The stories behind Southampton’s first year in Delhi
A year after the launch of the University of Southampton Delhi Campus is a moment to reflect on milestones achieved and lessons learned.
Transforming an empty building and a Letter of Approval into a working university within a year was an incredible challenge. In this article, colleagues reflect on the pressures of building something brand new, the surprises along the way and the pride of being part of Southampton’s first year in Delhi.
Raj Swami (IT Manager) – Turning vision into reality
“When I look back at the early days, what stays with me is the determination, collaboration and resilience that turned an empty shell into a functioning university in a very short time.
The timeline was intense as although the launch date was fixed, many key elements were still being planned or procured, from Wi-Fi and security systems to computing hardware.
We had to coordinate multiple suppliers, manage dependencies and keep moving even when conditions were far from ideal. So many people stepped beyond their formal roles to make it happen! Today, when I walk through the campus and see students learning – and my IT systems working smoothly – I feel so proud of what we achieved.”
UoSD launch ceremony
Dr Aparna Pasumarthy (Assistant Professor, Business) – Building a culture of belonging
“What stands out most about our first year in Delhi is the camaraderie among the founding academics. I joined UoSD from Queen Mary University London, so teaching in the Indian context has been a real learning experience.
Supporting students to build their reading habits, move beyond rote learning and take ownership of their education has required patience and adaptability, but for all us founding academics it has been rewarding to see them grow in confidence and embrace new ways of learning.
Alongside that, helping to create an inclusive campus for students and staff has mattered deeply to me. Hearing students say they feel included and supported is one of the clearest signs that we are building the community we hoped for.”
Yashashree Datar (Student Administration and Academic Affairs Officer) – Student life at the heart of Year One
“When I joined the team in August 2025, I found the campus thoughtfully designed and ready to host our first students. Those early weeks were a whirlwind as we prepared for induction and orientation.
It was the support of colleagues in Southampton that kept us grounded through those intense days; despite being thousands of miles away, they always made it feel as though they were right next door.
From then on, every event this year has felt like a milestone, from induction to Diwali, Christmas to Eid, but for me one of our proudest achievements was successfully hosting our first examinations and delivering results on time.”
Dr Rajesh Yadav (Assistant Professor, Computer Science) – Helping students grow with confidence
“Having worked at the University’s Malaysia campus, moving to Delhi gave me the opportunity to help build a new campus from the ground up.
I expected challenges, but I have been continually impressed by the enthusiasm, adaptability and collaborative spirit of staff and students. It has been both professionally rewarding and personally enriching.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the year has been seeing our students grow in confidence by engaging critically with their studies. As founding Senior Tutor, I have also seen how important pastoral support is in helping students manage academic and personal transitions while developing a strong sense of belonging.”
Together, these reflections paint a picture of a first year shaped by hard work, resilience and a shared sense of purpose. The story of Delhi’s first year is not simply one of opening a new campus; it is one of building a community, creating opportunity and laying strong foundations for the future.
“This past year has been a journey of collaboration and achievement. I thank every member of staff and every student for shaping a vibrant academic community that reflects the very best of Southampton’s global spirit. Thank you all for making our first year in Delhi so meaningful and memorable. I look forward with optimism to building on this momentum as we enter our second year and to achieving continued success together“
Professor Eloise Phillips, Academic Provost
Now, over to you
We are inviting Expressions of Interest from academic colleagues for participation in a Pilot Secondment to the Delhi campus in the 2026-27 academic year.
A secondment to the Delhi campus offers a unique opportunity for globally minded academics. As well as the experience itself, it provides a distinctive addition to your professional profile. Few academics have the chance to help establish a new international campus, gaining experience in teaching, collaboration and leadership in a global environment. The opportunity can broaden professional networks, support career development and demonstrate adaptability, leadership and international engagement.
Please email InternationalHR@soton.ac.uk for further details. Expressions of Interest for the Pilot Secondment close Monday 3 August 2026.
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