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Seven questions with Tom Butler

12 October 2016

This week meet Tom Butler, a Philosophy BA student set to graduate in 2018, who is a bassist in the band

Tom Butler facebook.com/tbbuk/" target="_self">The Bulletproof Bomb and has strong skills when it comes to ice-skating.

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

I chose philosophy when I was 18 in the midst of my quarter-life crisis because it seemed the best option. As a discipline, it explores all other subjects so it gave me a way of remaining engaged in maths, science, art and politics.

Most of all, though, I like the way Philosophy retains the rigour of academia while impacting on your own life. The ideas I've been discussing in my undergraduate degree have relevance and structures the way I view the world, particularly when it comes to politics and morality.

I'm still in my quarter-life crisis so I'm still not too sure what I want to do. I've always been interested in journalism and the media in general but I'm happy to just follow my nose.

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

I've done lots but one thing that comes to mind is having a look around The Slade. It sits at the side of the quad and there's never any real reason to go in unless you're doing Fine Art. It was interesting to have a look at people's work and realise how different it is to the rest of the university.

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

If it's late at night and not raining, I like walking around Bloomsbury, particularly from Oxford Street up to Euston. The buildings are beautiful and I like reading the blue plaques on the houses.

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

  1. The viewing platform at the Tate Modern is definitely something to do when the sun is shining.
  2. Go and see a band called The Bulletproof Bomb. They're alright and the bassist is very talented and handsome…
  3. My Dad part owns a pub in Kings Cross which he begs me to tell everyone about, so here you go Dad. It's quite cosy but has one of the best atmospheres in London with lots of live music and cheap beer. It's called the King Charles I.

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

I would make sure to meet someone very important and interesting and go for a big dinner with them in the Dorchester or somewhere like that.

Who inspires you and why?

John Lydon from the Sex Pistols. I wouldn't say I would model my behaviour on his, but I've always admired him because he does what he enjoys and doesn't really care about what other people think. He was the icon for a movement which was all about being able to express your own personality which is I think is one of the most important things in life.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I am quite a good ice-skater. I used to take lessons when I was younger and could do all of the moves. I can't leap about like I was once able to but I don't fall over very much on the ice-rink.