Yifan tells us about how her background in architectural design and Asian politics gave her the motivation to explore the intersection between buildings and humans.

Why were you interested in studying urban studies generally?

I studied architecture design for two years, and I gained an interest in the background behind the built environment during this period. I also spent a year studying Asian Politics for another postgraduate degree, and I wish to explore more about the intersection between buildings and humans. 

What was it that encouraged you to choose UCL to study it? 

There are lots of directions in urban studies, such as political economy, race, migration and climate change. The courses provided by UCL (with three compulsive courses and a range of selections) are very diverse and I could focus on my own specific interest while satisfying my other curiosities. 

What were the most interesting or engaging things you learned on the course so far? 

We have options to choose from a list of courses provided by other programmes and even other departments, which provides an opportunity to develop a more focused concern for a certain topic. Personally, I chose a course provided by an MA programme in regards to gender, which can be viewed as a theoretical approach to gender-related issues in urban studies, and that is super intriguing for me. 

Can you tell us about any particularly memorable experiences from your time as a student with us? 

In my first semester, I had an issue with my writing skills. I talked with my academic advisors, several course convenors and people in the writing lab who generously offered precious advice. The help I got from different channels offered me a wide range of tips which can be used selectively, and I felt much more comfortable with writing in my second semester after practice. 

What do you hope to do in the future? 

I developed my PhD topic during my studies at UCL on housing, gender and home culture, and I hope to explore this further in the academic field.

Would you recommend studying the MSc Urban Studies in the Department and why? 

Definitely! The time I spent here is invaluable! 

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