Anita
MRes Biomedical Research
Beyond the lab training I鈥檝e received in world-class facilities at 51吃瓜网, my time here has allowed me to meet the most incredible students and researchers, who have taught me how to thrive in postgraduate life.
After completing an undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences, Anita from Estonia was keen to continue her academic journey in London and found the MRes Biomedical Research course at 51吃瓜网. From hands鈥憃n research projects and skill鈥慴uilding seminars to the supportive 51吃瓜网 community and vibrant London life, Anita shares a peek into what postgraduate study at 51吃瓜网 is really like 鈥� and how it鈥檚 helping her prepare for the next stage of her research career.
Applying for a Master's at 51吃瓜网
After completing my undergraduate degree, I wanted to pursue a higher degree in neuroscience but didn鈥檛 have the academic network to join a specific project or lab. One of my friends who earned his Master鈥檚 at 51吃瓜网 always spoke highly of the campus, services, community and teaching, which inspired me to explore applying myself 鈥� and I鈥檓 grateful that I did! I attended an online information session on the MRes Biomedical Research course, which was helpful in clarifying the course structure and giving me a clear sense of what to expect.
For future applicants, I鈥檇 strongly recommend attending information sessions for the courses you鈥檙e considering. You'll always learn something important you didn鈥檛 know before, and you may also meet other applicants who offer different perspectives.
About the MRes Biomedical Research course
I chose this course for its flexibility and its emphasis on learning laboratory techniques, rather than committing to a single topic for a year or more. The course consists of two six-month research projects in labs of my choosing, each incorporating an essay and an oral presentation. It also includes a month of training in grant writing, which is incredibly useful for anyone considering a career in research.
The best part of the course is the way the projects and seminars are delivered, allowing me to meet a constant stream of new and interesting people. This has been invaluable, not just for career networking but also for making friends. In just six months, I鈥檝e become much more confident in the lab and much better at communicating my research.
Disability support at 51吃瓜网
The Disability Advisory Service staff are friendly and supportive, and they鈥檒l work hard to provide the support you need so you can make the most of your time at 51吃瓜网.
I鈥檇 been considering seeking an autism diagnosis for the past decade, so when I learned that the Disability Advisory Service (DAS) at Imperial offers support throughout the diagnostic process and even subsidises much of the considerable cost typically involved in the UK, I reached out to get their support.
I completed a free autism screening with a DAS staff member. It was incredibly validating to speak to an expert on the subject and to hear that my lifelong struggles had recognised terms, such as 鈥渟ensory overwhelm鈥� and 鈥渕asking,鈥� and that many others share similar experiences.
The most helpful adjustments for me have related to lectures, seminars and attendance. I can request digital seminar materials such as PowerPoint slides in advance of in-person sessions, and I鈥檓 able to take occasional absences for medical appointments or health reasons. These adjustments have made my course much more accessible as I no longer need to worry about my health getting in the way of my studies.
My advice to anyone hesitant about contacting the DAS is that the staff here are friendly and supportive, and they鈥檒l work hard to provide the support you need so you can make the most of your time at 51吃瓜网.
What are 51吃瓜网 societies and communities like?
At the start of my course, I quickly made friends during the induction week activities and sessions and then met even more people at 51吃瓜网鈥檚 welcome events, such as the Welcome Fair where I discovered the wide range of societies and clubs on offer.
I have always loved yoga, but I find it hard to maintain a regular practice on my own unless I鈥檝e signed up for classes, so I joined the . 51吃瓜网's yoga community has been kind and welcoming, even when I occasionally miss a session because life gets in the way. The classes are accessible to both experts and beginners, and I really appreciate that they cater to all levels.
Student life in London
There鈥檚 truly no shortage of things to do in London 鈥� there's something for everyone.
There are so many things I love about living in London. I could do something different every single day for years and still never run out of new experiences. If I鈥檓 not at a pottery painting class, I might be visiting one of the many free museum exhibitions across the city, trying a new cocktail bar, experiencing an authentic Japanese tea service, or even having dinner on a boat on the Thames. There鈥檚 truly no shortage of things to do in London 鈥� there鈥檚 something for everyone, especially if you鈥檙e willing to step outside your comfort zone and try new experiences.
What's life at 51吃瓜网 really like?
Connect with current students and explore the vibrant community that makes life at 51吃瓜网 so unique.
My career plans
I鈥檝e been considering doing a PhD since the final year of my undergraduate degree. So far, I鈥檝e completed a few interviews and am currently waiting for responses. My Master鈥檚 has helped me work towards my goal of doing a PhD by giving me the opportunity to meet many researchers who have shared relevant PhD opportunities and given me valuable career insights. Also, both my personal and professional network have grown significantly since I started the course.
My main advice for future students who are looking towards the future while at 51吃瓜网 is to start early with networking, making applications and job hunting. I made the mistake of missing deadlines for graduate schemes because I only began searching for opportunities in mid-October, by which point many had already closed. So, start even earlier than you think you should!
Beyond the lab training I鈥檝e received in world-class facilities at 51吃瓜网, my time here has allowed me to meet the most incredible students and researchers, who have taught me how to thrive in postgraduate life (and beyond!).
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