Nava
MSc Environmental Technology
I used to live in a small town far away from any capital city, so moving to study in a big and vibrant city like London was a life-changing moment for me.
After completing her Bachelor’s degree of Urban and Regional Planning in Indonesia, Nava worked as a government officer for over five years. Nava shares why she was drawn to the MSc Environmental Technology course at Imperial, her experience of joining our community and what life is like as an international student in London.
Applying to Imperial
I believe climate change is a matter of human rights and that pursuing climate justice is mandatory to protect humankind, nature and the future. While working, I found that climate change disproportionately affects the poor and marginalised communities, leading to substantial loss and damage to nature. I felt that the MSc Environmental Technology course would support me in my journey in achieving climate justice for the world, which is why I decided to apply to Imperial.
The fact that Imperial is the 2nd top university in the world and 1st in the UK and Europe (QS World University Rankings 2025) also really motivated me to apply.
The university’s well-known reputation and world-class resources ticked everything on my list that I wanted for my ideal UK student experience.
Finding a scholarship
Imperial’s accessible Scholarship Search Tool made it easier to find financial support that I was eligible for, such as the ASEAN-UK SAGE: Women in STEM Scholarship.
My scholarship application process was very straight-forward. The application had four sections to complete, including personal details, educational and professional background, socio-economic information and a personal statement. I didn’t have to do an interview and I was also eligible for an application fee waiver to apply for my course at Imperial.
Normally in STEM fields, women are not very well represented and there is a huge difference in the gender proportions, but when woman are empowered with equal opportunities, they will break barriers.
The ASEAN-UK SAGE: Women in STEM Scholarship supports access to high-quality UK education for women with a passion for STEM, like me. It covers my full tuition fee, an annual stipend and a return flight from my home country to the UK. The scholarship also covers the English requirement test, thesis grant and other expenses related to my study.
The most important thing when applying for a scholarship is to clearly look out for the eligibility criteria. Make sure that you’re not missing out on any details for the requirements and be very well-prepared!
Want to find out more about scholarship opportunities?
Joining the Imperial community
As an international student, I was worried about finding my groove in a foreign country and academic programme, but at Imperial, I’ve never felt worried about studying in a country so far away from home – the university has provided me with lots of support with living and studying in the UK, including a personal tutor, personal skills modules and sessions for health and wellbeing.
During Welcome Season, I found out about the many different clubs and organisations at Imperial. Being an international student and having moved country, I wanted to find other students who were from familiar backgrounds to help me settle into life in a new country, so I joined Imperial’s Indonesian Student Society and the Indonesian Student Association in London. The wide range of communities at Imperial makes it easier to connect with people with the same interests while having fun and it’s always exciting to hear different perspectives.
Joining the Imperial community
As an international student, I was worried about finding my groove in a foreign country and academic programme, but at Imperial, I’ve never felt worried about studying in a country so far away from home – the university has provided me with lots of support with living and studying in the UK, including a personal tutor, personal skills modules and sessions for health and wellbeing.
During Welcome Season, I found out about the many different clubs and organisations at Imperial. Being an international student and having moved country, I wanted to find other students who were from familiar backgrounds to help me settle into life in a new country, so I joined Imperial’s Indonesian Student Society and the Indonesian Student Association in London. The wide range of communities at Imperial makes it easier to connect with people with the same interests while having fun and it’s always exciting to hear different perspectives.
Nava on a Fun Run with the Indonesian Student Association in London
Nava on a Fun Run with the Indonesian Student Association in London
Find out more about the Imperial community and why we draw students from across the world.
Living in London as an international student
In Indonesia, I worked and lived in a small town far away from the capital city, so moving to a big and vibrant city like London was a life-changing moment for me. I love every bit of it – the parks, the public transport, the diverse culture – it never ceases to amaze me.
My favourite part of London is the people. The community at Imperial is helping me to settle in with living and studying in London, as it’s truly international and I feel like I belong.
There was a moment when I was with my classmates and I couldn’t believe that there were more than 10 nationalities sitting together – it was one of the most memorable moments of my Imperial experience so far!
The opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture in London is something that I would not trade for the world. If you’re lucky enough to get the same opportunity, now is your moment – take it!
Never let your circumstances define you. If you have a dream to study at Imperial, you can make it a reality. Be brave and take the leap!
Want to learn more about our courses?
Visit our Study site to search our postgraduate courses and find out more about how to apply.
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