7 Questions with Imogen Malpas

This week we meet Imogen Malpas, studying Arts & Sciences, majoring in literature and minoring in neuroscience, who is graduating this year 1.

Why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

A chronic inability to choose one thing when I could choose two (or more), combined with a curiosity to learn as much about everything as possible, found me studying this unusual combination of subjects. At school, I was torn between medicine and writing, and I've found both sides of my degree so fascinating that it hasn't made the choice any clearer. Next year, I plan to travel across South America in search of the weirdest and most isolated places on Earth - as for my career, I'm hoping my adventures will give me inspiration.

2. What is the most interesting thing you've done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

In my first few weeks, in between working up the courage to either talk to people in my halls cafeteria or to turn up to societies' intro events, I stumbled across a rehearsal for VOCE's gospel choir. A year later I was leading the choir as conductor. The people I met and the experiences I had through VOCE - from jumping up and down directing the choir on stage at the Bloomsbury Theatre to singing behind Michelle Williams as part of the BBC Gospel Proms' backing choir - have been some of the best parts of my time at university. 

3. Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL? 

One of the best things about studying in London is that it is impossible to run out of things to explore and, being a student, you can go explore them when everybody else is at work. Favourites of mine around campus are the Japanese roof garden at SOAS, and the periodicals reading room in Senate House. Exploring London has introduced me to some amazing people, and I've recently started working on a project called Living London, founded and run by photographer and explorer Saira Niazi. Saira has built up an incredible database of walks exploring London's hidden corners. We're currently working on turning Living London into more of a community project, connecting people from all different walks of life and giving them the opportunity to explore their city together. Check out the project on Facebook at facebook.com/livinglon/ or on Twitter at @livinglon - and please come along and say hi!

4. Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

1. Near Granary Square, along Regent's Canal, there's a floating bookshop called Word on the Water. The books are reasonably priced, they host live music on their roof, and they have a dog: what more could a bookshop need?

2. Parkway is probably my favourite street in London, especially coming back from Regent's Park in autumn when the leaves are just starting to fall. Sushi Waka, a little Japanese restaurant at the top of the road, has the best sushi I've ever tried and the upstairs room, decorated in traditional Japanese style, is the most beautiful place to spend a rainy afternoon.

3. The Barbican Centre always has brilliant exhibitions, concerts or free events. The architecture is unique and there are countless spaces to relax and read. You can even view sections of the ancient Roman Wall surrounding the City of London that are still standing.

5. If you were Provost for the day what one thing would you do?

Prioritise university mental health services. Much more needs to be done to support students who are suffering, and my own struggles with mental health - as well as those of my friends - have shown how important it is for institutions to help tear down the stigma that stops people being able to openly talk about their problems. I'd increase the number of dedicated mental health support staff, and create a space on campus devoted to relaxation, with free tea and coffee and advisors on hand to talk to anyone who needs it. 

[Find out more about student support and wellbeing services at UCL here].

6. Who inspires you and why?

My uncle James, who passed away a few years ago, was probably the coolest person I've ever known. An art historian, he lectured and taught all over London, whilst working as an artist, a weapons instructor and a BBC broadcaster. He also found time to do regular parachute jumps, drive his tank (!) around South London and tend the numerous lizards he kept as pets. He was the ultimate polymath role model for someone as indecisive as me, demonstrating how it's possible to follow all of your passions at once, and I can only hope that I grow up to have a similarly bizarre and impressive list.

7. What would it surprise people to know about you?

When I was 16, myself and some friends anonymously set up a fan Twitter account as a bit of a joke between us. Six years and a lot of unexpected media attention later, it has nearly 300k followers - none of us are quite sure how it happened.