Yuhao

What’s your background?

I am from Shenzhen, China, and I grew up entirely within the Chinese education system, which meant that most of the subjects and projects on the UPC were completely new to me.

At high school, I focused on four science subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics, spending most of my time on Maths and Physics in particular.

Until the university entrance exam, my academic journey had no major setbacks, so I never considered studying abroad.

Unfortunately, my performance in that exam led me to take a different path and begin my foundation studies on the UPCSE.

How is the UK education system different to your home country?

One key difference between the UK and Chinese education systems is the strong connection between theory and practice.

In the UK, knowledge taught in class is closely linked to projects that apply and reinforce concepts immediately, often encouraging deeper learning through challenge.

In contrast, Chinese education focuses more on mastering content and methods, with fewer opportunities for practical work.

Assessment is also different, with frequent exams in the UK contributing to final grades, while in China most outcomes depend on a single high-stakes university entrance exam.

Why did you choose to study your International Foundation Year at UCL?

I chose UCL’s foundation programme for both academic challenge and personal development.

Among UK foundation courses, UCL’s is known to be one of the most demanding but also one of the most rewarding, with strong progression to top institutions such as Cambridge, UCL, and Imperial.

As someone unfamiliar with the UK education system, the programme provided an efficient way to adapt.

It helped me build strong foundations in academic English and research methods, which have already made my transition to university much smoother.

Was your time on the UPC as you expected?

My original goal was simply to study hard and pass my exams, but the experience became much more than that.

I made friends from around the world, each bringing different perspectives and experiences.

The practical projects taught me how to apply knowledge in real-world situations, going far beyond theory.

Overall, the year exceeded my expectations.

What was your personal highlight from the course and why?

One of the most memorable parts of the course for me was the physics lab project.

Although many students found it frustrating because of its complexity, I appreciated the challenge.

I learned how to derive theory, build experimental setups, use equipment, collect and clean data, reflect on errors, and present findings in a formal report.

This structured approach has become a framework I now use for tackling complex engineering tasks at university.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during your time on the UPC and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge for me was maintaining a consistent study routine.

Before the UPC, I relied on short periods of intense revision rather than steady learning.

I overcame this by treating the year as a long-term project and creating a balanced schedule for study, daily life, and rest.

This helped me build stronger habits and stay focused without burning out.

Where did you live during the UPC, and how was your experience?

I lived alone in a single en-suite room in a university-managed student residence about a 20-minute walk from campus.

The area felt safe, with shops and underground stations nearby, and the accommodation was well equipped with good facilities and reliable Wi-Fi.

My corridor flatmates were full-time university students, and speaking with them gave me useful insight into university life.

Overall, it was a very positive experience.

Which degree are you studying now and what is it like?

I am currently studying Computer Science at Imperial College London.

The subject requires strong mathematical thinking and focuses on solving real-world problems with efficiency and optimisation.

The Maths and Physics I studied during the foundation year gave me a solid academic base.

The academic English and research skills from the UPC have also been essential for independent study.

How has the UPC helped you in your degree?

The UPC helped me build a strong academic foundation, particularly in mathematical and analytical thinking.

The training in academic English and research methods has been essential for reading papers and exploring technical resources.

The structured problem-solving approach I learned — from theory to testing and presentation — has been especially valuable in group projects.

It has improved both my technical work and communication skills.

Where is/was your favourite place on campus and why?

My favourite place on campus was the physics lab.

Working there with friends to solve problems gave me a strong sense of achievement.

The environment encouraged teamwork and hands-on learning, and instructors were always willing to help.

It was where theory truly came to life.

What is it like to live and study in London?

Living in London has been a big adjustment, especially coming from a warmer and sunnier city.

The weather is often cold and grey, so learning how to stay warm and manage daily routines is important.

Food can be basic at times, so cooking for yourself is both affordable and improves meal quality.

Although I spend more time indoors studying, sunny days motivate me to go outside and recharge.

What advice would you give to future UPC students?

First, never skip classes, especially science lectures and tutorials, as exams are closely linked to lecture content.

Understanding material early saves time later and reduces stress during revision.

If you do fall behind, focus on core concepts, practise tutorial questions, and identify patterns in past papers.

Most importantly, make full use of the academic and social opportunities around you — they will help you grow in every way.