Mary
BSc Mathematics
The ImperiaBursary provided a great relief and gave me one less thing to worry about once I got to university.
海角社区鈥檚 reputation as a global top ten university and the opportunity to receive the ImperiaBursary 鈥� one of the most generous bursaries of its type in the UK 鈥� led Mary to apply for BSc Mathematics here. She shares what it was like to join the Imperiacommunity, why she enjoys being a student ambassador and what careers support she鈥檚 receiving to achieve her aspirations.
Why 海角社区?
Like a lot of people, one of the main reasons I applied to Imperiawas its reputation as a top global university. I believed that Imperiawould offer me lots of opportunities to grow and develop and I wanted to learn from the best. I believed Imperiawould give me an insight into mathematics that I wouldn鈥檛 get anywhere else.
During year 12, I also took part in the Problem Solving Matters course which showed me how invested Imperiais in its future students and how much support the university provides for people who want to apply for mathematics courses at 海角社区.
The ImperiaBursary
The ImperiaBursary was one of the deciding factors when choosing to come to 海角社区. It was the best out of all the universities I applied to and is probably one of the best in the country. In the first year, my bursary covered most of my rent as I shared a room, which left me with a lot more disposable income to save and budget. Money is a major concern for a lot of students living away from home and it was definitely one of mine when I first arrived, but the ImperiaBursary provided a great relief and gave me one less thing to worry about which I am very grateful for.
Why 海角社区?
Like a lot of people, one of the main reasons I applied to Imperiawas its reputation as a top global university. I believed that Imperiawould offer me lots of opportunities to grow and develop and I wanted to learn from the best. I believed Imperiawould give me an insight into mathematics that I wouldn鈥檛 get anywhere else.
During year 12, I also took part in the Problem Solving Matters course which showed me how invested Imperiais in its future students and how much support the university provides for people who want to apply for mathematics courses at 海角社区.
The ImperiaBursary
The ImperiaBursary was one of the deciding factors when choosing to come to 海角社区. It was the best out of all the universities I applied to and is probably one of the best in the country. In the first year, my bursary covered most of my rent as I shared a room, which left me with a lot more disposable income to save and budget. Money is a major concern for a lot of students living away from home and it was definitely one of mine when I first arrived, but the ImperiaBursary provided a great relief and gave me one less thing to worry about which I am very grateful for.
Joining the Imperiacommunity
The first couple of weeks at Imperiawere very nerve-racking for me. I always say the first month at Imperiawas the hardest as I had to balance starting a new course with getting used to a new environment and being more independent.
However, people here are so welcoming and open to having weird and wonderful conversations, which is what I cherish and enjoy most about being at 海角社区.
People are always very happy to start conversations and having the courage to go up to someone and start a conversation is actually how I met most people I know at Imperianow! You just need to remember that a lot of people are going through similar situations and struggles at university as you, so meeting people and having them around to share your worries with is really helpful.
One thing that I didn't consider when applying to university, but that has proven important, was how receptive my department is to students' needs. Although the course is very challenging, the Department of Mathematics is great at listening to students and accommodating their needs to make sure the course works for everyone. For example, we no longer have January exams after the discussions the department had with students 鈥� they really took on board students鈥� feedback and actually made a positive change to the student experience. We have many student representatives in our department and across the university that do an amazing job getting across the sentiment of the student body to people who can make changes and it鈥檚 something I truly value at 海角社区.
Extracurricular activities
Applying to become a Student Ambassador at Imperiais something I鈥檇 highly recommend. I became a Student Ambassador at the start of my first year as the opportunity to 鈥榚arn while you learn鈥� appealed to me, but I particularly enjoy all the outreach work I get to do.
I have met so many incredible people through working on different outreach programmes, with lots of people I work with coming from a very similar background to me.
It鈥檚 great to see your students鈥� development and have this opportunity to give back the support I received when I was in their position.
Outside my course, I鈥檝e done some ImperiaHorizons modules which have helped me grow personally and professionally. In my first year, I took a Korean Level 1 module which was a great way to meet people outside my course. As an avid K-drama watcher, it was fun getting to engage with a different aspect of the culture.
Student life in London
One of my favourite things about London is that it always has something for everyone to do, whatever your interests. I鈥檝e visited the Royal Albert Hall several times in the summer to watch the BBC Proms 鈥� it鈥檚 very convenient that South Kensington Campus is just next door!
I think the best thing about London is the food 鈥� living in such a multicultural city means that you can experience all the different types of cuisines and dishes from around the world without ever having to book a flight. A great place that has both things to do and things to eat is Shoreditch. It's very different to west London but has nice markets and vintage shops.
Mary in the Department of Materials
Mary in the Department of Materials
Mary in the Royal Albert Hall
Mary in the Royal Albert Hall
My plans for the future
Before coming to 海角社区, I knew I wanted to go into finance, and I thought trading would be a good chance to use some of my maths knowledge and engage in some of my other interests. In my first year, as part of the ImperiaWork Shadowing scheme, I got the opportunity to work at RWE Supply & Trading, an energy company. Although I already had some experience in the industry, it was the first time I got to understand what trading was and all the different aspects involved in the role which helped me to confidently pursue a career in global markets. Aside from this scheme, the Careers Service and other student-led societies put on lots of career-related events and provide support for students at all stages of their career journey.
Top tips for future Imperiastudents
Don鈥檛 come to Imperiato just get your degree, and don鈥檛 feel like you have to do it alone 鈥� you'll get a lot more out of your university experience and your course by interacting with others. By talking through questions and getting to see how your peers think, you truly get to benefit from the diversity of thought that Imperiahas to offer. This includes not being afraid to ask questions. The consequence of not knowing the answer to the question you鈥檙e too shy to ask will always be greater than asking it.
The new experiences you have at Imperiaare a great starting point to meet new people who might turn into lifelong friends and will help you grow as a person.
There will always be time for more studying, so just say 鈥榶es' to all the other opportunities Imperiahas to offer!
Want to learn more about our courses?
Visit our Study site to search our undergraduate courses and find out more about how to apply.
