Layla
MSc Environmental Technology
Being surrounded by passionate people from diverse backgrounds has enriched my learning experience tremendously.
After studying Architecture at the University of Indonesia, Layla’s interests shifted into the world of sustainability. With a strong mix of design, policy and environmental experience, she chose to pursue an MSc Environmental Technology at Imperial College London to develop her technical skills and gain a broader, global perspective. Layla shares her experiences of applying to Imperial, how she found her scholarship and what international student life is like in London.
With my teammates and clients after delivering the final presentation for a consultancy project.
With my teammates and clients after delivering the final presentation for a consultancy project.
Applying to Imperial
I chose Imperial for its global reputation for excellence in science and innovation, as well as its strong links with industry and policy. The MSc Environmental Technology course stood out because of its interdisciplinary approach and the opportunity it would give me to specialise while gaining a broad understanding of environmental challenges. The course would also help me build on my knowledge of environmental, social and governance compliance that I gained from working at Mukti Mandiri Lestari, a leading company in Indonesia’s circular economy. The course’s flexibility, strong alumni network and industry connections made Imperial the clear choice for me. Attending the course Open Day helped me decide between specialisations, and the Admissions team were incredibly supportive throughout the whole application process.
If you're considering this course, be ready to embrace an interdisciplinary mindset. The course blends science, policy and business to tackle environmental challenges which is perfect for me as I was looking to complement my background in architecture and sustainability with a more technical and systems-level understanding of environmental issues.
The course’s flexibility, strong alumni network and industry connections made Imperial the clear choice for me.
The best part of the course is the opportunity to work on real-world problems and engage with professionals from across sectors. Being surrounded by passionate people from diverse backgrounds has also enriched my learning experience tremendously – you’ll find that you learn just as much from your peers as you do from the lectures.
What's it really like to study at Imperial as an international postgraduate student?
Layla shares her experiences and advice for applying to Imperial, and why she chose to move to London and join Imperial.
Finding a scholarship for postgraduate study
I received the LPDP Scholarship from the Indonesian government, which I found while looking through the national education networks and the LPDP website. The application process was quite competitive, involving academic and leadership assessments, but the support and resources provided made it manageable.
My advice for students looking for financial support such as scholarships is to start your search early, tailor your application to show what impact the support will have and stay authentic to your goals.
The LPDP scholarship has been instrumental in enabling me to study abroad by covering my tuition and living costs, and they’ve even supported me with professional development, all of which has made my Imperial experience possible.
My advice is to start your search early, tailor your application and stay authentic to your goals.
Outside the United Nations Office in Geneva, representing Imperial College London at the UNEP Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention COP 2025.
Outside the United Nations Office in Geneva, representing Imperial College London at the UNEP Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention COP 2025.
With the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform at COP 2025 in Geneva
With the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform at COP 2025 in Geneva
On a field trip to London Zoo with some of my course mates
On a field trip to London Zoo with some of my course mates
Found the perfect must-visit photo spot in London!
Found the perfect must-visit photo spot in London!
The Imperial community
Being part of Imperial’s global community has been a highlight of my experience. I met some of my closest friends during the first few weeks of orientation events and group projects. The academic environment is stimulating and the support from peers and staff makes it feel collaborative, rather than competitive.
As a student ambassador at Imperial, I’ve also had the chance to connect with prospective students and share my journey which is something that’s been very fulfilling. Imperial’s community is dynamic, inclusive and full of opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally.
An enriching student experience
The academic and wellbeing support offered at Imperial are valuable parts of the student experience. I’m one of the MSc Environmental Technology Student Ambassadors and part of Imperial’s student content creator team, sharing my experiences and supporting prospective students to see what it’s like to study at Imperial. I’ve found it to be a great way to contribute, build creative skills and connect with people across departments.
The academic and wellbeing support offered at Imperial are valuable parts of the student experience.
I also find the Ethos Sports Centre really handy. Imperial offers students free basic membership, which gives access to facilities and lets you book activities like badminton or Pilates, often at no cost or at reduced prices. It’s a great way to stay active and unwind, especially during busy weeks. Make sure to take advantage of both the academic and wellbeing support offered at Imperial as they’re valuable parts of the student experience.
I believe extracurriculars are a great way to enrich your student life and feel part of the wider Imperial community. So, if you end up joining Imperial, I’d highly recommend you get involved with activities you genuinely enjoy outside of studying, where you can make lifelong friends and lasting memories.
Finding a scholarship for postgraduate study
I received the LPDP Scholarship from the Indonesian government, which I found while looking through the national education networks and the LPDP website. The application process was quite competitive, involving academic and leadership assessments, but the support and resources provided made it manageable.
My advice for students looking for financial support such as scholarships is to start your search early, tailor your application to show what impact the support will have and stay authentic to your goals.
The LPDP scholarship has been instrumental in enabling me to study abroad by covering my tuition and living costs, and they’ve even supported me with professional development, all of which has made my Imperial experience possible.
My advice is to start your search early, tailor your application and stay authentic to your goals.
The Imperial community
Being part of Imperial’s global community has been a highlight of my experience. I met some of my closest friends during the first few weeks of orientation events and group projects. The academic environment is stimulating and the support from peers and staff makes it feel collaborative, rather than competitive.
As a student ambassador at Imperial, I’ve also had the chance to connect with prospective students and share my journey which is something that’s been very fulfilling. Imperial’s community is dynamic, inclusive and full of opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally.
An enriching student experience
The academic and wellbeing support offered at Imperial are valuable parts of the student experience. I’m one of the MSc Environmental Technology Student Ambassadors and part of Imperial’s student content creator team, sharing my experiences and supporting prospective students to see what it’s like to study at Imperial. I’ve found it to be a great way to contribute, build creative skills and connect with people across departments.
The academic and wellbeing support offered at Imperial are valuable parts of the student experience.
I also find the Ethos Sports Centre really handy. Imperial offers students free basic membership, which gives access to facilities and lets you book activities like badminton or Pilates, often at no cost or at reduced prices. It’s a great way to stay active and unwind, especially during busy weeks. Make sure to take advantage of both the academic and wellbeing support offered at Imperial as they’re valuable parts of the student experience.
I believe extracurriculars are a great way to enrich your student life and feel part of the wider Imperial community. So, if you end up joining Imperial, I’d highly recommend you get involved with activities you genuinely enjoy outside of studying, where you can make lifelong friends and lasting memories.
Outside the United Nations Office in Geneva, representing Imperial College London at the UNEP Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention COP 2025.
Outside the United Nations Office in Geneva, representing Imperial College London at the UNEP Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention COP 2025.
With the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform at COP 2025 in Geneva
With the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform at COP 2025 in Geneva
On a field trip to London Zoo with some of my course mates
On a field trip to London Zoo with some of my course mates
Found the perfect must-visit photo spot in London!
Found the perfect must-visit photo spot in London!
Living in London
Studying in the UK and in London has been a long-standing goal of mine, not just for the academic excellence but also for the cultural richness and global perspective that I wanted to experience. London is a vibrant, multicultural city with something for everyone.
I didn’t need much formal support as an international student, but the pre-arrival resources from Imperial were very helpful in preparing for life here. As someone from Southeast Asia, I was happy to find it easy to adapt here. Asian restaurants and supermarkets are everywhere, so I can enjoy familiar meals or cook my own. I quickly adapted thanks to the city’s diversity and availability of familiar food and communities. Make sure to embrace the diversity of the city and don’t be afraid to explore beyond your comfort zone!
If I had to choose one word to summarise my life in London, it would be ‘vibrant’. Each neighbourhood has its own charm, from the historical elegance of South Kensington to the buzz of Camden or the calm of Richmond Park. From food markets to green spaces, there’s always something and somewhere new to discover. I’ve also really enjoyed exploring the museums here. As someone who really appreciates art, the National Gallery is my favourite – and the fact that it’s free is an added bonus!
Embrace the diversity of the city and don’t be afraid to explore beyond your comfort zone!
Living in London
Studying in the UK and in London has been a long-standing goal of mine, not just for the academic excellence but also for the cultural richness and global perspective that I wanted to experience. London is a vibrant, multicultural city with something for everyone.
I didn’t need much formal support as an international student, but the pre-arrival resources from Imperial were very helpful in preparing for life here. As someone from Southeast Asia, I was happy to find it easy to adapt here. Asian restaurants and supermarkets are everywhere, so I can enjoy familiar meals or cook my own. I quickly adapted thanks to the city’s diversity and availability of familiar food and communities. Make sure to embrace the diversity of the city and don’t be afraid to explore beyond your comfort zone!
If I had to choose one word to summarise my life in London, it would be ‘vibrant’. Each neighbourhood has its own charm, from the historical elegance of South Kensington to the buzz of Camden or the calm of Richmond Park. From food markets to green spaces, there’s always something and somewhere new to discover. I’ve also really enjoyed exploring the museums here. As someone who really appreciates art, the National Gallery is my favourite – and the fact that it’s free is an added bonus!
Embrace the diversity of the city and don’t be afraid to explore beyond your comfort zone!
Find accommodation in London as a postgraduate student
I live in private accommodation, which I found through connections from the Indonesian student organisation. I found Imperial’s private accommodation guides, resources and tips useful, especially as a first-time renter in the UK. London housing can be a bit of a learning curve, but with some research and early planning, you'll be fine! I’d recommend future students start their accommodation search early and don’t forget to consider things like commuting distance, transport links and nearby amenities when choosing a place.
Hear from Layla as she shares her top tips for finding postgraduate accommodation
My career plans for the future
After my Master’s, I aim to continue working at the intersection of environmental policy and circular economy, ideally with international organisations like the UN Environment Programme or research institutions and consultancy firms in London. My long-term goal is to help shape sustainable development policy in Southeast Asia – being at Imperial has helped expand my network and technical knowledge in this field, reaffirming my commitment to this path and continuing to support me in my aspirations to achieve this goal.
Engage with career planning early, stay open to different paths and make use of Imperial’s incredible career resources.
I’ve used the Careers Service for guidance on jobs application, supporting me to build a stronger application on roles in environmental consulting and international development. I’ve used the Careers Service for a CV review which was incredibly helpful. The advisor gave insightful feedback from a recruiter’s perspective, which helped me focus on the most relevant candidate profiles, streamline my content and present a more targeted and concise CV. The Careers Service’s support has really boosted my confidence in applying for roles. I’m also part of my department’s Mentoring Scheme and have an alumnus of my course as my mentor. They've helped me a lot with pivoting my career path and looking for relevant opportunities.
My advice to future students is to engage with career planning early, stay open to different paths and make use of Imperial’s incredible career resources.
Careers support from day one
Our Careers Service can help you translate your Imperial degree into a purposeful and rewarding future.
If I had to sum up my time at Imperial in one sentence, I’d say:
Imperial is a place that challenges and supports you to become your best self.
My suggestion for students looking to join Imperial is to be clear in your application on why you want to study here and share what you hope to gain. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions before applying! There’s a known quote in Indonesia which says "Malu bertanya, sesat dijalan" which means that if you’re too afraid or shy to ask, you’ll be lost along the way – so just ask the question!
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