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Kam, our fourth Instagrammer in Residence, gives us his advice as a Londoner about settling into the city as a student and what studying chemistry is like.
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 fourth Instagrammer in Residence is third year Chemistry student Kam Charles Poon, who shares glimpses into life around the world through his Instagram feed (@kampoon1), which features urban landscapes and many a beautiful blue sky. Kam took the time to chat to us about his experience living in London, having grown up here, and his best piece of advice to students just starting at UCL.
1. What made you decide to study at UCL?
In my opinion London is the most exciting city in the world. It is an enormous melting pot of ideas, cultures and beliefs and that means there’s always something new to see or do. Having grown up in North London, I couldn’t imagine studying elsewhere and I knew I had to stay in the city. UCL Chemistry is also renowned for their research in materials chemistry, the field that has always interested me most. This created a perfect storm and I knew UCL would be right for me.
2. What are your three favourite things about studying at UCL?
My course. I love studying chemistry today as much as I claimed I did when I applied and am lucky to have so many wonderful lecturers.
The location. From campus it is only a short walk to the shops of Oxford Circus, green spaces of Regents Park and of course Camden Market.
My friends. I have been lucky enough to meet some really incredible people on my course and they mean everything to me here. Even after a long, exhausting day they never fail to make me smile.
3. What is it like living in London?
I have spent a lot of time travelling around the big cities of Europe and while they are all beautiful in their own unique right, I am yet to find a place that I would like to live in more than London. I love the diversity, the incredible restaurants and the buzzing and relentless pace of the city. It can be scary at first but being here alone is a huge source of motivation for me and if at any moment you feel you need a break from it all, you can always wander into a park and completely forget you’re in London. Yes, London can be big, daunting and expensive but in my opinion, there is no greater city to live or study in.
4. What is your most memorable experience at UCL so far?
After my final exam last summer my course mates and myself headed to Primrose Hill and spent the rest of the day celebrating the end of the year. Relishing the feeling of relief and freedom from exams for another year while enjoying a beautiful summer’s day with some of my closest friends was just wonderful. It was one of those summer evenings you wish would never end.
5. What do you love about photography?
As a course, Chemistry is very focused on problem solving and mathematics, so for me photography is my outlet of creativity. I love playing with light and composition to capture the beauty of our surroundings. As you’ll see from looking at my pictures, nothing excites me more than an urban landscape and a blue sky!
6. Best piece of advice for students who just started studying at UCL?
Do what you enjoy and don’t feel pressured into doing something just because it’s what everyone else does. Your time at university is short and there are so many exciting things to do, so make sure you be your own person and spend your time doing things that make you happy.
7. You have a free day to spend at one place in London. Where do you spend it?
I am always drawn back to Shoreditch and Brick Lane. I could easily spend a whole day wandering through the markets there. With tonnes of great cafes and restaurants so close together, every time I go back, I find a new place I want to try or explore.