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You have a unique opportunity to learn and grow and fail safely and try again… make the most of it!
BSc Civil Engineering (Year 1)
What attracted you to your course and studying at UCL?
UCL’s approach to engineering is very hands on and project based, which makes it very enjoyable because there is always a new thing to work on. UCL’s academic prestige helps you stand out.
UCL has so much more than academics: career services, pastoral support, study spaces, events they organize…
Aside from studying, how do you like to spend your time? Are you involved in any clubs or societies?
I train 2 or 3 times a week with the rowing society (RUMS BC). I also work with the Engineers in Action society where I am designing a bridge and fundraising to travel to Eswatini this summer and help building that bridge! If I need to unwind, I will go for a bike ride in Regents Park listening to some music, or when the weekend rolls around, I’ll go out for dinner with some friends trying out new cuisine, or maybe see a show, or let loose in a club.
What does a typical day look like for you?
- 7.15am - Wake up, pack my food and get ready.
- 8.20am - Tube to campus (I live further out than most students)
- 9am to 1pm - Lectures/Study
- 1pm to 2pm - Lunch; now that the weather is sunnier, this means picnic in the park!
- 2pm to 5.30pm - Lectures/Study/Group projects
- 6pm - Workout at Bloomsbury Fitness
- 7.45pm - Home time!
- 8.15pm - Dinner, unwind (play guitar/watch a show/call a friend from home)
- 11pm - Sleep
What is your favorite thing about studying in London?
All the events, societies and study spaces I have access to as a University of London student! Whether it’s meeting people at a joint event with King’s College London or playing against them in varsity, finding another great study spot, a new favorite dish from yet another deli, the opportunity to tour an abandoned tube underground tunnel… London is truly endless.
Do you have any tips on managing the cost of living in London?
You can get a part time job, but there are also a lot of flexible opportunities that you can fit around your schedule if like me you don’t have the time for many shifts: online tutoring, babysitting, dog sitting, catering events…
Making your own meals is so much cheaper than buying them, and it doesn’t take long either! UCL has bars and cafes if you want to add fresh fruit, coffee, or a sweet treat with your lunch (they can provide cutlery as well if like me you tend to forget it when packing food). Plus, there are free microwaves and hot water dispensers throughout campus which is very convenient.
Lastly, TfL travelcards! They offer unlimited travel for a fixed fee, and students get 1/3 off. They can be expensive, but they are a lot easier to budget with and you often save in the long run!
What has surprised you most about studying at UCL and in London?
I’ve said it before, but London (and UCL in particular) has a massive range of diversity! In terms of culture, religion, ethnicity, food, sexual orientation, activities, types of study spaces, teaching styles, shows, sports, weather, job opportunities… and you will end up liking things you might not expect, with friends you would not expect!
What do you plan to do in the future?
Full disclosure: this engineer is a rail nerd, so my plan is to graduate and join the rail industry, hopefully join TfL working as an engineer for the underground.
However, I keep learning about cool sectors and graduation is years away, so there is a high chance I might change my aspirations completely by the time I work. For now, I am trying to get as much exposure through tasters and internships as possible.
What advice would you give to other international students thinking about studying at UCL?
Go for it! Do your research in terms of bursaries and grants well before because there are some great opportunities you don’t want to miss.
Research your course, look at the module catalogue to get an idea of what assignments you would be doing.
Read the emails UCL sends you during the application process: they often have important info, insights, or tips to ease your moving to London.
Say yes to things and do not be scared to try new stuff! Everyone is extremely supportive, and you have a unique opportunity to learn and grow and fail safely and try again… make the most of it!