Cristiana
Chemistry undergraduate
I’m in my third year of studying Chemistry at Imperial College London.
I applied to Imperial because of the strong emphasis on research. I wanted to be part of a university that values STEM contributions - the fact Imperial is a STEMMB focused university pushes the mindset of what’s valued and needed for the future. And for chemistry specifically, Imperial had recently built a new research facility, the MSRH, at the White City Campus.
Now that I’m at Imperial I love being part of a community that produces meaningful work; it feels like we’re all working towards something. It motivates me to be the best that I can be and to grow as an individual. I know some people think that Imperial students are just studying all the time, but we’re really not!
Choosing Chemistry
I chose to study Chemistry because it’s so interdisciplinary. When I applied, I was deciding between a career in medicinal chemistry to work within the pharmaceutical industry, or environmental chemistry to aid in mitigating the effects of climate change so I chose a subject that offered me different possibilities. You don’t need to necessarily go into a job that uses chemistry, as you can apply your skills to different areas, like finance, consulting or law! I really enjoyed chemistry at school and felt it was a subject that I was particularly good at.
Being from London
I’m originally from London so I decided to live at home during my time at Imperial. I really can’t imagine living anywhere else but London. The city just has a special quality, that’s hard to describe. It’s so vibrant and I love the possibility of being able to meet people from literally all over the world.
Living at home definitely has its challenges, I’ve had to adapt to things that people living in halls haven’t. But it hasn’t taken away from my experience, I’ve still had the chance to make friends and get involved in societies.
Adapting to university
My first year was during the pandemic so it was hard to communicate with other people on my course. Also, the learning style of the university is just so different to sixth form.
It was after I sat my first exams in January that I began to understand my degree and know I still have passion for the subject. I really do love my course and I think that if I hadn’t have gone through that period of struggling and trying to adapt, I don’t think I’d be the person I am today. It gave me that growth mindset that I really value.
Using College support
I contacted my personal tutor and his advice really helped me get through that period. I sent him an email explaining my situation and just in general how I was feeling. Because I sent that, he was able to pinpoint exactly what I needed help with during the meeting.
Meetings with your tutor are scheduled twice a term and are arranged by the department. But you can organise more if you want to, which is what I did. Even though he’s a busy professor, my tutor always made the time for me.
Expanding your Horizons
I find Horizons so interesting; I haven’t seen anything like it being offered at another university. It’s great we’re all STEM orientated and get to focus on that, but still have the chance to improve on skills and even learn new things about different subjects.
I’m doing a Horizons module in French. Even though we’re learning a languages subject, I can tell we’re all scientifically orientated and STEM focused!
I’ve done Horizons modules each year I’ve been at Imperial: in first year I did the Changemakers course which was focused on becoming world leaders, and also the Professional Skills for Employability module, which was run by the Careers Service.
I was always good at humanities subjects at school and didn’t want that side of me to just disappear! I had the chance to improve myself, not just through my degree, but by gaining new experiences and developing my skills further.
Using the Careers Service
I’m in the process of applying for a UROP and learning more about job applications, since graduate roles have really specific requirements for Chemistry.
After I had done the Horizons module I was more aware of the support that the Careers Service offer. I went to a Careers Lab, where a consultant sits with you and you discuss a topic.
I also had a one-to-one session last year to evaluate the career options available to me. Just being able to talk these decisions through with someone from the Careers Service was really helpful, as we weighed up the pros and cons of various industries.
Taking part in societies
I’m the secretary of the Chemistry Society. Now we’ve all transitioned into our roles it’s been great to help the department and improve communication between staff and students. I think the role of secretary for me has just really improved my overall ability to time manage and communicate with other people.
Aside from the leadership responsibility in the Chemistry Society, I’m also involved in the Environmental and Hiking societies. Through the societies I’ve been able to meet and connect with a lot of people, including people outside of my course, which has been really nice.
My advice for incoming students
Don’t lose sight of who you are. Just remember the fact you’re thinking of applying in the first place should give you an indication that you’re good enough and you deserve your place here.
It's OK if you don’t have it all figured out within the first few weeks, because honestly, no one has! First year is a period of transition; it’s fine if you haven’t yet adapted to the style of learning and just the mode of life at university during this time. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself!
Set yourself boundaries in terms of studying and having a social life, make sure to look after yourself. Put a limit on what you’re doing and quantify what it is you want to get out of this university experience, because it’s different for everyone. Make sure you manage your time and set goals for yourself, because that’s how you know you’re making progress.
Make the most of your university experience because it's different for everyone - it doesn't have to match perfectly to someone else's ideals of university.
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