Written by Alexandra (Indonesia), BSc Medical Biosciences (BMB) graduate and MSc Reproductive and Developmental Biology
I chose to study at Imperial because it’s a world-leading university for STEMB, and the BSc Medical Biosciences (BMB) course immediately stood out to me for its innovative teaching style involving interactive learning environments.
Here are three more reasons why I chose to study in the UK and at Imperial:
1. The undergraduate application process through UCAS is straightforward
One of the reasons I initially applied to study in the UK was how simple and easy the undergraduate application process is compared with many other countries. Through UCAS, I was able to apply to five universities using a single application, one personal statement and one academic reference. The UCAS platform was easy to navigate and provided clear guidance throughout the process, which made applying from overseas much less daunting.
Also, the application fee for all five universities was comparable to the fee charged by some institutions elsewhere for a single application.
2. Lots of opportunities to do work experience that can help shape your career ambitions
As an undergraduate student, I was given the opportunity to take part in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP), completing an eight-week research project over one summer. For this project, I investigated antimicrobial resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one of the priority pathogens as defined by the WHO that needs new antibiotics to treat. Supported by the Imperial UROP bursary, the experience gave me my first real insight into academic research, solidifying my interest in research and confirming that pursuing a career in research was the right path for me. So many of the researchers at Imperial are genuinely committed to helping the next generation of young researchers, which is something I’m forever grateful for.
I also took the opportunity to work with the Imperial Global Summer School as a mentor. I’ve loved working with the Global Summer School so much that it’s made me start thinking about a career in academia, as I do really enjoy working with the younger generation of students and inspiring them to pursue a career in STEM.
3. Access to practical placement opportunities to help you reach your career goals
Imperial also has opportunities for students to go on practical placements and gain hands-on experience that can help you attain the knowledge and skills to support your future goals, whether you’re looking to go into further study or work in industry.
During my undergraduate placement, I worked in a startup company developing wearable technologies for stroke rehabilitation. I evaluated mechanical stimulation devices and worked directly with stroke survivors to understand their experiences and preferences. Coming from a predominantly laboratory-based scientific background, this experience taught me the value of qualitative research and patient involvement. It reinforced the importance of listening to the people who will ultimately benefit from your research and ensuring their perspectives shape the technologies and interventions being developed.
Overall, my placement gave me a broad perspective on how research can create real-world impact, and again confirmed that a career in research is what I wanted to do.
Why I wanted to study at Imperial
Ultimately, I chose to apply to Imperial because I knew I would be surrounded by world-class facilities, leading researchers and incredible educators. I knew the teamwork-based BMB course was the right fit for me, and that Imperial would give me the tools, experiences and connections to truly thrive. I also knew it wouldn’t be easy, but that was part of the appeal – I wanted to grow and step out of my comfort zone.
Beyond the quality of education, it was clear from the very beginning that Imperial offers a comprehensive student support system, including dedicated international student support services to help with any questions or challenges you might face when studying abroad.
For any student considering where to study, I’d say this: choose a place that will challenge you, support you and open doors you didn’t even know existed. For me, that place was Imperial.
