Alexia
MSci Mathematics
Being part of such a vibrant, international community has broadened my perspective and enriched my time at Imperial.
Imperial’s focus on STEM subjects and London location (with its endless list of things to do and explore) led Alexia to apply for the MSci Mathematics course. She shares her experience of starting at university, what she gets up to outside lectures and how the support of the Imperial community made her feel at home.
Why Imperial
I applied to Imperial College London because I’ve always loved maths and was excited about the idea of learning in an environment surrounded by other students who are passionate about STEMB (science, technology, engineering, medicine and business).
I wanted to be part of a university focused on the future and that encourages collaboration across different fields, and this really stood out to me at Imperial. On top of that, I loved the thought of studying in a lively, dynamic city like London. Although I never attended an open day, the information on Imperial’s website gave me all the details I needed to feel confident about my decision to apply.
Starting at Imperial
When I first arrived at Imperial, I quickly realised it was the perfect place for me. Meeting people on my course who shared the same love for maths was something I’d never experienced before –it felt amazing to connect with others who were just as passionate about it as I was. In those first few months, I made most of my friends through my course and the societies I joined.
Everyone was so open and welcoming, which made it easy to feel at home.
The Queen's Tower at the South Kensington Campus
The Queen's Tower at the South Kensington Campus
Studying MSci Mathematics
Studying mathematics at Imperial has been an incredibly rewarding and inspiring experience. I chose this course because it was my favourite subject in school, but also because I’ve always been curious about how abstract concepts created by people have become so essential in our everyday lives.
What I love most about the course is how relevant it is to the real world – by the middle of the second year, you start exploring topics that are at the heart of cutting-edge mathematical research. The course is definitely challenging, with a lot of content to cover, but I’ve found that when you’re passionate about a particular module, it’s much easier to stay motivated and keep up.
It’s this mix of challenge and discovery that makes studying here such a fulfilling journey.
Student life in London
My favourite thing about living in London is the endless list of things to do and explore. As a food lover, I’m especially drawn to places like Billingsgate Market and Smithfield Meat Market, which offer a scale and variety of food experiences I’ve never encountered before.
I live in Earl's Court, a vibrant area with fantastic Turkish restaurants, each offering something special. I’d also highly recommend trying the set lunch menu at Noble Rot in central London – it's incredibly affordable, yet the quality of food is exceptional.
While nightlife isn't really my scene, I do enjoy visiting bars and I can't recommend Ronnie Scott’s enough to anyone who loves jazz. The best advice I could give to anyone moving here is to budget wisely, so you can fully take advantage of the amazing opportunities right on your doorstep!
Extracurricular activities
As a Mathematics Student Ambassador at Imperial, I have the opportunity to guide prospective students through entrance exams and assist in organising welcome events for incoming first-year students. This role has been deeply rewarding, as it allows me to use my own experiences to support students whose position I was in once.
In addition to my academic commitments, I'm also a member of the Kensington Chamber Choir, which performs a diverse range of repertoire, from early works like Pergolesi to more contemporary pieces. The choir, which includes students from Imperial, alternates with the Imperial Chamber Choir to perform evensong and provides a wonderful opportunity to engage in the musical community at Imperial.
The legendary Ronnie Scott's jazz bar in Soho
The legendary Ronnie Scott's jazz bar in Soho
The Churchill Arms pub in Kensington is famous for its Christmas decorations
The Churchill Arms pub in Kensington is famous for its Christmas decorations
A supportive community
Socially, my coursemates have been incredibly supportive – we’re all in the same boat, so there’s a real sense of camaraderie as we help each other navigate the challenges of the course. Academically, the lecturers are fantastic; they’re approachable and genuinely encourage you to attend office hours to engage with them, which has been an invaluable resource. In a wider context, the diversity at Imperial adds so much to the experience.
Being part of such a vibrant, international community has broadened my perspective and enriched my time here.
Top tips for future Imperial students
Imperial is a place where you're constantly pushed to grow, both academically and personally, and there are endless opportunities to explore. If you're thinking about applying, my advice would be to embrace the challenge. You’ll meet inspiring people and have access to so many opportunities, so don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
For anyone considering studying mathematics here, be prepared for a fast-paced and demanding course, but if you stay curious and passionate, you’ll find it deeply rewarding. And don’t hesitate to reach out to your peers and professors – they’re always there to support you along the way.