Student experiences

"In academics what I’ve appreciated most is the sheer variety of third and fourth year options. You can become as specialised or stay as general as you like, tailoring your degree to your interests and ambitions and getting exactly what you want from it: every maths degree from Imperial is unique, so it’s easy to stand out. I stayed very broad in my third year before specialising in my fourth year. Staying broad means I have a very good working knowledge in a number of areas of mathematics, whilst specialising has meant I’ve been taught by several world-leaders in my chosen field: the best of both worlds, and precisely what I need to succeed in further study. 

I was on the MSci programme, which has been a great springboard into PhD-level study: the project in particular allows you to work closely with an expert in their field, bringing you right up to the cutting-edge of research."

"Best thing about Imperial? Becoming more of a global citizen, perhaps? I have been able to take part in a number of international trips during my time here: after my first year I went on a summer trip to the United States with the Union’s Chess Society, where we competed against other clubs after having become British Uni champions. In addition, I undertook research at a Canadian university during the summer after my second year, where I worked under a professor’s supervision on improving search engine performance through linear algebra and applied probability. My placement was organised and funded by Imperial and I had a great time getting to know a different country with its culture (and mountains!). In addition, I went to China that summer to participate in a cultural programme at a Chinese university with other British students. In particular, I learned more Mandarin, which I had first encountered through Horizons courses at Imperial. Also, socialising with friends from many different countries has been one of the most special things during my time at Imperial, as it has enabled me to broaden my horizons. I have enjoyed getting to know others’ perspectives on issues such as politics and just life in general, so can say that I’ve expanded my worldview quite a bit here. "

"Best thing about Imperial?  There are several aspects.  The like-minded friends I've met must be one of the biggest pluses.  I've made friends for life with people who've come from all over the world.

I was on the G104 degree programme at Imperial, which is the Year in Europe programme, and spent my third year in Madrid, Spain. Madrid is an incredible city.  Vibrant, exciting and with so much to offer, it was without a doubt one of the best years of my life.  I chose the G104 programme to get a sense of perspective really; a chance to experience university life elsewhere as opposed to that what most people would experience, only ever attending one.  I studied Spanish at A-level and so had some knowledge of the language, so Madrid was an obvious choice. 

I'd advise anyone contemplating this option to develop some proficiency in the language, but the maths studies at Imperial prepare you extremely well for the academic challenge at the Spanish university.  Maths is, in a sense, a language in itself, so don't be put off by your speaking ability.  And, of course, you quickly pick it up after living there for a month or two.

I cannot stress enough how much fun the Year in Europe programme can be.  There were hundreds of other Erasmus students there from all corners of the world, and I was able to make such an interesting and diverse range of friends along the way."

"I’ve been lucky to have been chosen as the Year Representative for the Departmental Student Staff Committee and have been active in supporting my peers with academic questions or concerns they have had, liaising with the Departmental staff on issues students raise.

I started off as a first year maths student representative when I arrived and now have moved on to the Maths Department Student Representative. There are also the Academic Affairs Officer (AAO) and President/Deputy President of Education that oversee the Faculty affairs. Together we help support our fellow colleagues and make a difference with our charming smiles (and obviously a bit of work!). It’s been great to be part of this system throughout my time at Imperial."

"Living in London has been the most special aspect of coming to Imperial for me. There are so many opportunities (both academic and leisurely) here and I can't imagine myself living anywhere else now. From networking events in the City to attending the BBC Proms (right next to Imperial!) numerous times over the summer, I've loved every minute of being in London and have made sure to take full advantage of it.

The Horizons programme is Imperial's extra-curricular humanities programme; we are allowed to take courses in our free time in areas such as music, history and languages (from beginner level to fluency) and gain high-level qualifications that really make your CV stand out. I have taken courses in Science on Screen and Music Technology, which have allowed me to indulge my creative side when I'm not doing mathematics.

Societies are also a great way to spend your free time. We have over three hundred, ranging from every sport you could possibly imagine and numerous musical ensembles to an Assassins Guild and even a cheese-tasting society!"

Sally Bridgeland (Mathematics 1986) certainly proved her summer work experience supervisor completely wrong. She definitely can do maths. Sally's time at Imperial allowed her to find the art and beauty in not only science, but in London too. Dramsoc was a major part of her life at Imperial, whether it was performing, designing and making costumes or helping run the venue at the Edinburgh Fringe. It was also how she met her husband. Sally spoke to us about her time at Imperial and how it shaped her career.

What did you learn during your time at Imperial, in class or out?

That women can be very good at maths! I’d moved to an all-girl school at the age of eight after my primary school headmaster suggested it would be better to nurture my skills and, because boys typically studied maths A-level a year early, we were always a bit behind them. It was genuinely a surprise to me when I came top in my first year. My first year results meant that I had a summer placement doing fluid mechanics research in Switzerland. My supervisor was of the opinion that women couldn’t do maths so I was shouted at a lot. That was 1984, and women were given the vote in Switzerland only in 1973 so it made me appreciate the opportunities which I had in London even more. And calibrated my scale for sexism and chauvinism! I also learned that London is the most wonderful city in the world, full of inspirational music, theatre and art. It was, and still is, a wonderful place to really get to know by bike.

Can you tell us about your studies at Imperial?

I found that there were areas of maths where my natural ability reached its limits: I didn’t enjoy applied maths so much!  I loved pure maths and the breadth of subjects and specialisms where I could be creative and find new ways of solving problems.  My studies at Imperial allowed me to find the art and beauty in the science. The fact that everyone at Imperial studies maths as part of their courses made me realise how fundamental maths is...and that those who find it difficult need the very best teachers to see things their way. I wasn’t always good at helping my friends understand their applied maths coursework!

Who did you find inspiring at Imperial and why?

My A-level further maths teacher came from a school where maths was in the languages department.  At Imperial there were many lecturers and tutors who spoke it so fluently, with such elegance and precision that it constantly made me smile and want to be able to do the same. Dr Lynda White gets a special mention, too.  She was one of the very few women on the academic staff and it was wonderful to host her as a guest at one of the Worshipful Company of Actuaries’ dinners when I was Master Actuary in 2017.

What is your fondest memory of your time here?

Graduation in the Royal Albert Hall. The pride of my family. The most amazing setting. Being awarded the beautiful RSA silver medal. Breathtaking.

What is your favourite place at Imperial and why?

The Dramsoc storeroom, on the top floor above the bar in Beit Quad. Home of many laughs and nearly as many cups of tea.

Tell us a bit about the work you’re doing now...

I have a “portfolio” career: I’m a non-executive director and trustee of some organisations including pensions, insurance and investment companies and a public fund for decommissioning nuclear power stations, all of which draw on my actuarial training. I also do some consultancy work which aims to help improve relationships and decision-making. On a voluntary basis I work with couple of charities and with the Royal Air Force helping them make better decisions to do with financial risks and investment.

How has what you learnt at Imperial helped you in your career so far?

The mathematician’s skill of spotting patterns, making connections and being creative in solving knotty problems was honed at Imperial and is priceless. An analytical approach means that you can detect areas of commonality between people who think they disagree with each other. Being able to spot and draw out common ground and articulate a way forward is invaluable. However, all skills and learnings are worthless if you don’t have the confidence to act on them. Imperial gave me faith in my own ability and helped me become comfortable being a round peg in a square hole, which is the source of my resilience and ability to speak my mind.

What does a typical day look like for you now?

Every day is different, other than waking up to a cup of tea from my husband and a hug from my son. It usually involves cycling between board meetings and coffees with friends or business contacts then home, via the school run if I can, cooking supper ready for an evening reading board papers, watching a film or going out again for a concert. Busy but varied and always learning.

What are your plans for the future?

Although I’m an obsessive planner for the short term (and for holidays!), I’ve never really planned for the longer term future. When I fell off a cliff when I was skiing aged 38, I realised how futile that can be! I have some hopes and dreams but am happy keeping my options open and seeing what comes my way.

What would be your advice for current students?

Focus on what you’re good at and are passionate about, and find a way to make your living that way without worrying about job titles. Don’t waste a day. We may be living longer, but life is still short and it takes concerted effort if you want to make a difference.

What are you most proud of in your life?

My son. Kind, beautiful and sensitive and more creative than he knows. His dyslexia and individuality have taught me so much about myself. Worth the wait and determination which goes alongside of a decade of IVF. He’s a wonder of science, technology and medicine!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

In all areas of my work and life I keep bumping into Imperial alumni. Enjoy your time there, you won't be allowed to forget it!

Zoe Niu's (Mathematics 2005) successful financial tech company, Ricequant, builds on her mathematics degree from Imperial, but her entrepreneurial journey has had its ups and down. Sprints to meetings and grasping taxation law are just some of the challenges she’s faced, but she firmly believes that setting out on your own can be immensely rewarding. We caught up with Zoe to hear about her entrepreneurial journey, as well as what she got up to at Imperial.

Tell us about your time at Imperial. 

"The three years I spent studying maths at Imperial was some of the most beautiful and memorable times of my life. I met the most amazing friends – I know that’s common in terms of the university experience, but those relationships really do change your life.

In my first year we had lots of fun, and then in subsequent years, I had to work really hard. Maths wasn’t as easy as I had thought at the beginning! I was involved with some of the Chinese societies and the fencing and squash clubs, which were great, and of course, I was studying in London. It’s definitely one of my favourite cities - I keep on coming back to visit!"

What did you do when you finished studying? 

"I spent 10 years in investment banking, working for German, American and French banks. Towards the end of that time, I started working with long-term collaborators on a brand new company and, in 2015, and began working on it full time.

The company is called Ricequant. It’s a financial tech quantitative trading system, and our clients are financial institutions like hedge funds, banks, and securities. We started out small but we’ve now got about 40 employees and we hope to have 50 by the end of the year. Eventually, we want to go to IPO, but it will depend on how things go. I’m a Founding Partner and Shareholder but I’m also the CMO and the CFO."

How did you come up with the name - Ricequant?

"I’m from Shenzhen originally and in Cantonese ‘rice’ means to have money, hence the name Ricequant. To be honest, it’s often a case of mistaken identity – we often have to explain that we aren’t selling rice!"

Can you tell us more about your entrepreneurial journey?

"It’s not been easy, but it’s very, very rewarding. The challenge is that it is all new – I haven’t started a company before, so you have to teach yourself a lot along the way. For example, I’ve had to learn all about compliance and governmental regulations, including immigration and tax. The other partners and I have to get super involved in the detail, but it’s so important to keep working on the company’s overall strategic direction as well.

It’s definitely a 24/7 job – I’ve just finished a 15-day travel stint. It’s tiring but it also makes me really happy. If you take care of your company in the right way, it’s amazing to see it grow in a positive direction."

What have you learnt about yourself?

"Since I began this start-up, I feel that my capability has strengthened and the pressure I can take has increased. One day, a meeting overran impacting my next meeting, so I jumped on the metro, then I hired a bike and then I ran – it was the fastest way to get to where I was going. It’s amazing how much you can extend yourself when you need to, and how much more you can squeeze out of yourself."