I had built good habits throughout my degree.
I researched and planned assignments, critiqued and revised my work, and avoided comparing myself with others. Focusing on my progress was more productive. I wanted a First, but also to enjoy the experience.
I enjoyed friends, the pub and Canterbury’s student atmosphere, as well as beach days, tennis and badminton.
I worked part-time in a bar and was a first-year PAL Leader, supporting Foundation Year students with modules while developing communication and interpersonal skills.
I am interested in graduate opportunities across management, marketing, operations and business development, where I can keep learning and build a career I care about.
I am excited to develop my skills and gain real-world experience. Graduation is not the end of learning.
I would absolutely recommend it. A foundation year does not put you behind - for me, it did the opposite.
It gave me the confidence and skills to adjust to university, understand expectations and build a strong academic foundation before progressing to the degree.
Make the most of every opportunity. University is about more than a degree.
Get involved, meet people and try things outside your comfort zone. Societies, part-time work and university life can be as valuable as lectures.
Stay organised, start assignments early and ask for help. Lecturers and staff are there to support you.
Most importantly, enjoy it. Four years goes quickly; I am grateful for the experience Kent gave me and look forward to the next chapter.