Authored by Judy, PhD Civil Engineering
“What astonishes me the most about my studies at Imperial is that it’s not solely focused on academics – it revolves around the people, the varying roles one can embrace, the continuous learning opportunities, and the life one creates 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 a chance to contemplate my journey here. Many elements of studying at Imperial were considerably different from what I initially thought – in a positive light! Here are five unexpected discoveries I’ve made about my time at Imperial.
1. Imperial is far more international and inclusive than I expected
Prior to my arrival at Imperial, I presumed the student population would largely comprise UK students, and that, as an international student, I might feel a bit like an outsider. On the contrary, my experience has been anything but that. Imperial is a profoundly international setting where you meet students from all over the world with varied cultural and educational backgrounds.
The most astonishing part was how seamlessly this diversity integrates into everyday life. You are continually surrounded by individuals with differing viewpoints, which becomes an integral part of your learning journey. It makes Imperial not just international but also inclusive and welcoming.
2. Pursuing a PhD doesn’t signify the end of classroom education
I once thought that engaging in a PhD meant no more classes and solely concentrating on research. What took me by surprise was the wealth of opportunities available to keep learning in an organized way.
If desired, you can take part in sessions covering teaching, research development, presentation skills, and programming. In my situation, although I stayed within Civil Engineering for my PhD, I delved deeper into the Transport sector. This enabled me to attend courses with Transport Master’s students, thereby broadening my knowledge in the field. I did not foresee that PhD life would still present so many opportunities for learning through coursework and training, which I have genuinely appreciated.
3. You can embrace multiple roles beyond just being a “student”
Another unexpected revelation was the array of roles I could assume alongside my studies. I had anticipated life at Imperial to be primarily centered on research, deadlines, and scholarly work, but in truth, there are countless ways to engage beyond these confines.
In addition to my PhD, I’ve worked as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA), a student content creator, and a student ambassador, with each position unveiling a different facet of university life at Imperial. Teaching has helped me gain confidence in articulating ideas clearly, while content creation and ambassadorial activities offer opportunities to connect with broader audiences and contribute to the student community differently. It made me understand that being an Imperial student is not merely a singular identity.
4. South Kensington offers more than just a campus setting
I hadn’t anticipated that being situated at the South Kensington Campus would become such an integral part of my student experience. Initially, I thought of it simply as the location of the university, but I gradually came to realize that the area adds significant value to daily life at Imperial.
After lectures or meetings, there are plenty of nearby spots to explore, whether they be museums, parks, cafés, or restaurants. It’s easy to take a stroll, hang out with friends, or just relax after a long day. That balance greatly impacts overall well-being, especially during hectic times. South Kensington isn’t merely where I study – it forms a part of my student life experience.
5. PhD students participate in societies more than I anticipated
I had thought that societies were primarily for undergraduates and that PhD students would be too busy or disconnected to engage, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is far from the case!
I became a member of the Cheerleading and Chinese Drama Society, and through their events and activities, I encountered other PhD students who were actively participating in societies as well. This shifted my perspective on postgraduate life. I recognized that even while pursuing a PhD, individuals still carve out time for hobbies, friendships, and communities outside of their research. I consider this to be incredibly valuable, contributing to a more holistic student experience.
Reflecting on my journey at Imperial, what surprised me the most is that it has always been more than just academics. Of