Each year, Options Solutions team members visit many, many post-secondary institutions. These visits allow us to learn beyond what is readily available on the internet and in print materials. While on campus, we often meet with admission staff and Options alumni who attend the institution. We love learning about the nuance and vibe of each place and about all the hidden opportunities that exist there.
Our Options on Tour series highlights some of our recent adventures and shares them with you. We’ll feature what we saw, who we met, and what neat things/hidden nuggets we learned.
Imperial College London – London, England
Last spring, Melinda visited Imperial College London. Read her highlights below.
The Basics
- Imperial College London was founded in 1907 and specializes in science, engineering, medicine, and business.
- The university has more than 22,000 students from around the world studying at campuses across London, with its main campus in South Kensington.
- Imperial is known for its close-knit academic environment, with a student-to-staff ratio of roughly 11:1.
- Student life extends beyond the classroom with more than 350 clubs, societies, and projects, as well as over 90 sports clubs.
Featured Academic Programs
- Master’s of Engineering in Aeronautics with Spacecraft Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Technology Ventures
- Master’s of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering with Nuclear Engineering
Interesting Facts
- Imperial became fully independent from the University of London in 2007, marking its centenary year.
- Sir Alexander Fleming conducted the research that led to the discovery of penicillin while working at what is now Imperial’s St. Mary’s campus.
- The university’s mascot traditions include historic objects such as giant thermometers and vintage vehicles that are paraded and protected by student groups.
- The South Kensington campus sits among some of London’s most famous cultural institutions, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
- Imperial’s student newspaper, Felix, has been in continuous publication since 1949 and is entirely student-run.
Check out our Admissions category for all our Options on Tour posts!
