Hi! My name is Keerthi Girish and I’m a second-year Pitt Business student. I am majoring in Finance and Business Analytics and pursuing a Digital Media certificate. I’m involved with a few different organizations on campus including Omega Phi Alpha, Smart Women’s Securities, and Dhirana. Outside of class, I enjoy drawing, baking, listening to music (I went to seven concerts in 2025!), and going on walks!
This semester, I am participating in the GBI: London program. I’ve lived in Pittsburgh practically my whole life and I knew I was ready to step out of my comfort zone by participating in study abroad! As a business student who has a strong interest in digital media, London has always been a notable hub for the entertainment and media industry. Furthermore, London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, boasting ties to the majority of countries around the world. Prior to this program, I have visited India and Australia, which are both countries where the British influence can be seen. I am looking forward to learning more about London’s rich history through its architecture, museums, and other notable landmarks!
Richmond American University London is a small university located in Chiswick, right outside central London. Similar to the University of Pittsburgh campus, Richmond American University London provides the urban campus feel without being in the hustle and bustle of the city center. On the other hand, Richmond American University is much smaller than Pitt, as they only have about a thousand undergraduate students and the campus is just one building! Half of the students at Richmond American University London are study abroad students and I have met people from nearly every continent here. My classes are all pretty long(about three hours each!) and some classes are lecture-based while others are more hands-on, which is similar to my experience at Pitt.
I am staying in an apartment located in North Acton, a small town that is a short distance away from Chiswick and central London. My apartment is a single studio apartment, and I have had three roommates throughout my entire time in college, so this arrangement has definitely been an adjustment. Although I do enjoy the peace that comes with a single apartment, I do miss being able to talk with my roommates whenever I pleased. North Acton has a variety of different shops and restaurants, and my favorite part is having multiple grocery stores within a short walking distance!
Overall, London has been an amazing experience so far! I’ve gotten to see the classic London landmarks such as Big Ben and Tower Bridge, but living here has also allowed me to visit beautiful parks and markets that oftentimes go missed by tourists. I have also loved getting to meet people from a variety of different places and learn about their cultures and what brought them here. Additionally, I have also been able to explore other UK cities such as Bath and Oxford. Both Bath and Oxford have a variety of buildings with historical significance, but I’ve been especially excited to see the filming locations of media that I love such as Harry Potter and Bridgerton! I am looking forward to exploring more of London and Europe as a whole soon.
