Liliane has launched her own business, Lils in London which offers a range of services to support students studying abroad. Liliane shared why she choose Loughborough and how her experience as an international student shaped her time here:
“What really inspired me was the way technology and innovation were embedded into every aspect of the student experience: having a dedicated app to manage my information, access to recorded lectures on the virtual campus, and learning spaces specifically designed to foster creativity and collaboration.
“Exploring both the London and Loughborough campuses, I was struck by how the environment itself seemed built to help students grow—not only academically, but also personally and professionally. This atmosphere motivated me to keep pushing boundaries, develop new ideas and apply what I learned to real-world challenges.”
Liliane spoke about how her education in Loughborough had a huge impact on her and said that the course gave her the practical tools she needed to set up her business, from coming up with an idea to learning how to develop and scale it.
Liliane said:
“The initial phase of the project entailed the creation of content on the social media platform TikTok, with the objective of sharing the experiences of studying in the UK as a Latin American student. This content resonated profoundly with the public, resulting in a rapid growth of the audience to over 27,000 followers.
“Drawing upon the knowledge acquired during my master's programme and motivated by my personal experiences, I founded Lils in London, my personal brand. In 9 months, this initiative has facilitated the international study aspirations of over 350 individuals from more than 15 countries.
“I personally built and led a team of former international students, because I believe that shared experience is our greatest strength. Together, we developed a technology-driven platform: a dashboard that tracks over 2,500 scholarships worldwide, analyses each applicant’s profile in detail, and recommends the most suitable options.
“We also guide students through IELTS preparation, choosing English courses in the UK, and support them during the application process—all based on our own lived experiences. Loughborough gave me the mindset, skills and confidence to bring this vision to life.
“What began as a small idea has grown into a trusted community that empowers people to achieve their dreams—and seeing those dreams come true every day is the most rewarding part of the journey. And the best part? This is just the beginning.”
Reflecting on her own experience as an international student at Loughborough, Liliane said:
“Go for it! Loughborough is a university that won’t just teach you theory—it will help you transform your ideas into real projects. It’s a place where innovation isn’t just a concept; it’s part of everyday life, from the technology integrated into learning to the spaces designed to spark creativity and collaboration.
“But beyond that, what truly makes Loughborough special is its people and its support network. As an international student, you’ll find an environment that understands your challenges, celebrates your diversity, and genuinely wants to see you thrive.
“So my advice is: don’t hesitate. Say yes to Loughborough—not just because of its academic excellence, but because it will empower you to believe in your ideas, ground them in reality, and build something meaningful for yourself and for others.”