Nurin Huda Hanif, MSc Urban Studies

In this interview, Nurin tells us about her fascination with city life and how it led her to study with us, as well as her experiences on our field trips and her goal to become a Geography teacher.

Why were you interested in studying urban studies generally? 

My enthusiasm for delving into the field of urban studies stems from my interest in the multifaceted tapestry of city life. I have always found myself captivated by the intricate details of urban existence, especially the diverse array of experiences and activities that occur daily within these bustling landscapes. 

Whether it's the vibrant street markets, the dynamic interactions among residents, or the ever-evolving architectural landscapes, I am intrigued by the rich complexity that defines urban environments. This profound interest fuels my desire to study urban studies, as I believe it offers a unique lens through which we can better understand and shape the cities we inhabit. 

What was it that encouraged you to choose UCL to study it? 

When I was researching for a postgraduate course, I immediately narrowed down my choices to London as it appealed to my love for city life. UCL's location in the heart of London provides an incredible living laboratory for urban studies. 

The university encourages students to explore various facets of urban life, from history to urban planning and sustainability, which resonated with my holistic view of the subject. Additionally, I had read the work of some of the Geography professors of UCL when I was an undergraduate student in Singapore and thought that it would be a wonderful opportunity to learn from them.

What were the most interesting or engaging things you learned on the course so far?

As someone who is most fascinated with everyday geographies, the most interesting module for me was titled 'Geographies of Material Culture'. It is an intriguing and multidisciplinary course that delves into the study of material culture – of physical objects, artefacts, and commodities that humans create, use, and interact with in their daily lives. 

This module explores how these material objects are embedded in the spatial, cultural, and social contexts of different societies and how they contribute to shaping our understanding of places and identities. It enabled me to understand and appreciate the ‘stuff’ that we have because it’s never just ‘stuff’ but things that hold meaning in our lives. 

Can you tell us about any particularly memorable experiences from your time as a student with us? 

One of the most memorable experiences I had was a field trip as part of the ‘London: Aspects of Change’ module to a viewing gallery at 22 Bishopsgate. It was the first time I ever saw London from a bird’s eye view and felt incredibly blessed that I was really living and studying in such a place. As it is one of the tallest buildings in London, I was awe-struck and took a while to just process the 360° view of London beneath my feet.  

What do you hope to do in the future? 

Upon graduation, I will be a Geography teacher in a secondary school in Singapore. I hope that with the knowledge learned in my Urban Studies course, I will be able to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and global awareness in my students. I plan to connect theoretical knowledge with real-life examples, fostering problem-solving skills and emphasizing the importance of sustainability. Ultimately, my goal is to cultivate lifelong learners who are equipped to understand the complex urban challenges of our evolving world. 

Would you recommend studying the MSc Urban Studies in the Department and why? 

I highly recommend considering an MSc in Urban Studies at UCL because of the learning opportunities it offers. UCL has a stellar reputation in this field, and its programme takes a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to urban studies. 

The Department includes tutors who are passionate about their research and what they teach, and you'll find yourself in the heart of London, a dynamic urban environment that serves as a real-world classroom. UCL's dedication to fostering critical thinking and innovation means you'll be well-equipped to tackle the complex challenges of urban life and make a meaningful impact. 

UCL provides a fantastic academic experience that can broaden your horizons and open doors to exciting future possibilities in the world of urban studies. 

Interested in following in Nurin's footsteps? Visit our Study pages to find out more.