Layla
MSc Environmental Technology
Being surrounded by passionate people from diverse backgrounds has enriched my learning experience tremendously.
After studying Architecture at the University of Indonesia, Layla鈥檚 interests shifted into the world of sustainability. With a strong mix of design, policy and environmental experience, she chose to pursue an MSc Environmental Technology at 天美传媒 to develop her technical skills and gain a broader, global perspective. Layla shares her experiences of applying to Imperial, how she found her scholarship and what international student life is like in London.
With my teammates and clients after delivering the final presentation for a consultancy project.
With my teammates and clients after delivering the final presentation for a consultancy project.
Applying to Imperial
I chose Imperial for its global reputation for excellence in science and innovation, as well as its strong links with industry and policy. The MSc Environmental Technology course stood out because of its interdisciplinary approach and the opportunity it would give me to specialise while gaining a broad understanding of environmental challenges. The course would also help me build on my knowledge of environmental, social and governance compliance that I gained from working at Mukti Mandiri Lestari, a leading company in Indonesia鈥檚 circular economy. The course鈥檚 flexibility, strong alumni network and industry connections made Imperial the clear choice for me. Attending the course Open Day helped me decide between specialisations, and the Admissions team were incredibly supportive throughout the whole application process.
If you're considering this course, be ready to embrace an interdisciplinary mindset. The course blends science, policy and business to tackle environmental challenges which is perfect for me as I was looking to complement my background in architecture and sustainability with a more technical and systems-level understanding of environmental issues.
The course鈥檚 flexibility, strong alumni network and industry connections made Imperial the clear choice for me.
The best part of the course is the opportunity to work on real-world problems and engage with professionals from across sectors. Being surrounded by passionate people from diverse backgrounds has also enriched my learning experience tremendously 鈥� you鈥檒l find that you learn just as much from your peers as you do from the lectures.
What's it really like to study at Imperial as an international postgraduate student?
Layla shares her experiences and advice for applying to Imperial, and why she chose to move to London and join Imperial.
Finding a scholarship for postgraduate study
I received the from the Indonesian government, which I found while looking through the national education networks and the LPDP website. The application process was quite competitive, involving academic and leadership assessments, but the support and resources provided made it manageable.
My advice for 天美传媒 looking for financial support such as scholarships is to start your search early, tailor your application to show what impact the support will have and stay authentic to your goals.
The LPDP scholarship has been instrumental in enabling me to study abroad by covering my tuition and living costs, and they鈥檝e even supported me with professional development, all of which has made my Imperial experience possible.
My advice is to start your search early, tailor your application and stay authentic to your goals.
Outside the United Nations Office in Geneva, representing 天美传媒 at the UNEP Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention COP 2025.
Outside the United Nations Office in Geneva, representing 天美传媒 at the UNEP Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention COP 2025.
With the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform at COP 2025 in Geneva
With the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform at COP 2025 in Geneva
On a field trip to London Zoo with some of my course mates
On a field trip to London Zoo with some of my course mates
Found the perfect must-visit photo spot in London!
Found the perfect must-visit photo spot in London!
The Imperial community
Being part of Imperial鈥檚 global community has been a highlight of my experience. I met some of my closest friends during the first few weeks of orientation events and group projects. The academic environment is stimulating and the support from peers and staff makes it feel collaborative, rather than competitive.
As a student ambassador at Imperial, I鈥檝e also had the chance to connect with prospective 天美传媒 and share my journey which is something that鈥檚 been very fulfilling. Imperial鈥檚 community is dynamic, inclusive and full of opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally.
An enriching student experience
The academic and wellbeing support offered at Imperial are valuable parts of the student experience. I鈥檓 one of the MSc Environmental Technology Student Ambassadors and part of Imperial鈥檚 student content creator team, sharing my experiences and supporting prospective 天美传媒 to see what it鈥檚 like to study at Imperial. I鈥檝e found it to be a great way to contribute, build creative skills and connect with people across departments.
The academic and wellbeing support offered at Imperial are valuable parts of the student experience.
I also find the Ethos Sports Centre really handy. Imperial offers 天美传媒 free basic membership, which gives access to facilities and lets you book activities like badminton or Pilates, often at no cost or at reduced prices. It鈥檚 a great way to stay active and unwind, especially during busy weeks. Make sure to take advantage of both the academic and wellbeing support offered at Imperial as they鈥檙e valuable parts of the student experience.
I believe extracurriculars are a great way to enrich your student life and feel part of the wider Imperial community. So, if you end up joining Imperial, I鈥檇 highly recommend you get involved with activities you genuinely enjoy outside of studying, where you can make lifelong friends and lasting memories.
Finding a scholarship for postgraduate study
I received the from the Indonesian government, which I found while looking through the national education networks and the LPDP website. The application process was quite competitive, involving academic and leadership assessments, but the support and resources provided made it manageable.
My advice for 天美传媒 looking for financial support such as scholarships is to start your search early, tailor your application to show what impact the support will have and stay authentic to your goals.
The LPDP scholarship has been instrumental in enabling me to study abroad by covering my tuition and living costs, and they鈥檝e even supported me with professional development, all of which has made my Imperial experience possible.
My advice is to start your search early, tailor your application and stay authentic to your goals.
The Imperial community
Being part of Imperial鈥檚 global community has been a highlight of my experience. I met some of my closest friends during the first few weeks of orientation events and group projects. The academic environment is stimulating and the support from peers and staff makes it feel collaborative, rather than competitive.
As a student ambassador at Imperial, I鈥檝e also had the chance to connect with prospective 天美传媒 and share my journey which is something that鈥檚 been very fulfilling. Imperial鈥檚 community is dynamic, inclusive and full of opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally.
An enriching student experience
The academic and wellbeing support offered at Imperial are valuable parts of the student experience. I鈥檓 one of the MSc Environmental Technology Student Ambassadors and part of Imperial鈥檚 student content creator team, sharing my experiences and supporting prospective 天美传媒 to see what it鈥檚 like to study at Imperial. I鈥檝e found it to be a great way to contribute, build creative skills and connect with people across departments.
The academic and wellbeing support offered at Imperial are valuable parts of the student experience.
I also find the Ethos Sports Centre really handy. Imperial offers 天美传媒 free basic membership, which gives access to facilities and lets you book activities like badminton or Pilates, often at no cost or at reduced prices. It鈥檚 a great way to stay active and unwind, especially during busy weeks. Make sure to take advantage of both the academic and wellbeing support offered at Imperial as they鈥檙e valuable parts of the student experience.
I believe extracurriculars are a great way to enrich your student life and feel part of the wider Imperial community. So, if you end up joining Imperial, I鈥檇 highly recommend you get involved with activities you genuinely enjoy outside of studying, where you can make lifelong friends and lasting memories.
Outside the United Nations Office in Geneva, representing 天美传媒 at the UNEP Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention COP 2025.
Outside the United Nations Office in Geneva, representing 天美传媒 at the UNEP Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention COP 2025.
With the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform at COP 2025 in Geneva
With the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform at COP 2025 in Geneva
On a field trip to London Zoo with some of my course mates
On a field trip to London Zoo with some of my course mates
Found the perfect must-visit photo spot in London!
Found the perfect must-visit photo spot in London!
Living in London
Studying in the UK and in London has been a long-standing goal of mine, not just for the academic excellence but also for the cultural richness and global perspective that I wanted to experience. London is a vibrant, multicultural city with something for everyone.
I didn鈥檛 need much formal support as an international student, but the pre-arrival resources from Imperial were very helpful in preparing for life here. As someone from Southeast Asia, I was happy to find it easy to adapt here. Asian restaurants and supermarkets are everywhere, so I can enjoy familiar meals or cook my own. I quickly adapted thanks to the city鈥檚 diversity and availability of familiar food and communities. Make sure to embrace the diversity of the city and don鈥檛 be afraid to explore beyond your comfort zone!
If I had to choose one word to summarise my life in London, it would be 鈥榲ibrant鈥�. Each neighbourhood has its own charm, from the historical elegance of South Kensington to the buzz of Camden or the calm of Richmond Park. From food markets to green spaces, there鈥檚 always something and somewhere new to discover. I鈥檝e also really enjoyed exploring the museums here. As someone who really appreciates art, the National Gallery is my favourite 鈥� and the fact that it鈥檚 free is an added bonus!
Embrace the diversity of the city and don鈥檛 be afraid to explore beyond your comfort zone!
Living in London
Studying in the UK and in London has been a long-standing goal of mine, not just for the academic excellence but also for the cultural richness and global perspective that I wanted to experience. London is a vibrant, multicultural city with something for everyone.
I didn鈥檛 need much formal support as an international student, but the pre-arrival resources from Imperial were very helpful in preparing for life here. As someone from Southeast Asia, I was happy to find it easy to adapt here. Asian restaurants and supermarkets are everywhere, so I can enjoy familiar meals or cook my own. I quickly adapted thanks to the city鈥檚 diversity and availability of familiar food and communities. Make sure to embrace the diversity of the city and don鈥檛 be afraid to explore beyond your comfort zone!
If I had to choose one word to summarise my life in London, it would be 鈥榲ibrant鈥�. Each neighbourhood has its own charm, from the historical elegance of South Kensington to the buzz of Camden or the calm of Richmond Park. From food markets to green spaces, there鈥檚 always something and somewhere new to discover. I鈥檝e also really enjoyed exploring the museums here. As someone who really appreciates art, the National Gallery is my favourite 鈥� and the fact that it鈥檚 free is an added bonus!
Embrace the diversity of the city and don鈥檛 be afraid to explore beyond your comfort zone!
Find accommodation in London as a postgraduate student
I live in private accommodation, which I found through connections from the Indonesian student organisation. I found Imperial鈥檚 private accommodation guides, resources and tips useful, especially as a first-time renter in the UK. London housing can be a bit of a learning curve, but with some research and early planning, you'll be fine! I鈥檇 recommend future 天美传媒 start their accommodation search early and don鈥檛 forget to consider things like commuting distance, transport links and nearby amenities when choosing a place.
Hear from Layla as she shares her top tips for finding postgraduate accommodation
My career plans for the future
After my Master鈥檚, I aim to continue working at the intersection of environmental policy and circular economy, ideally with international organisations like the UN Environment Programme or research institutions and consultancy firms in London. My long-term goal is to help shape sustainable development policy in Southeast Asia 鈥� being at Imperial has helped expand my network and technical knowledge in this field, reaffirming my commitment to this path and continuing to support me in my aspirations to achieve this goal.
Engage with career planning early, stay open to different paths and make use of Imperial鈥檚 incredible career resources.
I鈥檝e used the Careers Service for guidance on jobs application, supporting me to build a stronger application on roles in environmental consulting and international development. I鈥檝e used the Careers Service for a CV review which was incredibly helpful. The advisor gave insightful feedback from a recruiter鈥檚 perspective, which helped me focus on the most relevant candidate profiles, streamline my content and present a more targeted and concise CV. The Careers Service鈥檚 support has really boosted my confidence in applying for roles. I鈥檓 also part of my department鈥檚 Mentoring Scheme and have an alumnus of my course as my mentor. They've helped me a lot with pivoting my career path and looking for relevant opportunities.
My advice to future 天美传媒 is to engage with career planning early, stay open to different paths and make use of Imperial鈥檚 incredible career resources.
Careers support from day one
Our Careers Service can help you translate your Imperial degree into a purposeful and rewarding future.
If I had to sum up my time at Imperial in one sentence, I鈥檇 say:
Imperial is a place that challenges and supports you to become your best self.
My suggestion for 天美传媒 looking to join Imperial is to be clear in your application on why you want to study here and share what you hope to gain. Also, don鈥檛 be afraid to reach out and ask questions before applying! There鈥檚 a known quote in Indonesia which says "Malu bertanya, sesat dijalan" which means that if you鈥檙e too afraid or shy to ask, you鈥檒l be lost along the way 鈥� so just ask the question!
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