What It’s Really Like to Study in the UK: A Candid Chat with Martin and Dr Boon
If you’re a parent eyeing the UK as a university destination for your child, names like Oxford and Imperial carry a special kind of weight. They conjure images of hallowed halls, brilliant minds, and the occasional episode of homesickness paired with late-night noodles.
But beyond the prestige and picture-perfect campuses, what is it really like to study there? We sat down with two of our own—Martin, from Oxford, and Dr Boon, who did his Masters in Imperial College London—to unpack the experience: from entrance exams to epiphanies over pints.
Whether you’re a parent wondering how to prepare your child, or a student dreaming of Oxbridge glory, their stories offer a grounded, honest, and often humorous window into life at the top.
1. Academics: Dive Deep or Drown Trying
Q: What’s the biggest difference between studying in the UK vs. Singapore?
Martin (Oxford):
“It’s not so much the content—it’s the experience. Living alone abroad teaches you a lot about yourself. At Oxford, you’re spoilt for choice with opportunities every day. But that can also feel overwhelming. I had to learn how to say ‘no’ and be more decisive, which honestly, is a skill that serves you far beyond academics.”
Dr Boon (Imperial):
“In Singapore, there’s a lot of structure. In the UK, especially at Imperial, you’re given the tools and expected to carve your own path. There’s a strong emphasis on critical thinking and research, and less hand-holding. It’s more about asking good questions than memorising perfect answers.”
Q: How would you describe the teaching style?
Martin:
“Oxford’s tutorial system is intense. It’s often just one or two students with a professor, diving deep into your weekly essay. It’s rewarding but humbling—you can’t hide behind generalities. You have to engage, argue, and sometimes admit you’ve completely misunderstood the question. Which happens. More than once.”
Dr Boon:
“Imperial combines lectures, tutorials, and practical labs, with a strong push towards research-based learning. The onus is on you to read beyond the slides, conduct your own projects, and show initiative. Independent learning isn’t a side dish—it’s the main course.”
Q: What does it take to thrive in these environments?
Martin:
“Everyone here works hard—there’s no cruising at Oxford. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s the power of curiosity. Professor Rupert Younger once told us, ‘Be curious.’ I’ve had some of my best learning moments not in class, but during long conversations with people whose experiences are wildly different from mine.”
Dr Boon:
“You need self-discipline and time management. There’s no one to chase you down for deadlines. Curiosity, adaptability, and critical thinking are key, especially for technical courses. Also, know when to ask for help—being independent doesn’t mean doing it all alone.”
2. Student Life: The Real University Curriculum
Q: What was it like adjusting to life in the UK?
Martin:
“Homesickness is real. You miss the food, the weather, even the Singlish. I found comfort in bonding with other international students. Also—Milo sachets, Kaya, and Chicken Rice Sauce? Absolute essentials.”
Dr Boon:
“It was a big shift. In Singapore, we live at home and have everything planned out. In London, it’s you vs. the city. But London is incredibly diverse, and I quickly found a sense of community among other international students.”
Q: What were the biggest challenges—academically, socially, or culturally?
Martin:
“Keeping up with the workload. Oxford isn’t forgiving with deadlines. And yes, you’ll occasionally skip lectures or scramble through a reading list the night before. Also, imposter syndrome hits hard when you’re surrounded by geniuses who casually reference Aristotle and quantum mechanics in the same sentence.”
Dr Boon:
“Adapting to independent learning took time. Socially, it was a learning curve too—understanding British humour, small talk, even pub culture. And don’t underestimate the weather. It will rain on your parade—literally and metaphorically.”
Q: Any practical advice for Singaporean students heading there?
Martin:
“The people you meet can be just as important as the degree you get. Build relationships, say yes to new experiences, and don’t be afraid to ask dumb questions—some of the smartest discussions I’ve had started with one. Oh, and always have instant noodles on standby.”
Dr Boon:
“Join clubs. Make friends. Learn to cook. Be open to different cultures and perspectives. And stay connected to home—it keeps you grounded. You’ll grow a lot during your time abroad, but it helps to carry a bit of Singapore with you.”
3. Getting In: The Road to Oxford and Imperial
Q: What was the application process like?
Martin:
“Oxford has course-specific entrance tests—do not underestimate them. They decide if you even get an interview. The interview itself is academic—it’s not about being charming, it’s about thinking on your feet. For BA Economics & Management, the interview felt like mental fencing.”
Dr Boon:
“For Imperial undergrad, everything goes through UCAS—personal statement, predicted grades, and references. For my Master’s, I applied directly. The key was tailoring my personal statement to show how my background aligned with the program, and what I hoped to gain.”
Q: What made your application stand out?
Martin:
“I had built and run an educational non-profit after JC. Oxford values academic excellence, but also meaningful real-world experience. I think that demonstrated initiative, leadership, and a commitment to making an impact beyond the classroom.”
Dr Boon:
“I showed a clear passion for my subject, supported by internships, research, and leadership roles. My application reflected my long-term goals and how Imperial fit into that picture. They don’t just want grades—they want vision.”
Q: What advice would you give to students and parents preparing for this journey?
Martin:
“Be brutally honest about whether you’re ready. These tests and interviews are tough. Start prepping 4–6 months ahead, do actual past-year papers, and get someone to simulate interviews. If you can’t find someone, record yourself. Listen back, cringe, fix it. Repeat.”
Dr Boon:
“For students: focus your personal statement on why the subject excites you, not just what you’ve done. For parents: support your child’s interests, even if the path seems unconventional. And don’t ghostwrite their application—they know.”
4. Life After Graduation: Was It Worth It?
Q: How has your degree helped you professionally?
Martin:
“My Economics degree gives me a strong edge when teaching A-Level and IB Econs—especially when bringing in real-world nuance. But more than that, Oxford taught me to think deeply, argue clearly, and connect dots across disciplines.”
Dr Boon:
“Imperial opened doors—its name carries weight in global job markets. The research experience, the networking, the academic rigour—it all added up. It gave me confidence to pursue opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise considered.”
Q: Does a UK degree give students an edge in the job market?
Martin:
“Definitely. The brand name matters, yes, but also the dual exposure. You’re eligible to apply for jobs in both the UK and Singapore. That’s double the doors.”
Dr Boon:
“In fields like engineering, medicine, and science, UK graduates are known for their depth and adaptability. Imperial’s global focus and emphasis on innovation prepare you for a world that doesn’t sit still.”
Final Thoughts: For Parents Wondering If It’s Worth It
A UK university education isn’t just about lectures and exams—it’s a full-blown life education. It teaches resilience, independence, and the ability to thrive in an unfamiliar environment.
As Martin and Dr Boon’s stories show, the path isn’t always smooth. There are rough days, missed deadlines, and long nights. But there are also friendships, intellectual breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments that shape who they become.
So if you’re asking, “Is it worth it?”—the answer isn’t just about employability. It’s about helping your child grow into someone who can think boldly, live independently, and face challenges with confidence.
And that’s the kind of education that truly lasts.
Want guidance on helping your child reach Oxford, Imperial, or other top UK universities? Reach out to us. We’ve walked the path—and we’re here to help them walk theirs.