X Close

MPBE Student Voice

Home

Menu

Archive for the 'UCL Campus' Category

How to decorate your halls room

By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 21 September 2023

Female student sitting at her laptop with headphones on in her university halls room
Moving into halls can be nerve-wracking in terms of packing, especially if you come from outside the UK as you can’t bring everything you might want to decorate your new room with you.

As a 4th year UCL student, here are my tips on how to decorate your hall room:

  1. Take a step back and consider the layout. Most rooms come with a standardised layout, which isn’t necessarily the most efficient disposition. See if you could move the bed or the desk to make more space available. This newly emptied space shouldn’t necessarily be filled with stuff since that room is going to be where you spend most of your time; you need to leave yourself space to live.
  2. Be wary of attaching things to the walls. Most accommodation halls require a safety deposit, from which deductions will be made if there is any considerable damage to the room. Often, this includes paint chips on the wall due to blue tac, command hooks, adhesives, etc. To be able to have posters and pictures up on your room walls, I would recommend laying some painter’s tape before putting any adhesive on the wall, so later you can remove it and it will not leave much of a trace.
  3. It is also important to have good lighting. One of the biggest shocks for me during the first year was the fact that during winter the sun sets very early (around 4pm). So, it was very important for me to have good lighting in my room since natural light wasn’t an option. I recommend buying an additional bedside lamp with a warm-toned light bulb, especially if the ceiling light feels too white or abrasive.
  4. Finally, I would recommend not going too crazy on the decorations, since you will most likely be moving out in 9 months. Your room should be cosy and welcoming without it being too crowded.

Welcome, 1st year students, good luck moving and happy decoration!

 


This blog was written by Ines, MEng Biomedical Engineering

The ultimate guide to joining clubs and societies at UCL!

By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 14 September 2023

a picture from the UCL Welcome Week 2021 which shows students standing in a marquee lining up to chat to people at tables to join clubs
UCL is home to over 400 clubs and societies, which means that as a UCL student, you will have access to a broad spectrum of activities to enhance your time at university! Joining clubs and societies will give you an opportunity to meet like-minded people, enjoy and be part of events put together by societies and it gives you a platform to participate in any way you would like!

Since 400 clubs is a fairly large number, this blog will focus on the steps required to find a club that is tailored to your interests!

Step 1 : SU Website

Take a quick peek at the student union website and glance over the clubs and societies that are listed. You can customize your search so that you can find a club that pertains to your interests, or you can leisurely scroll through the list to explore all that UCL has to offer!

With every club listed, there is also a description available as to what the club is focused on, what opportunities they have and how you can find out more. Often, these descriptions usually contain a link to a WhatsApp group chat or their Instagram page wherein you will be constantly updated with the social activities taking place!

Step 2: Welcome Fair

Attend the welcome fair! This is a wonderful opportunity for you to see the clubs and societies up close. With over 200 stalls, you’ll have the opportunity to ask members about their experience with their respective societies and what these clubs have to offer! The welcome fair is also one of the best times to grab all the freebies and tote bags available, so don’t miss out!

Step 3: Taster sessions!

Taster sessions are free sessions held by clubs so that you can get a deeper understanding as to how the club is run and how you can get involved. Attending the taster sessions will allow you to meet like-minded people from different majors across UCL and see how you can contribute to the club! Information on where the taster session will be taking place will be provided by each club, all you have to do is show up!

Step 4: Membership

So, if you like a club and you’ve attended the taster session and decided that you would want to partake in the club throughout the year, the next step for you is to buy a membership. Most UCL clubs do have a membership fee that you would need to pay to be part of the club. You can find out more about the pricing structure on the student union website and you can also make your purchase there!

Step 5: Making your own club?

With all these clubs and activities, if you feel like there is something missing and you would like to introduce your own idea to form a club, that’s completely possible! You just have to go through the student union website where you can find steps to get started on building your own society!

Remember, it’s never too late to get started with a club! They run social sessions throughout the year so you can attend any of their socials and start from there! Societies are perfect stress busters as well as the perfect way to hone your skills and qualities!

Find out about some of the Societies affiliated with MPBE and UCL Engineering!


This blog was written by Anagha, Biomedical Engineering

Reflections on my first year as a Medical Physics student

By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 16 August 2023

girl standing outside wavingIt has certainly been an eventful academic year – one which has flown by far too quickly! Yet in the hustle and bustle of student life, perhaps now is as good a time as ever to take a step back and reflect on the year that has very much characterised the stepping-stone into adulthood.

As with anything, the transition from school to university is a uniquely personal experience. But what seems to ring true for us all is the fact that there will always be some things that feel smooth-sailing, and other things that feel like an entirely new world. Oftentimes we get hung up on the unfamiliar; navigating new lives and new homes and new people without any real indication of where to go. Yet at the very crux of the student experience lies the awkwardly-endearing friendships we form along the way; friendships which make that transition just that much easier.

Studying Medical Physics at UCL has been an incredibly fun rollercoaster of emotions. From ice cream breaks during lab sessions (in the middle of winter…) to the existential crises during exam season, my first year of this course has certainly been one to remember. Yet what has become abundantly clear over the past twelve months is that I feel content knowing that choosing to study Medical Physics here at UCL was indeed the right choice.

computer with coding a 'Be Real' picture of two girls with the UCL campus in the background

That’s not to say that it has been a walk in the park. The course content and academia is inevitably challenging – but it is by no means unattainable. Studying a subject as multi-faceted as this truly is remarkable; combining the wonders of Physics with Medicine, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering, this degree offers the flexibility for each student to select modules across these disciplines, allowing us to tailor our education in the way that fits us best.

Perhaps my favourite part of this year has been embarking on a research journey as part of the MPBE Summer Studentship programme. To have had the opportunity to learn about and contribute towards paediatric brain tumour radiotherapy research at such an early stage of my academic career reflects the abundance of opportunities available to us as students here within the MPBE Department – and may just be why so many students end up going on to do their PhD within the department that has always been so warm and welcoming.

This past year has been one of growth and laughter. And it has also been a year of setbacks and unfamiliarity. The good and the bad accompany one another; they both exist, simultaneously. Yet if quantum entanglement has taught us one thing, it is that it takes knowing one to know the other. We must know the bad before we can know the good, and vice versa. And I am beyond excited to continue this journey here at UCL – knowing that despite the challenges that are yet to come, there is always so much to celebrate throughout it all.

collage of pictures


This blog was written by Saarah, Medical Physics

Undergraduate Offer Holder Days

By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 2 May 2023

Choosing the right university can often be harder than choosing your course itself. Which university has the best facilities? The best support? The friendliest environment? The most convenient travel routes? And most importantly – which university is closest to the best food spots?

The UCL Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering (MPBE) Offer-Holder Day is back again this year – and it is here to answer all of your questions! The opportunity to learn more about the courses I was considering was certainly a valuable one – especially given how indecisive I am in general. The event included talks and presentations from faculty members and current students, which provided valuable insight into the curriculum, teaching style, and research opportunities available.

 Academia aside, the campus tour – led by current students – was the perfect chance to explore the facilities available and find out the best study spots, libraries and cafes available on campus. I was able to get a sense of the social life at UCL, the support services available to students, and the opportunities for extracurricular activities. Perhaps what stood out the most to me was how welcoming the students leading my tour were – and is ultimately what invited me back to study at UCL full-time.

Finally, attending the Offer-Holder Day gave me the opportunity to meet other prospective students and make new friends. University can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re moving to a new city or country. Meeting other students who were in the same position as me helped me to feel more connected to the university community and gave me a great sense of friendship and support.

If you were considering going to the UCL MPBE Offer-Holder Day, let me make that decision for you – do it! There is so much more to see than what is available on a website or prospectus. The Offer-Holder Day is such a great opportunity to have all of your questions answered by students as well as staff, to get an understanding of the campus vibe, and to make new friends – friends who you may just end up going to lectures with come October.

You can view more pictures from the May 2022 Offer Holder Day here >>>


This blog was written by Saarah, Medical Physics

My favourite food places around UCL

By Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, on 26 September 2022

From freshly made sourdough pizza to soufflé pancakes to sushi and Korean Food, UCL’s got it all. UCL is located in the heart of London, so there are tons of restaurants nearby, and there is definitely something for everyone.

Here’s the ultimate guide to my favourite restaurants around UCL.collage of food from around campus

Hare and Tortoise

Hare and Tortoise is a Japanese restaurant where it has a plethora amount of Japanese cuisine to choose from. They also have other dishes such as Pad Thai and Lo Mein. The price is pretty reasonable, and it’s really close to campus!

What to order:

My go-to order is their Yaki Udon and a side of California sushi rolls.

Location: Brunswick Square, London

Seoul Bakery

This cozy small restaurant has everything from tteokbokki to kimchi fried rice, however my favourite is their gimbap. A lot of Korean restaurants here in London don’t have gimbap on their menu sadly, so I was surprised and elated that they have gimbap here.

What to order:

Beef bulgogi gimbap or just gimbap (this is not a recommendation, it is mandatory)

Location: 14 Great Russell St, London

Franco Manca

A fresh sourdough pizza restaurant, and the best thing about Franco Manca is that majority of their pizzas are under 10 pounds! Their menu has a large variety of options and they have lots of vegetarian and vegan choices as well! It is located next to Russell Square Station which can be very convenient for commuters:)

What to order:

Any of their pizzas<3

Location: 4 Bernard Street, Russell Square/ 98 Tottenham Court Road

Fuwa Fuwa

I rarely repeat restaurants as there are so many food places around London to explore, but I have been to Fuwa Fuwa 5 times (yes, it is THAT good). Their pancakes are extra fluffy and light, and their menu has a wide variety of different pancakes to choose from. The minimalistic interior adds a unique touch to the dessert place and the size of the shop is huge. Besides, you order by scanning the QR code which is super convenient and Covid friendly!

What to order:

Any of their pancakes! They are all amazing:)

Location: Brunswick Square, London

Busaba

Craving for some Thai Food? Busaba is the best place for you. The best thing about Busaba is that it offers a 25% student discount (the perks of being a student lol). The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere, and serves as a great restaurant to catch-up with friends.

What to order:

My personal favourite is their Khao red pork belly rice with a plate of fish cakes alongside it.

Location: 22 Store Street, Bloomsbury

Not sure where to satisfy your cravings? Or have you just finished a long day of lectures and just want some good food to finish off the day? Stop by any of these restaurants and I promise that you won’t be disappointed^_^


This blog was written by Rachel, Biomedical Engineering