Blog posts

Lessons I’ve learnt living in London as an Imperial student

Written by Emilio (Spain), MSc Applied Mathematics

Making the decision to move from the countryside of a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe was scary. However, the last 18 months since I moved to London have been the most rewarding and entertaining months of my life.

London is a diverse, multicultural, historic and action-packed city with a diverse portfolio of restaurants, events and places to visit – exploring the city is always an adventure! But settling into the routine of living in a new country can be challenging at times. Here’s some lessons I learnt when moving to London as an international student, and some guidance and suggestions on what to do once you’re settled in.

How do I apply for a PhD at Imperial?

Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine

Applying for a PhD can be a daunting and extensive process. However, with the right guidance, it can become a smooth and even exciting experience, allowing you to better understand your goals and interests. Here’s a rough guide for finding a PhD that is a good fit for yourself, based on my personal experiences of finding, choosing and applying for a PhD at Imperial.

Why do a PhD?

Before beginning to search for a PhD, you must first understand why you want to do a PhD. A PhD is a commitment, and making sure it aligns with your goals and interests is important.

How do I apply for a Master’s at Imperial?

Written by Haaris (US), MRes Bioengineering

Applying for postgraduate study can be daunting, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn at the cutting edge of your field, meet inspiring individuals and push your limits for career success.

1. Choose a course

The first and most important step is choosing a course. Generally, Imperial’s graduate degrees are either course-based or research-based.

Course-based degrees, known as postgraduate taught courses, are similar to a Bachelor’s as they focus on seminars and assignments, with the potential to do a capstone project – a long-term assignment where you apply what you’ve learnt to a real-world problem or research question – towards the end of your course.

Finding your new home in London as a Master’s student

Written by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering

A couple of days ago marked my nine months of living in London. Admittedly, nine months is not that long but I have learnt a few things in that period. London is a vibrant city, not only when it comes to its diverse range of accommodation options but for its communities that reside here as well. Students can find a load of options in their footsteps. Both student housing and private accommodation offer a range of choices like ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and private rooms, studio apartments, and house shares.

Do’s and don’ts of the first year: What I’ve learned as a Materials Science student

Written by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)

Ten months ago, in October of 2022, I was nervous, scared and doubtful about what lay ahead. I was about to start my degree in Materials Science and Engineering as a first-year fresher. Throwing myself into the deep end wasn’t exactly something that my formerly shy and reserved self was used to doing. Looking back, I see an academic year full of self-development, challenges and plenty of fun! But what has this year taught me, and where am I now? 

 One of the first and most nerve-racking challenges I had to face was making friends.

Diving into innovation: my perspective on the research lab experience at Imperial College London

Written by Ashima Khanna, MSc Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology

Embarking on a journey towards a Master’s degree in Applied Bioscience and Biotechnology, I found myself drawn to the prestigious halls of Imperial College London, one of the world’s leading research institutions. With a burning passion for scientific discovery and a desire to push the boundaries of biotechnology, I eagerly embraced the opportunity to join a research lab at Imperial. In this blog, I will share my immersive and exhilarating experience as a Master’s student working in a cutting-edge research lab at Imperial College London. 

 A thriving ecosystem of innovation: 

Imperial College London prides itself on an impressive research ecosystem, characterised by cutting-edge facilities, brilliant intellect, and groundbreaking research endeavors.

Part-time opportunities for international postgraduate students in London

Written by Ashima Khanna, MSc Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology

London, the vibrant and multicultural capital of England, offers an array of opportunities for international students pursuing their postgraduate studies. While focusing on your studies is important, many students also seek part-time employment to support themselves financially and to gain valuable work experience. This blog will delve into various part-time options available for postgraduate international students in London. 

On-campus jobs: 

Universities in London often have a range of on-campus employment opportunities exclusively available to students. These jobs can include research positions (for M. Research students only), student ambassadors, consulting projects at Imperial Consulting Group, and sales assistants at college cafes and the Union shop.

Navigating accommodation options in London: A Master’s student perspective

Written by Ashima Khanna, MSc Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology

Embarking on a postgraduate degree in London is an exciting and life-changing experience. As one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, Imperial College London attracts students from all backgrounds, fostering a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment. However, amidst the thrill of pursuing higher education, one important aspect that demands attention is securing suitable accommodation in the bustling metropolis of London. In this blog post, we’ll explore the challenges, options, and tips for finding accommodation as a master’s student in London. 

London is known for its competitive and fast-paced housing market, and finding affordable accommodation can be a daunting task.

Living in London: A kaleidoscope of experiences

Written by Ashima Khanna, MSc Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology

As a student at Imperial, living in London offers a unique experience, blending academic excellence with cultural immersion. In this blog, I will delve into the various aspects of living in London from the perspective of a student. 

Academic excellence: 

London, a hub of renowned colleges known for its academic rigour and excellence across various disciplines, provides the opportunity to learn from world-class professors, engage in cutting-edge research, and collaborate with bright minds from around the globe. Being a Master’s student at Imperial College London, I believe that the academic environment at Imperial fosters innovation and pushes you to explore new frontiers in your field of study. 

Five tips for securing the MSc research project of your choice

Written by Vedashree Chandewar, taught postgraduate student in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. (MSc Environmental Engineering 2022-2023)

The research project is a pivotal milestone in your MSc degree at Imperial. It holds the potential to shape your career trajectory. While some students discover their passion for a PhD, others land their dream job through industrial collaboration during their project. Either way, the research project can be incredibly rewarding if you are enthusiastic about it. With this motivation, this blog aims to provide you with five essential tips to navigate the selection process and secure a project that truly excites you.

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