Year two wisdom: BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science

About me and why I chose Imperial

I was born on the East coast of India and went to boarding school in North India. There I was a massive debater, MUNner and quizzer. I also setup a non profit organisation to tackle period stigma by providing gamified and gender-inclusive menstrual education. While I was very scientifically inclined for the most part of school, I developed a quick and deep interest in economics in my final two years. My desire to study economics in a scientific backdrop made BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science at Imperial College Business School a top choice.

Additionally, I was drawn to Imperial’s focus on teaching one how to think, rather than what to think – a skill that is crucial for navigating the growing uncertainties in job and financial markets and by extension, the world.

Take advantage of the diverse range of experiences available both at Imperial and in London, as they can enrich your time at university. Stay organised to keep on top of your workload, but also make sure to allow yourself time to relax and enjoy the overall university experience.

One thing I wish I knew before starting University

I wish I had a clearer sense of direction for my university experience and future. While it's not necessary to have everything figured out, having some general goals can be incredibly helpful. When I started at Imperial, I was trying to do everything without a clear purpose. I've since learned that even a vague notion of your aspirations helps in allocating your time and energy more effectively.

Having some idea of what you want to achieve allows you to prioritise activities and opportunities that align with your goals, whether they're academic, career-oriented, or personal. It's okay for these goals to change – university is a time of growth and self-discovery. The point isn't to lock yourself into a rigid plan, but to have an anchor point that guides your decisions.

My advice would be to spend some time reflecting on what you want out of your university experience before you arrive. What skills do you want to develop? What experiences do you want to have? Having even rough answers to these questions can make your first year feel more purposeful and less overwhelming.

Embrace the challenges and opportunities that university life offers. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and try new things—it’s all part of the experience. Remember that everyone is in the same boat, and it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Seeking help when you need it can make a big difference.

Balancing my academic and personal life

The key to adjusting to university life was identifying my priorities—what I enjoyed and what added the most value to me.

In Year 1, the course is designed in such a way that if you follow the instructions, like completing pre-readings and doing problem sets on the recommended dates, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy a thriving social life and attend society events. Where I sometimes struggled was when I missed a pre-reading and had trouble keeping up in lectures, leading me to spend far more time reviewing.

I found that doing tasks as they come, rather than letting them pile up, is a solid strategy for Year 1—though I only developed this habit through some trial and error.

Making friends with course mates also made the academic workload feel less overwhelming and more manageable. Additionally, scheduling and using a calendar to block out time for relaxation are essential. London offers endless opportunities for rejuvenation to suit everyone's tastes. If you're looking for people to share downtime with, your hallmates, course peers, and society members are great places to start.

Adjusting to the academic expectations of university compared to secondary school

To adjust well to university-level academics, I had to come to a few important realisations. First, aiming to be the best is an unrealistic and hollow goal—there will always be someone better at something, but that doesn’t diminish your own merit. It’s also perfectly okay to seek academic help; the faculty are well-equipped and willing to support you.

I found that pre-reading is key to familiarity, which in turn drives understanding—some university content may be completely new, but tackling the recommended readings beforehand, even if they’re confusing, makes lectures far more efficient. Lastly, starting group projects early and completing problem sets on the recommended dates eases a lot of the pressure around assessment time.

Building good relationships with professors and classmates

Building good relationships with professors and classmates is easier said than done, but it’s essential to let go of any reservations or fears about how you might be perceived. Taking a genuine interest in people’s lives, while respecting their time and talents, helps lay a strong foundation for meaningful connections.

Attending professors’ office hours or meeting with tutorial leaders to clarify concepts or discuss optional readings is a great way to engage with teaching staff. Additionally, being active in class discussions not only deepens your understanding but also helps facilitate natural conversations with both peers and professors.

Resources and support systems

You might not always have the energy to attend events, but on days when you do, the "What's On" page on the Imperial College Union website provides a master list of activities ordered by date. One of the great things about university compared to high school is the abundance of people and freedom, which means there’s something for everyone.

Attending events in the first week helped me discover things I was naturally inclined toward, and as the year went on, I stumbled upon many more. It’s a good idea to keep your eyes and ears open for new opportunities and be willing to say yes to anything that sounds interesting. I found most of the events I enjoyed through posters around campus and by following society Instagram accounts. Additionally, there are formal systems in place to support students.

For BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science students, each has an academic adviser, a faculty member who may or may not be teaching the cohort. You can also reach out to tutorial leads and lecturers during their office hours for academic guidance. College-wide services like wellbeing and disability advisory support are available as well.

On a student level, Year reps, Departmental reps, and Union reps are there to voice both academic and wellbeing concerns. For career support, the Business School Careers team is a valuable resource. If you're staying in Halls, wardens and hall seniors are also there to help ease your transition into university life.

My advice to the incoming class

My advice would be to spend some time reflecting on what you want out of your university experience before you arrive. What skills do you want to develop? What experiences do you want to have? Having even rough answers to these questions can make your first year feel more purposeful and less overwhelming.

Embrace the challenges and opportunities that university life offers. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and try new things—it’s all part of the experience. Remember that everyone is in the same boat, and it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Seeking help when you need it can make a big difference.

Take advantage of the diverse range of experiences available both at Imperial and in London, as they can enrich your time at university. Stay organised to keep on top of your workload, but also make sure to allow yourself time to relax and enjoy the overall university experience.