Seven Questions with... Fola Olaleye

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I'm in the final year of my Urban Planning, Design and Management degree at The Bartlett School of Planning. I really love the breadth of ideas you explore when studying urban planning. I think it's a profession not many people are aware of because architecture is the first thing most people think of when they think about cities. However, urban planning is such a multifaceted profession that combines knowledge of geography, sociology, history, psychology, design and more, to understand how people interact with their surroundings and how to create places that meet the needs of diverse populations. I also love the varying scale of issues you can engage with; from large scale master planning to examining the importance of taken-for-granted elements of the built environment, such as street lighting, and their potential to completely transform the character of a place.

After graduation, I'm hoping to complete a Master's degree and then hopefully start my career in an international organisation where I can focus on urban development and governance across the African continent.

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

In my first and second year, I had the opportunity to conduct research through the Laidlaw Research and Leadership Scholarship. The programme is open to first year undergraduates and includes a series of professional leadership workshops and the opportunity to work on research projects over two summers. In my first year, I contributed to National Housing Design Audit research led by Place Alliance, and in my second year, I did an independent study on grassroots campaigns for the right to housing. The scholarship was extremely rewarding both academically and professionally, and I met amazing people who are now good friends of mine. I strongly encourage any first year students interested in research and leadership to consider applying. Applications for Summer 2021 opened on November 30 and you can either propose a research topic of your choice or choose from a list of projects UCL academics are working on.

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

I spent most of my second year in the Bartlett Urban Design Studio and there's a really great cafe/restaurant called Pitted Olive right opposite on Leigh Street. The portions are huge and the staff are lovely too!

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

1. Eating out – There are so many great food places in London which is both a blessing for me and a curse for my bank account.
2. The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is one of the most beautiful green spaces I've ever visited. The peacocks are also a plus.
3. The Garden at 120 is a free rooftop garden to visit for an incredible view of London.

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

I would initiate a review of curriculums across all UCL departments and develop a strategy to ensure that at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, students are given the opportunity to engage with and apply knowledge and practice from all corners of the world. This could be through developing more diverse reading lists or case study selections with perspectives from under-represented global regions. I think the curriculums should reflect UCL’s diverse student population and encourage innovative critical thinking. 

Who inspires you and why?

I wouldn't say any one person inspires me because there are so many people in the world doing really impactful work to better the lives of others. I'm most inspired by everyday people who are fighting against social injustice in all its forms, even in the face of adversity. Not only do they encourage me to be resilient, they also remind me that any change is better than no change. I think a lot of us have ambitions to create change in the world and it's sometimes overwhelming when we think about how many things need fixing. However, if there's anything good that has come out of 2020, it's the knowledge that small victories are just as valid as large ones, even if all you do is raise awareness of an issue. I believe that's enough to catalyse something much bigger in the future.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

Back in August, my sisters and I started a food business – Puff Puff Ministry. We’re on a mission to make puff puff (a traditional West African fried dough snack) as popular as doughnuts. So I spend my weekends in our kitchen, spreading the joy of puff puff to homes across the UK!