Iulia Damian Iulia: The Real London

I’m originally Romanian but grew up in a small hillside town in Northern Italy. Growing up in that environment shaped me in many ways. I was a very quiet and reserved student, and I often struggled within the Italian school system. I found it difficult to engage, lacked confidence, and tended to stay in the background without fully applying myself.

Everything changed when I moved to the UK. In a completely different educational environment, I began to perform at a much higher level, consistently achieving top grades and becoming someone that others looked up to within my classes. That shift made me realise that my ability had always been there – it was my environment that had been holding me back.

Living in London played a huge role in that transformation. A degree from London carries strong global value, and that was a key factor in my decision.London is a city where everything is constantly evolving, especially in sectors like real estate, and that made me realise the long-term potential it offers. Coming from a small town where judgement felt constant, London gave me a sense of freedom. The scale of the city and its diversity meant that I could focus on myself without feeling observed or limited by other people’s opinions. That allowed me to build confidence, become more independent, and develop a much stronger mindset.

My interest in real estate came from thinking realistically about my long-term goals. I have clear personal ambitions, including building financial stability and eventually having the flexibility to focus on my family and personal life. Through my research and understanding of different industries, real estate stood out as a field that not only offers strong career opportunities but also long-term wealth creation. It’s also clear that across many industries, individuals who build significant wealth tend to invest in property, which reinforced my decision.

I chose London Met because it offered the right combination of location and course structure. Being in London allows me to study in one of the most active and competitive property markets in the world, while also gaining real-world exposure alongside my degree. I had multiple university offers, but London Met stood out to me as the best environment to support both my academic development and my long-term career goals in real estate.

One lecturer who has had a particularly meaningful impact on my journey is Maxine Asante. She has been a constant source of support for me across my entire university experience. Whether I had questions about coursework, needed clarification on other modules, or simply wanted guidance, she has always made time – even outside of scheduled hours – to be there. What truly sets her apart is the level of care and attention she gives to her students. She goes beyond teaching and creates a supportive environment where you feel heard, valued, and encouraged to grow. That has made a significant difference in my confidence and engagement with my studies. I have often shared feedback on behalf of my class. She has taken feedback seriously and, in many cases, implemented it as part of the teaching approach moving forward. That level of responsiveness and respect is something you don’t often see. Her dedication, professionalism, and strength as a woman have made a lasting impression on me, and I genuinely appreciate everything she has contributed to my journey so far.

One of the most interesting parts of the course for me has been valuation. It was something I didn’t expect to enjoy, especially because I didn’t have a strong background in maths. However, once I started understanding how valuation works in the UK, and how structured and analytical the process is compared to other systems, I developed a real interest in it. Learning how to assess property value in a practical and methodical way gave me a strong sense of purpose, as it directly links theory to real-world decision-making in the property market. It’s also an area I would seriously consider pursuing further in the future, potentially working towards becoming a RICS-qualified surveyor.

Another part of the course that surprised me was construction. I initially expected the degree to focus mainly on economics and market theory, so being exposed to the technical side of how buildings are designed and developed added a completely new dimension to my understanding of real estate. It made me realise how interconnected different areas of the industry are, and how important it is to understand the full lifecycle of a property, not just its financial aspects. Overall, the combination of analytical learning and practical insight has been the most valuable part of the course so far.

What I value most about London is the combination of opportunity, diversity, and independence. It’s a place where your background matters less than your drive and where you are constantly surrounded by growth, development, and new possibilities. 

One of the most defining parts of my experience so far has been working in the real estate industry alongside my studies. This opportunity came through a classmate, who introduced me to an internship at RE/MAX. After researching its global presence and reputation, I recognised the value of the opportunity and decided to fully commit to it.

I started as an intern and, shortly after, I was offered a permanent role. Now, over a year later, I am still working there as a lettings negotiator. My role is primarily client-facing, involving arranging and conducting viewings, communicating with tenants, and progressing deals through to contract stage. It requires strong organisation, communication, and the ability to perform under pressure. Working while studying can be demanding, particularly when deadlines and busy periods overlap. However, it has also been one of the most valuable parts of my experience. It has forced me to become highly organised, disciplined, and efficient with my time.

What I learn at university often connects directly to what I see in practice, which makes everything more meaningful and easier to understand. 

Overall, it’s a challenge, but one that I wouldn’t change. It has accelerated both my personal and professional development in a way that a classroom alone couldn’t.

The most challenging part of my studies has been managing my own expectations. I naturally set very high standards for myself – when my results don’t fully reflect the level I expect from myself, I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself to improve.

Financial freedom is a major part of what drives me. For me, it’s not just about money, but about having control over my time and my future.

I want to reach a point where I can make choices based on what I truly want, rather than what I have to do. That level of independence is something I’m actively working towards.

My long-term motivation is strongly linked to the life I want to build in the future. I value family highly, and one of my goals is to create the stability and flexibility that would allow me to be fully present and involved, without being limited by financial constraints.

What I am most proud of is the person I have become over the past few years. Growing up, I often felt invisible and unsure of myself. Moving to London changed everything. It was not just a physical move, but a complete reset. I had to leave behind what was familiar, face uncertainty, and rebuild myself from the ground up.

I no longer see myself as someone who stays in the background. I see myself as someone who takes control, sets high standards, and works consistently towards her goals. That transformation is what I am most proud of, because it reflects not just where I am now, but everything I had to overcome to get here.

My favourite place within the University is a quiet spot behind the Rocket. It is a more hidden area that is not immediately visible to people passing by, which makes it feel private and calm. It is a space where I can focus without distractions, listen to music, and stay in my own rhythm. 

One of my favourite places in London is Canary Wharf. It feels like stepping into a completely different world. The scale, the architecture, and the atmosphere remind me of what I imagine cities like New York to be, which makes it especially inspiring. Every time I go, it feels like I discover something new. It almost feels like its own self-contained environment, separate from the rest of London. What I enjoy most is the feeling it gives me. It represents ambition, growth, and the level I aspire to reach in the future. Being there motivates me and reminds me why I chose this path, especially within the property and business world.

One of my biggest passions is cooking. Having grown up in Italy, I developed a strong appreciation for food, quality ingredients, and the culture around cooking. At the same time, being Romanian has allowed me to stay connected to my roots, so my approach in the kitchen is very multicultural.

I enjoy combining influences from both cultures and experimenting with different flavours and techniques. Cooking is also a creative outlet for me. It’s something I genuinely enjoy – it allows me to switch off while still being productive.

After graduation, I plan to continue building my career within the property sector, with the next step being a move into sales. I see this as a natural progression from my current role in lettings, as it will allow me to deepen my understanding of transactions, negotiation, and the wider market.

In the long term, my goal is to move into property investment. I’m particularly interested in strategies such as buying, improving, and reselling properties, building both experience and capital over time. For me, this is not just about short-term success, but about creating a sustainable and scalable path within the industry.

Ultimately, I would like to build something of my own. The idea of having my own agency is something I find very motivating, as it represents independence, growth, and the ability to apply everything I’ve learned in a way that reflects my own vision. I see my current position, my degree, and the experience I’m gaining as key steps towards that bigger picture. Each stage is part of a long-term plan that I am committed to developing over time.

My advice would be to truly recognise and make the most of the opportunities around you. Having experienced life in two different countries as an immigrant, I’ve seen first-hand how rare these opportunities can be. Back home, even the idea of going to university felt distant. In London, I’ve been given access to education, industry exposure, and connections that many people don’t fully appreciate.

I would strongly encourage students to be present, to engage, and to take their environment seriously. Respect your lecturers’ time, build genuine relationships with classmates, and make an effort to leave a positive impression. These connections matter more than people realise. You never know who you might meet, who might recommend you, or what doors could open through simple interactions.

Ultimately, it comes down to mindset. If you approach your time at university with awareness and intention, you will gain far more than just a degree. For me, it can be summed up in one idea: make the most of the moment, because the opportunities around you may not come again in the same way.