Inès Jimenez

Nationality: French and Spanish
Degree Programme: MSci Physics
Year of Programme: Year 2
What A levels did you take? French Baccalauréat

Studying physics

Why did you decide to study physics at Imperial?

I really liked the idea of studying in London and going to such an international university. 

What aspects of the programme do you enjoy the most?

I really enjoy the academic tutorials we have every other week. It is a great way to ask questions about anything we don’t fully understand from lectures. Because we are in small groups, we can decide which topics we want to discuss, and often gain a much better understanding by having someone other than the lecturer explain the subject.

Which has been your favourite module so far and why?

My favourite module is Quantum Mechanics. It is taught in a great way and is generally a really interesting topic.

What has been the most challenging part of the programme so far?

Problem sheets can sometimes be quite challenging, so it is very rewarding to be able to finish them. It depends on the module, but for the more difficult ones I prefer working with friends.

Is there anything about the Department of Physics, or your programme, that has surprised or impressed you?

To be honest, I was very pleasantly surprised at the amount and quality of free food in the Department. There are always great snacks after talks. Also, when it comes to the Department itself, everyone is very open to conversation and there are always a lot of people you can talk to if you have any problems in your studies or your personal life.

How would you describe the physics community at Imperial?

In one word, I would say passionate. It is really refreshing to see people who love the subject this much. People are also overall very supportive and ready to help each other out.

Career

What are your future career goals and how has Imperial helped you realise them?

I am not sure what I want to do yet, but I am considering a career in research and/or something related to climate change. For this reason, this summer I will be doing a research project (UROP) in the Atmospheric Physics group which will allow me to gain some experience in the field. Also, the Careers Service is extremely helpful, they offer a lot of information and advice to apply for internships and jobs.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for your programme?

If you love physics, certainly go for it! I would not have imagined just how much I’d learn by studying here. It definitely is a challenging course, but I believe it’s worth it.

Before you go…

How do you find living in London?

I really enjoy living in London. There are a lot of beautiful places to visit, and the city offers many activities (museums, concerts, nightclubs, etc).

When you’re not studying, what do you enjoy doing?

My main hobby right now is cooking/baking. I love trying out new recipes, combining flavours and learning different techniques. It’s also very rewarding when the food is delicious!