Authored by Judy, PhD Civil Engineering
“What astonishes me the most about my studies at Imperial is that it transcends academics – it encompasses the people, the various roles you can adopt, the chances to keep learning, and the life you craft around the campus.”
Having earned my undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at Imperial and currently in my second year of a PhD in Transport, I’ve had the chance to ponder my experience here. Many facets of studying at Imperial differed positively from my initial expectations! Here are five unexpected discoveries I made while attending Imperial.
1. Imperial is more global and inclusive than I had expected
I initially believed that the student body would predominantly consist of UK students, and as an international student, I might feel somewhat like an outsider. However, my actual experience has been just the opposite. Imperial is remarkably international, with students from a wide array of cultural and academic backgrounds from around the globe.
The diversity feels routine in day-to-day life, as I am constantly surrounded by individuals with varying perspectives, which enhances your learning experience. This creates an environment at Imperial that feels not only global but also inclusive and inviting.
2. PhD life doesn’t signify the conclusion of classroom education
I used to think that pursuing a PhD meant an end to classroom learning and solely concentrating on research. I did not anticipate the continued structured learning opportunities available.
If desired, you can engage in sessions focused on teaching, research development, presentation skills, and programming. Even though I concentrated my PhD in Civil Engineering, I further specialized in the Transport area, joining classes with Transport Master’s students to enrich my foundational knowledge. I never imagined that PhD life would offer so many learning opportunities through coursework and training, which I have immensely appreciated.
3. You can assume more roles than merely “student”
I was taken aback by the variety of different roles I could take on alongside my studies. I expected my experience at Imperial to revolve mainly around research, deadlines, and academic responsibilities, but there are numerous ways to engage beyond those confines.
During my PhD, I’ve served as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA), a student content creator, and a student ambassador, with each role revealing a unique aspect of university life at Imperial. Teaching aids me in gaining confidence in articulating concepts clearly, while content creation and ambassador duties offer chances to connect with broader audiences and contribute to the student community in diverse ways. This realization highlighted that being an Imperial student encompasses far more than a single identity.
4. South Kensington is much more than just the location of one campus
I didn’t foresee that being situated at the South Kensington Campus would become such a vital part of my student experience. Initially, I viewed it merely as the area where the university resides, but I eventually recognized that it greatly enhances daily life at Imperial.
After classes or meetings, there are numerous nearby destinations to discover, whether they are museums, parks, cafés, or restaurants. It’s simple to take a stroll, enjoy time with friends, or just decompress after a hectic day. That balance significantly matters, particularly during intense periods. South Kensington is not merely where I study – it’s an integral part of my student life experience.
5. PhD students are more engaged in societies than I had imagined
I presumed that societies were primarily for undergraduates and that PhD students would be too preoccupied or detached to take part, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover this is far from the truth!
I became a member of 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 perception of postgraduate life. I realized that even during a PhD, individuals still allot time for hobbies, friendships, and community involvement outside of their research. I find that to be incredibly valuable, enriching the overall student experience.
Reflecting on my time here, what astonished me most about studying at Imperial is that it has never solely revolved around academics. While study and research are significant components, equally important are the people, the various roles you can undertake, the opportunities for ongoing learning, and the life you build around it.