Written by Judy, PhD in Civil Engineering
“What excites me most about my time at Imperial is that it transcends academics – it revolves around the people, the myriad roles you can adopt, the continual learning opportunities, and the life you cultivate on campus.”
Having finished my undergraduate studies in Civil Engineering at Imperial, and now in my second year of a Transport PhD, I’ve had the chance to ponder my journey here. Honestly, many elements of studying at Imperial were quite different from my expectations – in a good way! Here are five unexpected insights I gained from my studies at Imperial.
1. Imperial is far more diverse and inclusive than I had imagined
Prior to my arrival at Imperial, I presumed the student population would largely be comprised of UK students, and as an international pupil, I might feel somewhat isolated. However, that has been far from my reality. Imperial boasts a highly international atmosphere where students from all corners of the globe, with varied cultural and academic backgrounds, come together.
What astonished me most was how seamlessly that diversity integrates into daily life. You are persistently surrounded by individuals with different viewpoints, enriching your learning journey. It renders Imperial not only international but also open and inviting.
2. PhD life continues to include classroom learning
I previously believed that embarking on a PhD meant stepping away from classes and focusing entirely on research. What I didn’t foresee was the multitude of opportunities to keep learning in an organized way.
<pIf you wish, you can take part in sessions covering teaching, research advancement, presentation abilities, and programming. Although I remained within the Civil Engineering discipline for my PhD, I delved deeper into the Transport specialization. Consequently, I had chances to attend classes with Transport Master’s students and broaden my knowledge base in this area. I didn’t expect PhD life to still feature so many opportunities for learning through coursework and training, which I’ve truly appreciated.
3. You can take on more roles than just a “student”
Another revelation was the variety of roles available to me while pursuing my studies. I anticipated that life at Imperial would primarily revolve around research, deadlines, and academic tasks, but in reality, there are countless ways to engage beyond these aspects.
Alongside my PhD, I have served as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA), a student content creator, and a student ambassador, with each position providing a unique view of university life at Imperial. Teaching enhances my confidence in articulating ideas effectively, while content creation and ambassador roles allow me to engage with broader audiences and contribute to the student community in new ways. It made me realize that being an Imperial student encompasses more than one singular identity.
4. South Kensington is more than a mere campus location
I also didn’t foresee that my connection to the South Kensington Campus would become such a crucial aspect of my student experience. At first, I regarded it simply as the site of the university, but over time, I recognized the area greatly enriches daily life at Imperial.
After lectures or meetings, there are countless nearby attractions to discover, whether they be museums, parks, cafés, or restaurants. It’s easy to take a stroll, enjoy time with friends, or simply relax after a long day. That balance significantly enhances the experience, especially during hectic times. South Kensington is not merely where I study – it’s integral to how I live my student life.
5. PhD students are more active in societies than I had thought
I assumed that societies were predominantly for undergraduates and that PhD students would be too busy or distant to genuinely engage, but I was pleasantly surprised to find this is not the case!
I joined the Cheerleading and Chinese Drama Society, and through their events and activities, I connected with other PhD students who were also actively participating in societies. This revelation shifted my perception of postgraduate life. I then realized that even during a PhD, individuals still prioritize hobbies, friendships, and community involvement beyond their research. This is something truly enriching, lending student life a much more balanced feel.