Authored by Judy, PhD Civil Engineering
“What astonishes me the most about my studies at Imperial is that it’s never solely about the academics – it’s about the individuals, the various roles you can assume, the opportunities for ongoing learning, and the life you cultivate around the campus.”
Having finished my undergraduate studies in Civil Engineering at Imperial and currently being in my second year of a PhD in Transport, I’ve had the opportunity to contemplate my experiences here. Many facets of studying at Imperial have proven to be quite different from what I anticipated – in a positive manner! Here are five unexpected insights I gained about studying at Imperial.
1. Imperial is more global and welcoming than I expected
Prior to joining Imperial, I believed that the student population would primarily be comprised of UK students, and as an international student, I might feel somewhat like an outsider. However, that has not been my impression. Imperial is tremendously international, hosting students from all corners of the globe with varied cultural and academic backgrounds.
The most striking element was how effortless this diversity appears in daily life. You’re frequently surrounded by individuals with differing viewpoints, which becomes intertwined with your educational journey. It makes Imperial feel not just global but also inclusive and inviting.
2. PhD life doesn’t signify the conclusion of classroom education
I previously thought that pursuing a PhD meant the end of formal classes, focusing solely on research. I didn’t foresee there would still be numerous structured opportunities for continued learning.
You can engage in workshops on teaching, research development, presentation abilities, and programming. Although I focused on Civil Engineering for my PhD, I delved deeper into the Transport section, enabling me to attend courses with Transport Master’s students and enhance my foundational knowledge. I didn’t anticipate PhD life including so many options for coursework and development, which I’ve found immensely valuable.
3. You can embrace more roles than just “student”
I was taken aback by the variety of roles I could adopt alongside my studies. I expected life at Imperial to revolve mainly around research, deadlines, and academic responsibilities, but in reality, there are numerous ways to connect beyond this.
While pursuing my PhD, I’ve served as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA), a student content creator, and a student ambassador, with each position providing a different viewpoint on university life at Imperial. Teaching helps me build confidence in articulating ideas effectively, while content creation and ambassador roles allow me to engage with broader audiences and contribute to the student community in a distinctive way. It made me realize that being an Imperial student is not merely one static identity.
4. South Kensington is more than just a location for campus
I didn’t anticipate that being situated at the South Kensington Campus would become such a vital part of my student journey. Initially, I viewed it merely as the region where the university is based, but as time went on, I understood that the surroundings significantly enrich my daily life at Imperial.
After classes or meetings, there are countless spots nearby to discover, whether it be museums, parks, cafés, or restaurants. It’s easy to take a stroll, enjoy time with friends, or simply relax after a demanding day. That equilibrium makes a considerable difference, especially during hectic times. South Kensington is not only where I study – it’s integral to how I experience student life.
5. PhD students are more engaged in societies than I realized
I assumed that societies primarily catered to undergraduates and that PhD students would be too occupied or aloof to take part, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn this isn’t the case!
I became involved in Cheerleading and the Chinese Drama Society, and through their events and initiatives, I encountered other PhD students who were also actively participating in societies. This shifted my perspective on postgraduate life. I observed that even during a PhD, individuals still allocate time for hobbies, friendships, and community engagement outside their research. I believe that is something truly invaluable, creating a more holistic student experience.
Reflecting on my journey at Imperial, what astonished me the most is that it has never been solely about academics. Certainly, studies and research hold importance, but so do the people, the diverse roles you assume, and the life you cultivate in this environment.