Meet Jacob, who joined us on the Summer School in 2024 from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Jacob Chu
Module: Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice
Home university: Chinese University of Hong Kong
Favourite thing to do in London: Picnic
Describe the UCL Summer School in three words: Diverse, vibrant, social
Why did you choose the UCL Summer School?
As a student from Hong Kong, I have always wanted to go to the UK for higher education, and summer is a great opportunity to try it out. While deciding amongst other options like Cambridge and Oxford, I eventually chose UCL because London offers the most opportunities for cultural exploration and fun events. The positive reviews I read about the UCL Summer School also convinced me that it would be a great experience. I'm glad that my time at UCL has not disappointed me in the slightest!
Tell us a bit about the module you took – what have been the highlights?
I took the module Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice. The professor, Evangelos, was super enthusiastic in teaching, and the classmates were amazing people with diverse passion and personality. Some of them even have a start-up they are working on! Additionally, there are many guest speakers featuring industry leaders from organizations like HSBC and Google, which helped bridge the gap between theory and practice.
What was your favourite thing about London and why?
My favourite thing about London is how vibrant it is and how many activities it offers, which makes it a lot of fun. There are always fun events that you can sign up for – such as musicals, shows, stand-up comedies, concerts, exhibitions, etc. And everything is within an hour of transportation! Attending a Summer School in London will ensure you can always find places to go and explore with friends.
Where is your favourite spot on the UCL Campus and why?
My favourite spot on UCL Campus is the open space outside the Art Museum. The building itself is very beautiful and artistic. The space in front is a great place for taking photos, and it is also very peaceful. You can also see students chilling on the stairs grabbing food and making friends. It feels like the heart of the school.
What UCL accommodation did you stay in, and how was it?
I stayed at Schafer House. I would 100% recommend it for its convenient location. It is not only close to the central campus but also close to a train station, which makes it easy to explore other parts of London. The dorm is clean, and the size is decent for the price.. You also get to make friends with other summer school students within the dorm and chill in the kitchen. It is a great deal.
What advice would you give to any students looking to apply next year?
Go to the Social and Cultural Programme events such as orientation and don’t be afraid to talk to people, even if that means getting out of your comfort zone, because most people are very open and nice. Plan the places you want to go ahead of time as your time in London is short. Try booking shows as early as possible as they are cheaper. Enjoy every single day as it just passes by so quickly. Finally, prepare a variety of clothes as the weather can vary drastically!