Authored by Judy, PhD Civil Engineering
“What astonishes me the most about my experience at Imperial is that it transcends academics – it’s about the relationships, the various roles available, the continuous learning opportunities, and the life you cultivate in and around the campus.”
After finishing my undergraduate studies in Civil Engineering at Imperial and currently being in my second year of a PhD in Transport, I’ve had the chance to contemplate my journey here. Many elements of being at Imperial have pleasantly differed from my initial expectations. Here are five unexpected aspects I’ve encountered while studying at Imperial.
1. Imperial is far more global and inclusive than I had expected
At first, I presumed the student body would mostly comprise UK students, and as an international student, I might feel somewhat estranged. However, my actual experience has been the contrary. Imperial is genuinely a global institution, housing students from a plethora of cultural and academic backgrounds across the globe.
This diversity feels completely integrated into daily life. You’re continually surrounded by individuals with varying viewpoints, enhancing your educational experience. This renders Imperial not just international but also welcoming and inclusive.
2. PhD life does not equate to the cessation of classroom learning
I formerly believed that pursuing a PhD would necessitate concentrating exclusively on research without any classes. To my surprise, there are numerous avenues available for structured learning.
Opportunities abound for engaging in sessions related to teaching, research advancement, presentation abilities, and programming. While I concentrated on Civil Engineering for my PhD, I focused on Transport, enabling me to partake in courses with Transport Master’s students, thereby broadening my foundational knowledge. I didn’t foresee so many educational opportunities available in PhD life through coursework and training, which I have greatly appreciated.
3. You can take on more roles than just “student”
I was taken aback by the range of roles I could embrace alongside my studies. I anticipated that life at Imperial would primarily revolve around research, deadlines, and academics, but there are numerous avenues for engagement beyond that.
While working on my PhD, I’ve served as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA), a student content creator, and a student ambassador, with each position providing a unique perspective on university life at Imperial. Teaching has bolstered my confidence in articulating concepts, while content creation and ambassadorial work have enabled me to engage with broader audiences and contribute to the student community in distinctive ways. It dawned on me that being a student at Imperial is not simply about one static identity.
4. South Kensington is more than merely a campus locale
I hadn’t expected that being located at the South Kensington Campus would play such a crucial role in my student experience. Initially, I perceived it as just the university’s site, but over time, I came to understand that the area greatly enhances daily life at Imperial.
After classes or meetings, there are countless nearby spots to discover, such as museums, parks, cafés, or restaurants. It’s easy to take a stroll, spend time with friends, or relax after a long day. This equilibrium is vital, particularly during hectic times. South Kensington isn’t just where I study – it is integral to how I experience student life.
5. PhD students are more engaged in societies than I anticipated
I had thought societies were mainly for undergraduates and that PhD students would be too busy or detached to participate, but I was delighted to discover this assumption was incorrect!
I joined the Cheerleading and Chinese Drama Society, and through their events and activities, I connected with other PhD students who were also actively engaged in societies. This shifted my viewpoint on postgraduate life. Even while pursuing a PhD, individuals carve out time for hobbies, friendships, and communities beyond their research, which is immensely rewarding and enriches student life.
As I reflect on my experience at Imperial, what astonishes me the most is that it has never been just about academics. While studying and research hold importance, so do the people, the various roles available, the ongoing opportunities for learning, and the life you cultivate around the campus. These are the elements I didn’t fully foresee before commencing, and they are also among the aspects I value most now.