Sukorno
MSci Physics
I knew that being at Imperial, where one random conversation could teach me something new or make me see the world in a different way, was where I belonged.
Motivated by his parents who emigrated from Bangladesh to the UK, Sukorno was looking to unlock and take every new opportunity. As a first-generation university student, Sukorno shares why he picked Imperial, how the Imperial Bursary transformed his student experience and what it’s like to live and study in London.
Why I chose Imperial College London
I always knew I wanted to move to London for university. Having lived in a small town my whole life, I wanted to experience the chaos and excitement of a large city. The most important factors for me when I was choosing a university were the environment, teaching quality and reputation – Imperial was at the top of my list for all of these. As I was already aware of Imperial's strong academic reputation, I knew the teaching quality would be excellent and in an enriching environment.
Ultimately, I chose to apply to Imperial because of its international prestige as well as its unique focus on STEMB subjects. The thought of being surrounded by like-minded people made me eager to apply. Imperial's worldwide recognition and contributions really drew me in too – every other major scientific achievement I'd see in the media would come from Imperial and this solidified my decision when it came to choosing universities.
The Imperial Bursary
I receive the Imperial Bursary (which you don't have to pay back!). It’s available to Home students and you don’t need to apply separately for it. You have to apply for a government loan, like a Maintenance Loan, to be considered – the eligibility criteria are based on your household income – but you don’t need to take out a loan to receive the Imperial Bursary.
I can say with absolute certainty that the Imperial Bursary has been truly transformative in my time at Imperial. It’s allowed me the same opportunities as my peers, which is an immense privilege. Having that monthly support is a huge mental comfort, especially living in London. It can often feel like coming from a low-income background can put you a step behind others in life, but the Imperial Bursary helps to bring you forward and make you feel like you’re equal to everyone else.
The MSci Physics integrated Master's course
I chose physics because I love finding out how things work. While I adore the cold logic of mathematical rigour, I equally appreciate the exciting technologies we're creating every day. Finding myself torn between maths and engineering, I decided to pursue a course which combines the two. Only in a physics degree can you discover why stars exist while learning how a quantum computer is built.
The best thing about the course at Imperial is how varied the modules are – you really can mould the course to be your own. You can make the degree as theoretical and maths-heavy as you like – or if you're like me, as applied and engineering-focused as you like. I love applying my knowledge to tangible applications and physical devices, so my modules over the years have been very experimental in nature and application-focused. Overall, I'd say if you're curious about the world, physics is the right course for you.
The MSci Physics integrated Master's course
I chose physics because I love finding out how things work. While I adore the cold logic of mathematical rigour, I equally appreciate the exciting technologies we're creating every day. Finding myself torn between maths and engineering, I decided to pursue a course which combines the two. Only in a physics degree can you discover why stars exist while learning how a quantum computer is built.
The best thing about the course at Imperial is how varied the modules are – you really can mould the course to be your own. You can make the degree as theoretical and maths-heavy as you like – or if you're like me, as applied and engineering-focused as you like. I love applying my knowledge to tangible applications and physical devices, so my modules over the years have been very experimental in nature and application-focused. Overall, I'd say if you're curious about the world, physics is the right course for you.
Sukorno and his lab group friends
Sukorno and his lab group friends
Joining the Imperial community
The moment I knew Imperial was the right place for me was immediately at the start of my first term, when I was meeting and speaking to everyone I could. The conversations I would find myself in were so thoughtful and stimulating that I realised I had unlocked a new life. I knew that being in this setting, where one random conversation could teach me something new or make me see the world in a different way, was where I belonged.
Growing up, I had always been more introverted and disliked social interaction, but I saw the chance to rebrand myself at Imperial – in a new city where nobody knew me – and push myself to become who I wanted to be. My anticipation for all the enriching conversations yet to be had, and remarkably talented people yet to be met, overrode any reservations I had about starting up a chat with that stranger with the red lanyard as we shared a lift ride or waited for the same tube.
In first year, I lived in Woodward halls in North Acton. On my first day of moving in, I must've introduced myself to at least 100 people – a feat my younger self would refuse to believe. Not only this, but the longer commute was a hidden blessing, as sharing that journey catalysed a host of delightful interactions – this is actually how I met most of my friends I've maintained close friendships with to this day!
Woodward halls also did a great job at fostering community by hosting regular events, from an inter-flat cake baking competition to a summer paella party, through which I met people from a wide range of degrees I would never have met otherwise.
One my favourite things about the beautiful, richly diverse and global community at Imperial is how everyone’s differences are appreciated. The community has given me a wealth of opportunities to expand my perspectives and learn about different cultures – I've been lucky enough to form close friendships with students from an incredibly varied mix of countries, ranging from Poland, India, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Italy and many more fascinating backgrounds. It feels like there's a group for everyone to feel like they belong and bond over shared experiences.
Sukorno at the Physics Society's Christmas dinner
Sukorno at the Physics Society's Christmas dinner
Sukorno and his friends on a trip in Germany
Sukorno and his friends on a trip in Germany
Sukorno on a trip to Prague with friends
Sukorno on a trip to Prague with friends
Societies and clubs
The Imperial Welcome Fair in first week of first term is one of the best ways to find clubs, societies or extracurricular activities you might be interested in doing. I've been able to try out many different clubs from dodgeball to Muay Thai, but it's not just limited to sports – there are arts and crafts societies, cultural societies, academic societies – and if you can't find that one society you wish existed, you can create it! My advice to new Imperial students is to sign up for and try out everything your schedule allows, and then you can just continue with the ones you actually enjoy!
Since my second year, I've been a proud member of the Imperial Barbell Club – the university's powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting society – and now act as the club's social media manager. What particularly drew me to Barbell was its nature as a community of gym-goers, so it wasn't a drastic novel change from my regular activities but an extension of the gym routine I already had. This made it particularly easy to join and become a regular member.
I think finding an extracurricular activity is important as it helps associate your time at Imperial with something other than holding your head in your hands over a lab report and gives you a wealth of new friends and opportunities. You’ll end up with a network of connections crossing between your course, accommodation and club, and you'll no doubt get asked by friends how "you seem to know everyone".
Sukorno with a friend from Imperial's Barbell Club
Sukorno with a friend from Imperial's Barbell Club
Sukorno at a deadlift competition
Sukorno at a deadlift competition
London life
I moved to London for the always-moving, diverse and enriching environment, having lived in a small town my whole life where nothing much happens. Growing up, I always dreamed about living in the hustle and bustle of a large city with the constant whir of life around me. My expectations were not only met, but exceeded, as life in London is as fun and stimulating as I'd hoped.
My favourite thing about life in London is the variety of environments – you can walk for half an hour and enter an area with a completely different energy and feel. Going from Camden to Canary Wharf feels like you've entered an entirely different city. It's also incredibly easy to hop on a train and explore the regions surrounding London – my friends and I have often filled days by going to a random train station, finding the cheapest ticket and seeing where it takes us! On top of that, the excitement of London being one of the most important cities in the world where there's always something happening is hugely appealing to me.
If you're moving to London, my advice would be to explore as much as you can. You'll be incredibly surprised at how quickly your course goes by and you'll wish you'd taken more advantage of living here – I know I certainly feel this way.
It's also important to be mindful of your living costs. While searching for accommodation in London after first-year halls, I prioritised cheaper rent over a shorter commute and looked at places outwards of Zone 3 or anywhere south of the Thames. This has meant I've always lived in areas that tend to have fewer students. These areas offer a very different experience to areas such as Hammersmith or Fulham (which are common living areas for Imperial students), but rent should be significantly cheaper.
Sukorno by the Thames and the London Eye
Sukorno by the Thames and the London Eye
My career plans
My plans after graduation are to complete a PhD in laser physics, however, due to the highly competitive nature of PhDs, it's important to have back up options which is why I’m also applying for graduate jobs. Whether through a PhD or graduate job, I know I want to end up in industry, working in experimental physics research and development to build novel technologies. This may be in the semiconductor industry, aerospace, medical, quantum computing, but whatever the context, I plan to stay firmly in applied physics.
Among the diversity of all the remarkable people I've met here, every single one of them is connected by being passionate and prepared to work hard. My advice to someone considering applying to Imperial would be to just be sure to demonstrate this.
Studying at Imperial has been a truly transformative experience which has unlocked a new life, filled with intellectual stimulation and deeply cherished friendships.
Among the diversity of all the remarkable people I've met here, every single one of them is connected by being passionate and prepared to work hard. My advice to someone considering applying to Imperial would be to just be sure to demonstrate this.
Studying at Imperial has been a truly transformative experience which has unlocked a new life, filled with intellectual stimulation and deeply cherished friendships.
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