Maria, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering

“Part of the magic of Imperial is being able to meet people from all over the world. It’s so important to be open and try to engage with different people.”

After completing my undergraduate degree in Materials, I knew I wanted to learn more about the subject. I also wanted to study in London for the opportunities it brings, and Imperial best fitted with everything I wanted: location, quality of teaching and all the possibilities that studying at a top university offers.

My research

I’m based in the White City Campus in the Molecular Science Research Hub, and my research is about batteries and their evolution and degradation.

I think you get as much out as you put into postgraduate studies – you’ve got the opportunity to learn as much as you want about the topic you’re interested in, and you can tailor your experience to how you want to work, whether that’s working in a more experimental way or more theoretical.

Your professors are there to help – there's a perception that because they’re doctors, they’re not going to have the time, but your professors are there to help and want to make our experience as good as it can be.

Image of sign at White City campus. Sign says 'molecular sciences research hub 82 Wood Lane'

After I graduate

When I decided to change my career path I wanted to talk to someone in the Careers Service to see if it would even be an option, so I arranged a one-to-one session with a careers consultant. She was so supportive which I really appreciated.

I love a challenge and the opportunity to learn new things, so after I graduate I’m going to make a career change and move to consulting.

I’ve gone to every Careers Service event that I could! While most of the sessions were online, they were still a great opportunity to meet new people, recruiters and expand your network. I’ve been to sessions on improving your CV and interview skills, which I found really useful.

Clubs and societies

I’ve played basketball since I was 11 years old, it’s something that’s been with me forever. I was quite worried about coming to London and not being able to play because it’s part of my routine and I really enjoy it. So when I saw the Imperial Basketball Society were having trials I knew I had to try out. I wasn’t sure what the level was going to be like and I was quite nervous as I didn’t know anyone. But everyone was so nice and I’ve made some really good friends. In fact, I think joining the society has been one of the best parts about being at Imperial.

We train two nights a week and have games at the weekend.

I think there’s a misconception that being at Imperial means all you’ll have time to do is study, but I find Imperial to be a very healthy environment: you’re encouraged to take time to do things outside of the lab.

I find it the perfect balance between commitment to my studies and enjoying playing basketball. We even went on a trip to a tournament in Paris this year, which was amazing.

Moving to the UK

Before I arrived in the UK, I must have sent about a thousand emails to the International Student Support team - I had so many questions about applying for a visa because I’d never done it before, but they were so helpful and explained the process. And when I arrived in London, the team also organised socials with other international students, so I got to meet so many new people from all over the world which was really nice.

I live in one of the postgraduate halls of residence, GradPad, which has been great to meet lots of new people. I hardly knew anyone in the UK before I moved over, maybe one or two people, so it was a bit like coming in blindfolded trying to meet people and make friends.

I think the culture in the UK is quite similar to Spain. In the first couple of weeks, I thought everyone goes so fast everywhere – but now I’m one of those people!

Within two weeks I was perfectly settled in. I think being in halls with other international students definitely helped.

London life

The best thing about being in London is all the different plans you can have. I don’t think I’ve repeated one weekend plan since I’ve been here! You have so many things to do, from going to different parks each weekend to all the museums, even just walking around London.

My favourite thing to do is to hang out in Hyde Park, I actually think that’s the only thing I’ve done more than once! It's a plan I really enjoy doing, going for a walk, running, or having a picnic. It's also so convenient, being only a few minutes walk from the South Kensington campus.

Managing money as a student

For the first month I was here I tried to write down every expense I had, to see what my outgoings were and to see if I was wasting money anywhere. After that I try to stick to a budget each month – some months are a bit harder to stick to budget, and others you spend a bit less.

Your first month will probably be the most expensive, as you’ll probably have things you want to buy and have more expenses. After that, it gets more consistent. Just try to be conscious about what you’re doing and how you’re spending your money. There are also lots of student discount initiatives you can make the most of.

Meeting people from all over the world

Part of the magic of Imperial is being able to meet people from all over the world.

I think people tend to try and stick with people who have similar backgrounds and cultures. But it’s so important to be open and try to engage with different people.

What I’ve learned this year

I’ve grown up enormously this year. Not just moving to a different country, but the course itself has made me a lot more independent and pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Coming to Imperial has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I think at the beginning I was a bit nervous: I was coming from quite a small university in Madrid, so it was a bit overwhelming, but everyone’s been so helpful and supportive. The thing I’ll miss the most is definitely all the people I’ve met.