Nadine Laswed is 18 years old and in her final year at ACS Hillingdon International School. She lives with her grandmother in London.

She is editor of the school newspaper and is working toward the International Baccalaureate Diploma qualification. The Hillingdon Times will be following Nadine over the next few months.

AFTER what seems like a lifetime of researching, considering, and re-considering, I've finally identified my top university choices. My name is Nadine and, as a final year student, I cannot tell you how much I wish we had more than six choices.

There is still a lot on my plate to get through before school ends: exams, preparing for September, and saying goodbye to school mates. But first, I'll explain how I chose, hopefully, the perfect degree course and university to match my interests and experience.

I have attended ACS Hillingdon International School since primary school. My parents originally chose ACS because, as a Londoner with family scattered across the globe, they wanted me to be exposed to a mix of different cultures and nationalities.

Coming from a family of lawyers, I always thought I'd follow in their footsteps. In fact, until beginning the IB Diploma programme two years ago, I was sure law was for me. However, after studying modern world history and international politics I decided courses in international relations or political science would better suit my passions.

As editor of the school paper, the London Bridge, I've developed a sense for sniffing out a good story and plan to continue journalism at university.

With three older brothers and sisters altogether, there was no shortage of advice about the best universities to attend. And like my siblings before me, I immediately narrowed my list to only London universities.

What student life in the capital lacks in a traditional green campus, it makes up for in cultural and political activity.

After good chats with teachers, family and friends, I narrowed my top choices to the London School of Economics (LSE), The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University College London (UCL), Westminster University, and Queen Mary University. City University rounded off my list as an insurance choice.

My brother studied at LSE, and its international relations programme tops the league tables and seems like the most challenging and rewarding course on offer. SOAS and UCL also have strong political science and international relations programmes, along with wonderful facilities in Russell Square. I even use the SOAS library now for work on my IB research essay.

In many ways the hardest part is over: with my decisions made and applications turned in, now I have no excuse to not focus on studying for exams.