Philippa
MBBS Medicine
Every moment I’m at Imperial has only affirmed that I’m in the right place.
Combining her passion for people and problem solving, Philippa chose to study on our MBBS Medicine course. As an international student from Hong Kong, she opens up about some of her challenges, building a community and how her move to London and time at Imperial has developed her character.
Why did you want to study medicine?
I chose to study MBBS Medicine because it combines everything I’m looking for in a career. I love hearing patient’s stories, being presented with different, intellectually stimulating problems to solve every day and collaborating with people from different backgrounds. Being able to do all that and more through my passion and knowledge in STEM is what pushed me to choose medicine.
At Imperial, medicine students are get the chance to practice their clinical skills in the workplace from their first year through GP and hospital placements. These placements help us to build our communication skills with patients and learn what it means to be a doctor. From learning how to take bloods to communicating efficiently to colleagues during handovers, every placement teaches us new skills to allow us to be the best doctors we can be.
Join Philippa for a typical day on placement
Learn more about MBBS Medicine at Imperial
Find information on course structure, including phases and modules on our Study website.
How did you make friends at Imperial?
In my first year, I mostly met people by putting myself out there and saying “yes” to as many opportunities as possible. From attending events to trying out different clubs and societies, I had to push myself out of my comfort zone. It wasn’t easy at first but became more natural the more I did it. It was definitely a very rewarding experience.
I'm grateful I put myself out there as I've found a community of people I truly treasure.
I knew that Imperial was the right place for me when I realised I was surrounded by people with the same passions and priorities as me. We'd spend all day in lectures or studying in the library, then be at the club that night and still be back to studying hard the next day. They understood me and the way I did things without me having to explain myself, and that was something I hadn’t been able to easily find before coming to Imperial.
I remember at our induction lecture on my very first day at Imperial, the Head of the School of Medicine, Professor Amir Sam, made a comment about how we were here because we were perfectionists and it hit me that everyone in that hall agreed. Since then, every moment I’m here has only affirmed that I’m in the right place for me, and I must credit my friends and faculty here at Imperial.
Philippa with the Imperial Netball team
Philippa with the Imperial Netball team
What do you do in your free time?
Joining extracurricular activities at Imperial is incredibly easy and accessible. Most clubs and societies have active social media pages and promote their groups at the Welcome Fairs and in newsletters, so all your options are right in front of you. Everyone is welcoming and friendly, so even if you’re a complete beginner or just want to try something new, you shouldn’t be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone and getting involved.
Since joining Imperial, I've taken part in in a few extracurricular activities, mainly netball, the Imperial College School of Medicine fashion show and working as a student ambassador for Imperial’s social media channels. These activities have allowed me to pursue my passions alongside my studies and helped me to maintain a balanced life.
Follow Imperial on Instagram and TikTok to see what Philippa and our other student ambassadors get up to.
What do you do in your free time?
Joining extracurricular activities at Imperial is incredibly easy and accessible. Most clubs and societies have active social media pages and promote their groups at the Welcome Fairs and in newsletters, so all your options are right in front of you. Everyone is welcoming and friendly, so even if you’re a complete beginner or just want to try something new, you shouldn’t be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone and getting involved.
Philippa and the Imperial Netball team
Philippa and the Imperial Netball team
Since joining Imperial, I've taken part in in a few extracurricular activities, mainly netball, the Imperial College School of Medicine fashion show and working as a student ambassador for Imperial’s social media channels. These activities have allowed me to pursue my passions alongside my studies and helped me to maintain a balanced life.
Follow Imperial on Instagram and TikTok to see what Philippa and our other student ambassadors get up to.
Do you have any advice for someone moving to London?
My biggest piece of advice for someone moving to London for university is to be open-minded and embrace change. Moving away from somewhere you’ve grown up – especially if you’re moving across the world on your own – can feel overwhelming and lonely at times. But there’s always a silver lining to everything and moving means you can start with a blank slate and be able to push yourself to become a better version of yourself.
The independence and freedom you gain is a unique experience for everyone and should be cherished with all its challenges.
I’ve loved exploring a new environment and building a life for myself here. It’s been a journey full of highs and lows, but overall an exciting experience which has allowed me to grow in ways I couldn’t if I stayed in my hometown.
Studying at Imperial has allowed me to grow academically and personally. I've learned more about the ways I study best, what interests me and how to prepare for life beyond university. As an international student especially, the experience has pushed me to become more independent and take responsibility for my own learning, which has helped shape who I am both in and outside the classroom.
Take a whistlestop tour of Notting Hill
Explore London on our virtual tour
Visit famous London landmarks close to Imperial, including the London Eye, Borough Market and Oxford Circus on our interactive virtual tour.
Have you overcome any challenges?
The biggest challenge I faced since coming to Imperial is assuring myself that I belong here. Everyone on my course is incredibly talented and intelligent, so it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that I don’t deserve my spot on this course as much as others do. But imposter syndrome is something that most people go through, some more quietly than others.
It’s important to remember that you’re where you are for a reason. It’s not a coincidence or an accident, you were chosen for a reason, and this mindset is what helped me get through this challenge.
Studying at Imperial has taught me how to deal with changes and challenges, from heartbreak to failure and how to be resilient. Through these challenges, I’ve had to trip and fall, pick myself up and I would not be as strong without the community that Imperial has given me. Looking back at my time at Imperial, I’ve completely changed for the better and I would not be here if it weren’t for the push that Imperial has given me to step out of my comfort zone and learn from my every mistake and endeavour.
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