Imperial College London
London
Is Imperial boring??!?
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Original post by freefrag
You seem to have a loose definition of stunning ;p, but I have to admit it's a lot better than I anticipated.
Freefrag, I realised how I'm in the same course as you and I haven't seen you AT ALL! When do I get to know your name and stuff? *hint hint (send pm)* You've probably seen me around well loads but I have no clue who you are. I might recognise your name though
But yeah, a quick look at the females in our course, it probably IS a lot better than you anticipated.
Imperial College London
London
Original post by nikita_atikin
Freefrag, I realised how I'm in the same course as you and I haven't seen you AT ALL! When do I get to know your name and stuff? *hint hint (send pm)* You've probably seen me around well loads but I have no clue who you are. I might recognise your name though
But yeah, a quick look at the females in our course, it probably IS a lot better than you anticipated.
But yeah, a quick look at the females in our course, it probably IS a lot better than you anticipated.
Haha, I'll let you figure out who I am. But to give you a hint you've definitely seen me a few times and I live quite close!
Original post by freefrag
Haha, I'll let you figure out who I am. But to give you a hint you've definitely seen me a few times and I live quite close!
Hmmm if you're the Polish guy that lives quite close to me and if you do JMC... there can only be one person I'm thinking of, if we've defo spoken before
Original post by innerhollow
Hahaha the age-old question about Imperial. I've only been here a few weeks but I shall attempt to give you what information I can.
Are there women at Imperial?
65:35 is actually quite deceptive. Many of the girls are Medics so you won't see them, and the rest of the girls tend to bunch together. I have an album on FB of my time at Imperial so far (about 60 photos) and according to the summary thing there are 20 different people tagged in the album photos- 19 guys and 1 girl. LOL. Imperial is extremely male-dominated, that is no exaggeration.
Is Imperial boring?
I can't really answer this in absolute terms because I don't know what your concept of "boring" entails. But in a relative sense, compared to other universities, then yes I would say Imperial is boring. People here do not give the same importance to crazy socialising as at other universities. The flipside though is that if you DO want to go out, you're in centre of London. The range of things to do here is absolutely phenomenal.
Why don't people go out that much?
It's almost entirely down to the workload, as all degrees at Imperial are very intense. Engineering is a particular slog of a subject, and 40% of the Imperial student population are engineers. Also a large number of international students don't like drinking/partying very much, it's just not their idea of fun.
Should any of this put me off Imperial?
If you're one of these people who just wants this "student lifestyle" of drinking, partying and sex with not a concern in the world, do not come to Imperial.
Personally, I've really been enjoying my time at Imperial. A place is as good as the people you know there, and I've met some really decent people here. If you're prepared to work hard then this can be a fantastic university.
Are there women at Imperial?
65:35 is actually quite deceptive. Many of the girls are Medics so you won't see them, and the rest of the girls tend to bunch together. I have an album on FB of my time at Imperial so far (about 60 photos) and according to the summary thing there are 20 different people tagged in the album photos- 19 guys and 1 girl. LOL. Imperial is extremely male-dominated, that is no exaggeration.
Is Imperial boring?
I can't really answer this in absolute terms because I don't know what your concept of "boring" entails. But in a relative sense, compared to other universities, then yes I would say Imperial is boring. People here do not give the same importance to crazy socialising as at other universities. The flipside though is that if you DO want to go out, you're in centre of London. The range of things to do here is absolutely phenomenal.
Why don't people go out that much?
It's almost entirely down to the workload, as all degrees at Imperial are very intense. Engineering is a particular slog of a subject, and 40% of the Imperial student population are engineers. Also a large number of international students don't like drinking/partying very much, it's just not their idea of fun.
Should any of this put me off Imperial?
If you're one of these people who just wants this "student lifestyle" of drinking, partying and sex with not a concern in the world, do not come to Imperial.
Personally, I've really been enjoying my time at Imperial. A place is as good as the people you know there, and I've met some really decent people here. If you're prepared to work hard then this can be a fantastic university.
I'm not a party animal lol, but I'm looking forward to having fun at university. What I'm saying is, studying until 10pm and then going out seems okay for me, can you not do that? For example how long do you study every day? It can't be as bad as you're saying it is I hope!
Original post by WedgeDoctor
I'm not a party animal lol, but I'm looking forward to having fun at university. What I'm saying is, studying until 10pm and then going out seems okay for me, can you not do that? For example how long do you study every day? It can't be as bad as you're saying it is I hope!
Story of my life dude. Story of my life.
What I do is, my assignment deadlines are usually Monday/Tuesday. Monday and Tuesday are student nights at these two clubs => I go out after my deadlines. Again Friday/Saturday, you need to unwind, => I go out after having (not) worked for a while
I'd say any more than 2-3 nights out a week, you're degree is being too kind to you. But yeah, for those looking to have some fun and stuff, it's definitely there.
And btw, there are loads of girls here!!! My friendship group is nearly all girls, and we're quite fit as well even if I say so myself
It will be worse in your courses, because depending on what course you're in, you might see more girls/more boys but in halls, you'll have an even balance.Protip for males desperate for girls - Southwell hall is supposed to have a very high proportion of girls
Well this year anyway, it does 
Original post by WedgeDoctor
I'm not a party animal lol, but I'm looking forward to having fun at university. What I'm saying is, studying until 10pm and then going out seems okay for me, can you not do that? For example how long do you study every day? It can't be as bad as you're saying it is I hope!
Haha I didn't mean to make Imperial out to be some awful place. On the contrary I'm having a really enjoyable time here. My workload is not that bad at the moment as I'm a Fresher, but I know from people here it can get pretty intense later on, so you need to be prepared to work hard when needed. Work is the priority, but as long as you handle that well then you'll have the time for friends and societies and stuff. Definitely since coming here me and my friends have all improved dramatically at using our time well- we don't spend hours lounging around on the TV/internet achieving nothing like we used to.
Yeah, yeah, if you're wanting to go out once a week or something that's not going to be a problem in terms of time. Money can be problematic when it comes to night outs so make sure to pre-drink well. Me and my friends keep forgetting to pre-drink and it makes our nights out much more costly.
Like I said, it's hard to answer your question because I can't crystal ball how you will find Imperial, and I'm not that experienced myself.
(edited 12 years ago)
My take on your Qs. Currently a medic fresher - don't be hatin'
Are there women at Imperial?
Yea, but depends on where you're looking. For medics, there's around 50:50, I'd say as a rough guess. But for the rest of IC, barring biomedical sciences and biology, there is a more unbalanced gender ratio. From what I've heard, there's about 10 girls in the entire CivEng fresher population.
Is Imperial boring?
Boring is relative. There's plenty of events and socs for you to get involved in - but no one's going to drag you out of your room to them. You gotta get involved yourself, take that first step. To be honest, I'm finding it a little challenging to balance work, social life and going out at the moment since I'm still kind of settling in - but I'm getting the hang of things. I even find myself regretfully pulling out of clubs that I've wanted to join for ages (eg. IQ, Lacrosse) because club schedule clashes. You'll be never lacking in things to do. Living in halls gives you an extra edge as you'll be surrounded by similar people and freshers and the friends you make will drag you around and keep you entertained. Definitely try for halls if it's within your budget - worthiwhile experience. As a not-really-a-drinker (self imposed 2 drinks/week budget for my wallet and dignity's sake), I find plenty to do as well. Sports training and interest clubs will take up your time. Events are pretty fun even without the drink.
Why don't people go out that much?
As the year goes on, a lot of people get bogged down by the workload. As innerhollow said before, all degrees at Imperial are incredibly intense. Medics are supposed to have it the easiest in the first year, but as years go on we will definitely not come out laughing. Also, I'd say one of the factors (once fresher's week and the novelty of partying 247 has worn off) is that London is essentially a pretty expensive place to live. Even with pre-drinks and walking everywhere, you'd still have to dig deep in your wallet to afford to go out clubbing a lot on top of having to pay for things like groceries, or living in SK in general.
Should any of this put me off Imperial?
No - I'd say, give it a go. It'll turn out to be the most incredible experience in your life, most likely - you still have a chance to have a look during open days and pre-interview tours. Ask your tour guides for their honest impression of being a fresher or senior - there are pros and cons to every university but a prestigious degree and an incredible education should be at the top of your list.
Are there women at Imperial?
Yea, but depends on where you're looking. For medics, there's around 50:50, I'd say as a rough guess. But for the rest of IC, barring biomedical sciences and biology, there is a more unbalanced gender ratio. From what I've heard, there's about 10 girls in the entire CivEng fresher population.
Is Imperial boring?
Boring is relative. There's plenty of events and socs for you to get involved in - but no one's going to drag you out of your room to them. You gotta get involved yourself, take that first step. To be honest, I'm finding it a little challenging to balance work, social life and going out at the moment since I'm still kind of settling in - but I'm getting the hang of things. I even find myself regretfully pulling out of clubs that I've wanted to join for ages (eg. IQ, Lacrosse) because club schedule clashes. You'll be never lacking in things to do. Living in halls gives you an extra edge as you'll be surrounded by similar people and freshers and the friends you make will drag you around and keep you entertained. Definitely try for halls if it's within your budget - worthiwhile experience. As a not-really-a-drinker (self imposed 2 drinks/week budget for my wallet and dignity's sake), I find plenty to do as well. Sports training and interest clubs will take up your time. Events are pretty fun even without the drink.
Why don't people go out that much?
As the year goes on, a lot of people get bogged down by the workload. As innerhollow said before, all degrees at Imperial are incredibly intense. Medics are supposed to have it the easiest in the first year, but as years go on we will definitely not come out laughing. Also, I'd say one of the factors (once fresher's week and the novelty of partying 247 has worn off) is that London is essentially a pretty expensive place to live. Even with pre-drinks and walking everywhere, you'd still have to dig deep in your wallet to afford to go out clubbing a lot on top of having to pay for things like groceries, or living in SK in general.
Should any of this put me off Imperial?
No - I'd say, give it a go. It'll turn out to be the most incredible experience in your life, most likely - you still have a chance to have a look during open days and pre-interview tours. Ask your tour guides for their honest impression of being a fresher or senior - there are pros and cons to every university but a prestigious degree and an incredible education should be at the top of your list.
I just graduated from physics at IC. To give you an idea about workload at uni, this is what me/most of my friends did.
1st year: 1st and 2nd term do veeery little work, spend most of time drinking/partying and doing fun stuff (in fact I took a gap month in first time not going to anything apart from labs). However.... **** hits the fan around easter time when you realise you need to catch up on all those courses you missed.
Long story short, the **** hits the fan progressively earlier as the years go on, until you hit 4th year and you're pretty much working round the clock every day from about christmas time.
This is of course if you're naturally lazy/don't keep on top of things.
1st year: 1st and 2nd term do veeery little work, spend most of time drinking/partying and doing fun stuff (in fact I took a gap month in first time not going to anything apart from labs). However.... **** hits the fan around easter time when you realise you need to catch up on all those courses you missed.
Long story short, the **** hits the fan progressively earlier as the years go on, until you hit 4th year and you're pretty much working round the clock every day from about christmas time.
This is of course if you're naturally lazy/don't keep on top of things.
Original post by WedgeDoctor
I'm not a party animal lol, but I'm looking forward to having fun at university. What I'm saying is, studying until 10pm and then going out seems okay for me, can you not do that? For example how long do you study every day? It can't be as bad as you're saying it is I hope!
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by Cartry
My take on your Qs. Currently a medic fresher - don't be hatin'
Are there women at Imperial?
Yea, but depends on where you're looking. For medics, there's around 50:50, I'd say as a rough guess. But for the rest of IC, barring biomedical sciences and biology, there is a more unbalanced gender ratio. From what I've heard, there's about 10 girls in the entire CivEng fresher population.
Is Imperial boring?
Boring is relative. There's plenty of events and socs for you to get involved in - but no one's going to drag you out of your room to them. You gotta get involved yourself, take that first step. To be honest, I'm finding it a little challenging to balance work, social life and going out at the moment since I'm still kind of settling in - but I'm getting the hang of things. I even find myself regretfully pulling out of clubs that I've wanted to join for ages (eg. IQ, Lacrosse) because club schedule clashes. You'll be never lacking in things to do. Living in halls gives you an extra edge as you'll be surrounded by similar people and freshers and the friends you make will drag you around and keep you entertained. Definitely try for halls if it's within your budget - worthiwhile experience. As a not-really-a-drinker (self imposed 2 drinks/week budget for my wallet and dignity's sake), I find plenty to do as well. Sports training and interest clubs will take up your time. Events are pretty fun even without the drink.
Why don't people go out that much?
As the year goes on, a lot of people get bogged down by the workload. As innerhollow said before, all degrees at Imperial are incredibly intense. Medics are supposed to have it the easiest in the first year, but as years go on we will definitely not come out laughing. Also, I'd say one of the factors (once fresher's week and the novelty of partying 247 has worn off) is that London is essentially a pretty expensive place to live. Even with pre-drinks and walking everywhere, you'd still have to dig deep in your wallet to afford to go out clubbing a lot on top of having to pay for things like groceries, or living in SK in general.
Should any of this put me off Imperial?
No - I'd say, give it a go. It'll turn out to be the most incredible experience in your life, most likely - you still have a chance to have a look during open days and pre-interview tours. Ask your tour guides for their honest impression of being a fresher or senior - there are pros and cons to every university but a prestigious degree and an incredible education should be at the top of your list.
Are there women at Imperial?
Yea, but depends on where you're looking. For medics, there's around 50:50, I'd say as a rough guess. But for the rest of IC, barring biomedical sciences and biology, there is a more unbalanced gender ratio. From what I've heard, there's about 10 girls in the entire CivEng fresher population.
Is Imperial boring?
Boring is relative. There's plenty of events and socs for you to get involved in - but no one's going to drag you out of your room to them. You gotta get involved yourself, take that first step. To be honest, I'm finding it a little challenging to balance work, social life and going out at the moment since I'm still kind of settling in - but I'm getting the hang of things. I even find myself regretfully pulling out of clubs that I've wanted to join for ages (eg. IQ, Lacrosse) because club schedule clashes. You'll be never lacking in things to do. Living in halls gives you an extra edge as you'll be surrounded by similar people and freshers and the friends you make will drag you around and keep you entertained. Definitely try for halls if it's within your budget - worthiwhile experience. As a not-really-a-drinker (self imposed 2 drinks/week budget for my wallet and dignity's sake), I find plenty to do as well. Sports training and interest clubs will take up your time. Events are pretty fun even without the drink.
Why don't people go out that much?
As the year goes on, a lot of people get bogged down by the workload. As innerhollow said before, all degrees at Imperial are incredibly intense. Medics are supposed to have it the easiest in the first year, but as years go on we will definitely not come out laughing. Also, I'd say one of the factors (once fresher's week and the novelty of partying 247 has worn off) is that London is essentially a pretty expensive place to live. Even with pre-drinks and walking everywhere, you'd still have to dig deep in your wallet to afford to go out clubbing a lot on top of having to pay for things like groceries, or living in SK in general.
Should any of this put me off Imperial?
No - I'd say, give it a go. It'll turn out to be the most incredible experience in your life, most likely - you still have a chance to have a look during open days and pre-interview tours. Ask your tour guides for their honest impression of being a fresher or senior - there are pros and cons to every university but a prestigious degree and an incredible education should be at the top of your list.
Considering what everyone has said I think that Imperial would be a great experience for me. I'm already used to the hard work of A-Levels, I'm sure I'll get used to the university workload =p
Thanks guys
Original post by Cartry
My take on your Qs. Currently a medic fresher - don't be hatin'
Are there women at Imperial?
Yea, but depends on where you're looking. For medics, there's around 50:50, I'd say as a rough guess. But for the rest of IC, barring biomedical sciences and biology, there is a more unbalanced gender ratio. From what I've heard, there's about 10 girls in the entire CivEng fresher population.
...
Are there women at Imperial?
Yea, but depends on where you're looking. For medics, there's around 50:50, I'd say as a rough guess. But for the rest of IC, barring biomedical sciences and biology, there is a more unbalanced gender ratio. From what I've heard, there's about 10 girls in the entire CivEng fresher population.
...
That sounds grim, I hope it's not like that in Physics. If I'm going theoretical physics, how much of a barrier do you think there is between getting to know people in other courses like Medicine or Bio? (you know what I mean).
Original post by Morphius1
That sounds grim, I hope it's not like that in Physics. If I'm going theoretical physics, how much of a barrier do you think there is between getting to know people in other courses like Medicine or Bio? (you know what I mean).
You'll be fine getting to know people on other courses. I have more friends on other courses than on my own. You'll meet people in halls, hall events, union events, societies etc.
Since I don't drink at all (simply a personal preference) I wouldn't mind the lack of partying... although as a heterosexual male the lack of girls could be a bit worrying.
I am doing Aero Engineering here, and currently the workload isn't too bad. From what my Tutor has said we have a lot more Lectures than most people in Aero, and less work at home, but are expected to do more self study... However, I have managed to go out at least twice every week so far, excluding freshers which was everyday... Most people seem sociable, and a lot of my friends who are medics take me along to their parties at the reynolds bar, which is awesome!
I worked relatively hard for my A Levels, but not excessively as I loved to cram for a month pre-exams in June... However, I wouldn't say my social life has hindered at all. Infact I would say it has got better! I may have just been lucky that the friends I have made are really sociable, but it has completely changed my pre-imperial ideas about there being no life at all.
It is a great place to be, as long as you are willing to stay on top of your work (I try to get 80% of the stuff I'm set done on the day I'm given it), you will be able to socialise as much as you like! There are about 10-15 MASSIVE clubs that people go out to, and there are millions of student oriented events too! Loving life so far!
I worked relatively hard for my A Levels, but not excessively as I loved to cram for a month pre-exams in June... However, I wouldn't say my social life has hindered at all. Infact I would say it has got better! I may have just been lucky that the friends I have made are really sociable, but it has completely changed my pre-imperial ideas about there being no life at all.
It is a great place to be, as long as you are willing to stay on top of your work (I try to get 80% of the stuff I'm set done on the day I'm given it), you will be able to socialise as much as you like! There are about 10-15 MASSIVE clubs that people go out to, and there are millions of student oriented events too! Loving life so far!
I'm there, so it's the most bangin' place in town.
Original post by ritchie888
I'm there, so it's the most bangin' place in town.
I swear I've told you this before but I love your sig but it's still such a puzzle to me... Why is it that 8 can see i and the others can't?
Original post by nikita_atikin
I swear I've told you this before but I love your sig but it's still such a puzzle to me... Why is it that 8 can see i and the others can't?
Original post by coffee?
because he's imaginary
This. And before you ask, no, there is no specific reason why 8 can see the imaginary number and not any other number, it's just a random number...
I am still waiting for an interview!
I have been there in september and imperial seemed the best place to be.
I have been there in september and imperial seemed the best place to be.
Original post by WedgeDoctor
I've heard sooo many people saying that Imperial is boring, does anyone know why this is the case?
Is it because you have to study so much, or the 65:35 male female ratio? I mean....there are still girls, just half as much as other universities! It's also in London, so that's a big advantage "social-wise".
So is imperial boring or not?
Is it because you have to study so much, or the 65:35 male female ratio? I mean....there are still girls, just half as much as other universities! It's also in London, so that's a big advantage "social-wise".
So is imperial boring or not?
Though you will inevitably be thumbed down for daring to ask whether Imperial is boring, as an Imperial student myself I will give you the low-down:
- The ratio is there, and it is noticeable. You will see a lot of girls on a daily basis, as of course they still exist, but the university is undeniably male dominated. There is a general joke in Imperial that you have to lower your standards for girls out of 10 by 2 (the girls probably say worse about the guys haha).
- The majority of girls (being a guy myself, I can't comment on what the guys are like) are not attractive. Yes. I said it. Many have never been touched by the opposite sex (for a reason), many just stick to their foreign communities, which leaves a small minority of 'normal' (whatever that means) looking girls that are friendly and have active social lives.
- As for nightlife: it's London mate. You can say 'f**k Imperial' and go out to one of the dozens of clubs (whether you like the 'cheap and grimy' approach of Ministry or the 'I will be robbed of my cash' approach of Mahiki/Merah/etc.) and still have a mad time. As I said: it's London. You can find more fun guys and girls there than any other UK city, in my opinion.
- Imperial people still go out quite often - and it is possible to find a group of people with similar social interests to you. At the end of the day, there are stunning girls, guys who I'm sure you could become best friends with, and parties to knock your socks off. But there are these things in every uni, and simply less in Imperial.
You essentially have to make a decision, should you get an offer: 'am I willing to partly trade social fun (not all of it, and it's possible to have the best social life ever there) for a more prestigious degree at a more prestigious uni'. These days Imperial is on the rise, and the numbers speak for itself, as it has the highest graduate starting salary of any UK uni.
Being an Imperial Fresher myself, these are a few of my conclusions...
-If you're a girl, you just hit the jackpot
. If you're a guy, tough luck man . The ratio is pretty bad unless you're in Biology related courses which have ~1:1. Engineering majors, especially ones like Aero (which I'm in ) is ~9:1 and even worse for EEE. But, contrary to stereotypes, the quality is quite good (although be prepared to battle the enormous competition)
-Imperial is definitely NOT boring. There's always something to do and people do go out clubbing. You are working towards getting a prestigious degree and if you get in, you probably know what hard work is and how to do it. So don't expect you'll get wasted every night and and lead American Pie lives. One night out a week is pretty much your minimum (to remain sane) and two or three is the maximum (to not get kicked out). You have to work and you will get ample opportunity to party.
-If you're a girl, you just hit the jackpot
. If you're a guy, tough luck man . The ratio is pretty bad unless you're in Biology related courses which have ~1:1. Engineering majors, especially ones like Aero (which I'm in ) is ~9:1 and even worse for EEE. But, contrary to stereotypes, the quality is quite good (although be prepared to battle the enormous competition)-Imperial is definitely NOT boring. There's always something to do and people do go out clubbing. You are working towards getting a prestigious degree and if you get in, you probably know what hard work is and how to do it. So don't expect you'll get wasted every night and and lead American Pie lives. One night out a week is pretty much your minimum (to remain sane) and two or three is the maximum (to not get kicked out). You have to work and you will get ample opportunity to party.
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