A day in the life of a Global Prosperity MSc student

A day in the life of a Global Prosperity MSc Student: Cristina’s journey at UCL

Hi, I’m Cristina Guevara, a Legislative and Policy Advisor from Panama and international UCL student, currently studying the Global Prosperity MSc. With a background in international affairs and policy analysis, I was drawn to the Institute for Global Prosperity (IGP) because of its interdisciplinary approach to redefining prosperity—challenging traditional economic models and focusing on inclusive, sustainable development.

Read my student blog to get a glimpse into a my student life whilst studying the Global Prosperity MSc!

9:30am - Walk to campus 

Nothing beats a sunny morning in London! I start my day with a cup of coffee before heading to UCL’s Bloomsbury campus for my first class: ‘Adapting Cities to Climate Change in the Global South’. This elective, offered by The Bartlett Development Planning Unit, closely aligns with my dissertation research, which explores the impact of climate change on urban areas and strategies for resilience.

Discussing real-world case studies and innovative adaptation methods with students from diverse backgrounds makes every session engaging and thought-provoking.

12:00pm - Coffee break 

Bloomsbury is packed with great coffee spots—perfect for a mid-day recharge between classes. Some of my go-to places include:

• Momo’s Garden Coffee – A cozy spot with great ambiance.
• Burr & Co. (Kimpton Hotel) – A stylish café, perfect for study breaks.
• Blank Street Coffee – Great for a quick grab-and-go option.
• Fred (Holborn) – A hidden gem with amazing pastries.

I often meet up with classmates here to discuss assignments, exchange ideas, or just unwind before the next session.

3:00pm* - Seminar

One of the highlights of the curriculum at thet UCL Institute for Global Prosperity is the opportunity to attend weekly Soundbites and Director’s Seminars events. These sessions offer invaluable insights from academics, policymakers, and industry experts, helping us bridge theory with practice.

While Soundbites focus on professional skills, Director’s Seminars dive into prosperity-related challenges and innovative solutions with academics. One particularly inspiring session was led by Lord Chris Smith, a member of the House of Lords and Head of Pembroke College, Cambridge. He shared invaluable lessons on equality, diversity, and legislative impact, drawing from his decades in public service.

Being able to engage in direct discussions with leading experts is one of the most rewarding aspects of studying at the Institute for Global Prosperity. I always leave these sessions feeling grateful to be a part of the UCL community and inspired and motivated to apply these learnings to real-world challenges.

5:30pm - Wrapping up the day

After the seminar, I pack up and head home, stopping for a quick bite to eat on the way. If I have assessments to work on, I’ll spend some time on those. Otherwise, I’ll unwind with a good show before another busy (and fun) day at the Institute!

After a full day of learning and discussions, I pack up and head home, sometimes stopping for a quick bite on the way. If I have assessments due, I’ll spend some time working on them. Otherwise, I take the evening to unwind with a good show or catch up with friends.

How is university going? Every day at the UCL Institute for Global Prosperity is an opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives, tackle pressing global issues, and rethink the meaning of prosperity. It’s a dynamic, enriching experience that continuously challenges and inspires me!

*Please note timetabling of classes and events is subject to change.