Written by Judy, PhD in Civil Engineering
“What astonishes me the most about studying at Imperial is that it’s never solely focused on academics – it encompasses the people, the various roles you can undertake, the opportunities for continuous learning, and the life you cultivate around the campus.”
Having finished my undergraduate studies in Civil Engineering at Imperial and currently in my second year of a PhD in Transport, I’ve had ample opportunity to contemplate my experience here. Many elements of studying at Imperial turned out to be quite different from what I expected – in a delightful way! Here are five unexpected discoveries I made while studying at Imperial.
1. Imperial is more global and inclusive than I thought
Before joining Imperial, I presumed the student population would mainly consist of UK students, and as an international student, I might feel somewhat out of place. However, that has not been my experience at all. Imperial presents a profoundly international atmosphere, with students hailing from every corner of the globe, bringing a variety of cultural and academic perspectives.
The most astonishing aspect was how normal this diversity feels in everyday life. You are continuously surrounded by individuals with differing viewpoints, which seamlessly integrates into your learning journey. It renders Imperial not only international but also welcoming and inclusive.
2. PhD life does not signify the end of educational learning
I once believed that pursuing a PhD meant the cessation of classes and an exclusive focus on research. What I did not foresee was the plethora of opportunities to continue learning in an organized manner.
If you wish, you may engage in sessions on teaching methodologies, research development, presentation skills, and programming. Although I remained within Civil Engineering for my PhD, I delved deeper into the Transport segment. This enabled me to attend classes alongside Transport Master’s students and broaden my foundational knowledge in the field. I did not expect PhD life to offer so many opportunities for learning through coursework and training, which I have truly valued.
3. You can take on more roles than just “student”
Another revelation was the range of roles I could embrace while pursuing my studies. I anticipated that life at Imperial would center around research, deadlines, and academic tasks, but in practice, there are numerous ways to engage beyond these confines.
In addition to my PhD, I have served as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA), a student content creator, and a student ambassador, with each position providing a distinct perspective on university life at Imperial. Teaching fosters my ability to articulate ideas clearly, while content creation and ambassador roles allow me to connect with broader audiences and contribute to the student community in a unique manner. It made me realize that being an Imperial student encompasses more than just one static identity.
4. South Kensington is more than merely a campus location
I didn’t anticipate that being situated at the South Kensington Campus would become such a vital part of my student experience. Initially, I regarded it merely as the location of the university, but over time, I realized that the area enriches daily life at Imperial.
After classes or meetings, there are numerous nearby attractions to explore, whether they be museums, parks, cafés, or restaurants. It’s easy to embark on a walk, spend time with friends, or simply relax after a long day. That balance greatly enhances my experience, particularly during hectic times. South Kensington is not just my study location – it contributes significantly to my student life experience.
5. PhD students are more engaged in societies than I expected
I presumed that societies were primarily for undergraduates and that PhD students would be too busy or disengaged to take part, but I was delighted to discover that this is far from the truth!
I have become a member of the Cheerleading and Chinese Drama Society, and through their events and activities, I encountered other PhD students who were similarly involved in societies. This transformed my perception of postgraduate life. I recognized that even while pursuing a PhD, individuals still carve out time for hobbies, friendships, and communities beyond their research. I consider this to be genuinely valuable, as it lends a fuller dimension to student life.
Reflecting on my experience at Imperial, what has surprised me the most is that it has never been solely about academics. Certainly, study and research are essential.