Embarking on a medical career at one of the world’s most prestigious science universities is a major life commitment. If you are researching the Medicine MBBS at Imperial College London, you have likely asked yourself, “is Imperial good for Medicine?” or “what should I know before choosing this degree?” While a prospectus can tell you about the world-leading research, it can’t describe the reality of the 9:00 AM labs in South Kensington or the pressure of your first hospital rotation.
At Already Doing It (alreadydoingit.co.uk), we believe the best way to understand a course is to talk to those who are currently in the thick of it. We connect you with vetted peer mentors who are currently studying Medicine at Imperial—students who can provide an honest review of the Medicine course at Imperial College London based on their own daily experiences.
Imperial is famous for its “science-first” approach. But beyond the rankings, what is it really like to study Medicine at Imperial College London? This is a core topic to explore with a peer mentor who can describe the intellectual atmosphere of the faculty.
You might want to ask a mentor about:
The Scientific Foundation: How does the heavy focus on molecular biology and research actually feel in your first two years? Does it help you become a better clinician, or does it feel distant from patient care?
Learning from the Best: What is the reality of being taught by world-leading researchers in immunology or robotic surgery? Are these pioneers accessible to students, or do you mostly learn from postdocs and lecturers?
Campus Culture: With students split between South Kensington and Hammersmith, how does the “vibe” change between campuses? A mentor can tell you where the best study spots are and which campus feels more like “home.”
The “High-Octane” Pace: Is the academic pressure as intense as people say? You can ask a current student how they managed the jump from A-levels to the relentless pace of an Imperial degree.
By chatting with someone already doing it, you can figure out if you have the “scientific curiosity” required to thrive in this unapologetically academic environment.
Imperial’s medical network is vast, but navigating the “work-hard, play-hard” culture of London’s top hospitals can be daunting. An honest review of the course from a mentor can clarify the logistics of your clinical years.
Topics to discuss with an Already Doing It mentor include:
The Famous Rotations: What is it actually like to work in historic institutions like St Mary’s or Chelsea and Westminster? A mentor can share which rotations offered the best teaching and where they felt most like a valued member of the clinical team.
The Intercalated Year: Imperial requires a mandatory BSc (Intercalated) year, meaning you graduate with two degrees. You should ask a mentor how they chose their BSc subject and whether this year feels like a welcome break or another year of high-intensity research.
Clinical Skills Integration: How early do you really start learning clinical skills? A current student can tell you if the early patient contact is meaningful or if it feels more like observation in the beginning.
The Medics’ Social Scene: Imperial students are known for their “work-hard, play-hard” attitude. You can ask a mentor about the School of Medicine’s specific clubs, bars, and societies that help students decompress away from the wards.
Imperial is one of the most selective medical schools in the UK. For 2026 entry, the university has fully transitioned to using the UCAT as a primary filter. Knowing how to navigate this competitive process is something a mentor who has recently succeeded can help with.
Questions to explore with a vetted mentor at alreadydoingit.co.uk regarding your application:
The UCAT Strategy: Since Imperial switched from the BMAT to the UCAT, how did successful applicants adjust their preparation? You can ask a mentor what score they felt gave them the confidence to apply.
The “Medical Scientist” Mindset: How do you effectively show “scientific curiosity” in an interview without sounding like a textbook? A mentor can share how they discussed recent medical advancements or research that genuinely excited them.
The MMI Process: What are the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) actually like at Imperial? A current student can give you an “insider” view of the types of stations they faced and how they demonstrated their stamina and resilience.
Beyond the Scores: Imperial looks for more than just high grades. You might ask a mentor how they reflected on their work experience to show they understood the realities of a 6-year medical marathon.
Connecting with a mentor allows you to refine your application based on the real-world logic that secures a place at one of the world’s most demanding universities.
Making the decision to study Medicine at Imperial is a life-defining move. You deserve to have more than just a brochure to go on. If you want to know what is it really like to study Medicine at Imperial College London, the most reliable source is a student who is currently navigating the labs, the research years, and the London wards.
The only way to get the real answer is to talk to someone already doing it. Find your mentor at alreadydoingit.co.uk
© 2026 Already Doing It Ltd. All rights reserved. The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional career or admissions advice. Insider Sessions and Our Insider Guides reflect perspectives; always verify specific course details, entry requirements, and module lists with the official University Prospectus before applying.
