Authored by Judy, PhD in Civil Engineering
“What surprises me most about my studies at Imperial is that it transcends academics—it’s about the individuals, the various roles you can assume, the chances to keep learning, and the life you create around the campus.”
After finishing my undergraduate studies in Civil Engineering at Imperial and now being in my second year of a PhD focusing on Transport, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on my journey here. Many elements of my experience at Imperial have been surprisingly different from my initial expectations. Here are five unexpected aspects I uncovered about studying at Imperial.
1. Imperial is far more international and inclusive than I expected
At first, I believed the student population would largely consist of students from the UK, and as an international student, I thought I might feel somewhat out of place. However, my experience has been entirely the opposite. Imperial is a remarkably international setting where you interact with students from various cultural and academic backgrounds.
The diversity is a natural part of everyday life, continually surrounding you with varied perspectives that enrich your learning journey. This ambiance not only makes Imperial international but also inclusive and inviting.
2. PhD life doesn’t signify the end of classroom education
I previously thought that pursuing a PhD entailed focusing exclusively on research with no classroom involvement. To my surprise, there are countless opportunities for structured learning.
You can engage in sessions covering teaching, research development, presentation skills, and programming. Although I concentrated on Civil Engineering for my PhD, specializing in Transport enabled me to enroll in classes with Transport Master’s students, thereby enhancing my understanding. I hadn’t anticipated that PhD life would include so many learning experiences through coursework and training, which I truly value.
3. You can take on more roles than merely “student”
I was taken aback by the variety of roles available in addition to my studies. I assumed that life at Imperial would primarily revolve around research, deadlines, and academic responsibilities, but there are numerous avenues to explore beyond this.
Alongside my PhD, I’ve served as a graduate teaching assistant, a student content creator, and a student ambassador, with each role providing a distinct viewpoint on university life at Imperial. Teaching has boosted my confidence in articulating ideas, while content creation and ambassador duties allow me to engage with wider audiences and contribute to the student community in unique ways. Being a student at Imperial isn’t a singular identity.
4. South Kensington is more than just a campus site
I hadn’t anticipated that the South Kensington Campus would play such a crucial role in my student experience. Initially, I regarded it as merely the university’s location, but over time, I recognized how much the area enriches daily life at Imperial.
After classes or meetings, there are countless local attractions to discover, including museums, parks, cafés, and restaurants. Taking walks, spending time with friends, or unwinding after a long day is easy. This balance is essential, particularly during hectic times. South Kensington is a vital part of my experience as a student.
5. PhD students are more engaged in societies than I realized
I had assumed that societies mainly catered to undergraduates, and that PhD students would be too preoccupied or distant to take part, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this is not the case!
I became involved with both the Cheerleading and Chinese Drama Society, and through their events and activities, I met other PhD students who were also actively participating in societies. This shifted my view on postgraduate life, illustrating that even during a PhD, individuals set aside time for hobbies, friendships, and communities beyond their research. This adds significant value and enriches student life.
Looking back on my time at Imperial, the biggest surprise is that it has never been only about academics. While studying and research are important, so too are the people, the variety of roles available, the ongoing learning opportunities, and the life you cultivate around the campus. These were unexpected aspects prior to my arrival, and they have now become some of the most valued elements of my experience.