Written by Judy, PhD Civil Engineering
“What astonished me the most about attending Imperial is that it’s not just about the academics – it’s about the individuals, the diverse roles you can take on, the ongoing learning opportunities, and the life you shape around the campus.”
After earning my undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at Imperial and now being in my second year of a PhD in Transport, I’ve had some time to contemplate my journey here. Several elements of studying at Imperial were markedly different from what I had anticipated – in an uplifting way! Here are five unexpected revelations I discovered while studying at Imperial.
1. Imperial is more globally oriented and inclusive than expected
Prior to enrolling at Imperial, I presumed that the student population would largely consist of UK students, and as an international student, I might feel a bit like an outsider. However, my experience has been quite the contrary. Imperial is an exceptionally international atmosphere where you meet students from all corners of the world with varied cultural and academic backgrounds.
The most astonishing part was how naturally this diversity integrates into daily life. You’re constantly in the company of individuals with varied viewpoints, which contributes to your learning experience. This makes Imperial not just international but also inclusive and hospitable.
2. PhD existence doesn’t signify the end of classroom education
I initially believed that pursuing a PhD would mean no more classes and exclusively focusing on research. I hadn’t anticipated the abundance of structured learning opportunities available.
If you wish, you can take part in sessions on teaching, research development, presentation skills, and programming. Although I remained within Civil Engineering for my PhD, I delved deeper into the Transport specialization. This enabled me to attend classes with Transport Master’s students and broaden my foundational knowledge in the discipline. I didn’t foresee that PhD life would entail so many opportunities for learning through coursework and training, which I have immensely appreciated.
3. You can take on more roles than purely “student”
I was also taken aback by the array of roles I could engage in alongside my studies. I expected life at Imperial to center on research, deadlines, and academic responsibilities, but in reality, there are countless ways to engage beyond this.
Alongside my PhD pursuits, I’ve held positions as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA), a student content creator, and a student ambassador, each role providing a unique viewpoint on university life at Imperial. Teaching empowers me to build confidence in articulating ideas clearly, while content creation and ambassador duties allow me to interact with broader audiences and contribute to the student community in a distinct way. It made me recognize that being an Imperial student encompasses more than a single, fixed identity.
4. South Kensington is more than merely a campus location
I didn’t foresee that being situated at the South Kensington Campus would become such a pivotal element of my student experience. Initially, I regarded it as just the area where the university is found, but over time, I recognized that the locale contributes significantly to daily life at Imperial.
After classes or meetings, there are numerous nearby attractions to explore, be it museums, parks, cafés, or dining spots. It’s simple to take a stroll, socialize with friends, or simply relax after a long day. This balance has a considerable impact, especially during hectic periods. South Kensington is not just where I study – it’s a part of how I live my student life.
5. PhD students are more engaged in societies than I anticipated
I thought societies were mainly for undergraduates and that PhD students would be too engrossed or disengaged to get involved, but I found this not to be true!
I became a member of Cheerleading and the Chinese Drama Society, and through their events and activities, I encountered other PhD students who were similarly engaged in societies. This shifted my perspective on postgraduate life. I realized that even while pursuing a PhD, individuals still allocate time for hobbies, friendships, and communities outside their research. This is immensely valuable, enriching the student experience.
In reflecting on my time at Imperial, what astonished me the most is that it has never been solely focused on academics. While study and research hold great importance, the people, the various roles you can embrace, the continuous learning opportunities, and the life you create around the campus are equally significant.