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Hear from our third Instagrammer in Residence, second year physics MSc student Jason Kong...
We're inviting UCL students to be a UCL Instagrammer in Residence for a week this term. They'll share their experiences of studying at UCL and living in London with their visual and written perspectives shared through our social media and digital channels.
Our second Instagrammer in Residence is 2nd year Physics Masters student Jason Kong, who documents life in London through his Instagram feed (@jasnpix) in colour and black and white photography. Jason took the time to chat to us about his experiences at UCL and favourite spot for some great street photography.
1. What made you decide to study at UCL?
UCL’s student life and academic reputation made me decide to study here. UCL is truly a global university and I get to experience all sorts of cultures and make friends from all around the world while studying physics at a higher level here.
2. What are your three favourite things about studying at UCL?
- UCL’s societies and volunteering opportunities! Personally, I attend a lot of events and talks in different societies and I’m currently a project leader of a teaching-based volunteering programme. All these experiences have been really rewarding for me and for sure have helped me develop my skills in various ways.
- UCL’s students and staff are the kindest :)
- The Main Library - also the Flaxman Gallery! I simply love studying in the Main Library for the atmosphere and the rooms. And I think part of Christopher Nolan’s ‘Inception’ was filmed here as well? That’s one of my favourite movies.
3. What is it like living in London?
London is full of opportunities and it is very important to be able to seize these opportunities. For me at the moment, I really enjoy the process of exploring London while doing photography. Also, these opportunities may involve career events, talks and exhibitions etc. One of the downsides of living here is probably the living expense but this can be compensated by a more sensible planning of the budget (i.e. cooking more instead of going to restaurants every day).
4. What is your most memorable experience at UCL so far?
Definitely the Fresher’s Week in 2017. Everyone was so keen to make friends and talk about their culture, hobbies… and I genuinely had a wonderful time. The events organised by UCL really helped me with my transition into the ‘uni-life’. Most importantly, that was the beginning of everything!
5. What do you love about photography?
For me, photography is a way to better understand the world that I live in while preserving some of my own memories. I mainly do street and urban-style photography. I do think photography gives me a brand new perspective to learn about arts and humanity and I am glad that I can produce some creative work while doing that.
6. Best piece of advice for students who just started studying at UCL?
Work hard, play hard. Do what you enjoy, enjoy what you do. Study in the libraries.
7. You have a free day to spend at one place in London. Where do you spend it?
For street photography, I usually go to Covent Garden where everything is happening. Otherwise, I will probably go to St James’s Park to feed some squirrels (I love squirrels).