Describe your time at UCL in three words: eye-opening, enriching, exciting.
Nicole Irwin
Master of Public Health MPH
Toronto, Canada
What attracted you to UCL?
I had always wanted to study abroad and London was the perfect place to do it. I began looking into UCL and knew it was the perfect fit for me. UCL is of the best schools in the world for my program of interest and the academic staff and researchers within both the school and faculty are some of the top experts in their fields.
How has UCL been different to what you had known at your previous university?
UCL has so many clubs, societies, and activities to join. There is a large emphasis on getting involved in the school and community of London which was a major change from my previous university.
What aspects of your studies do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy each weeks in-class group work with my classmates to solve case studies. This gives me a chance to practice teamwork and apply our knowledge to tackle real and current problems while receiving input from some of the top academics and practitioners in the field.
What makes you most proud to be a UCL student?
UCL’s commitments to the environment and their reducing the schools impacts by becoming a net-zero school by 2030. Its inspiring to study at a school that takes meaningful action towards representing what they teach.
Describe your time at UCL in three words.
Eye-opening, Enriching, Exciting.
What are some of the most interesting things you have done, seen, or got involved with while at UCL?
I got to try out different activities through taster sessions provided by the student union encouraging new experiences. My favourite was taking Barre for the first time because it’s always been something I had wanted to try but was too scared to enroll in.
In what way has studying in London enriched your studies?
I have been able immerse myself in the culture of London and have opportunities to learn how topics in my program can be so different in another country than to my own. Studying in another country, and especially in such a large city as London, has given me more of a global perspective on my studies in Health.
Who inspires you most at UCL and why?
There are so many I could list, but my lecturers take the top spot. All of them have been so encouraging and passionate about their topics of study and truly want their students to do well in their courses. They provide numerous resources, office hours and meetings, and some even go out of their way to check in on students individually to ensure they are managing well. Denes Stefler and Serena Luchenski have gone above their positions of just providing material and really do make inspiring connections with their students.
What advice would you give to a student considering UCL?
If you have any questions regarding course topics or deciding which could be the right program for you, reach out to members to the faculty. They are always enthusiastic about discussing shared academic interests and have been more than helpful with my program questions in the past. It can help to settle any questions and concerns you may have about applying to UCL.
How has being at UCL changed you and the way you think about yourself?
UCL has made me more of a global student. Coming from Canada, those are the only systems I have known. Working with staff and classmates from around the world have taught me to recognize biases in my thinking. I have also learned that I am more capable than I think. UCL provides so many resources to support student success that I have benefitted from.
What are your future ambitions and how do you think that being a UCL student will help you get there?
UCL’s unique program specific modules and connections within the public health community are providing me with the education, experience, support, and network to enter the workforce as a hopeful epidemiologist. I have always contemplated the idea of continuing in academia and feel I will be completely prepared to apply for a PhD program if my interests take me in that direction.