By Aadi Mankodi, 1st Year Mathematics MSci
So, you have chosen to study mathematics. Terrible choice (just kidding). You made the best decision of your life. Maths is the ultimate playground for problem solvers – it’s hard work, but a lot of fun, and very rewarding. I’m a first-year undergraduate at King’s, and here’s how to make the most of your undergraduate experience as a maths student at KCL.
Find your tribe
Mathematics can often feel like a solitary pursuit. I highly recommend that you surround yourself with people who are as passionate (or as confused) as you are.
How to Build Your Squad
- Join the King’s Mathematics Society: It’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
- Form a study group: Find a few classmates you click with and set up regular study sessions. Bonus: these people will become your support system during exam season.
- Collaborate on problem sheets: Two minds (or three, or four) are better than one.
Attend lectures
The temptation to skip lectures is real. I know, trust me. I have met plenty of students who say “I’ll just watch it later”, and then procrastinate and fall behind. However, attending lectures saves you time, allows you to dispel queries immediately, and work with friends. Plus, the ambience is unparalleled: great acoustics, comfortable seats, and modern screens.
Don’t memorise. Understand deeply.
It’s tempting to memorise formulas and proofs, especially when deadlines loom. But what if you have to apply your knowledge to an unfamiliar scenario, or suppose you forget a formula! It’s better to understand why things work, so new concepts don’t feel daunting and foreign, but rather intuitive instead.
How to Deepen Your Understanding
- Ask “why”: Whenever you learn a new concept, ask yourself why it’s true. Is there a proof? How does it connect to what you already know?
- Teach someone else: If you can explain a concept in simple terms, you’ve understood it. This is called the Feynman Technique.
“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool” – Richard Feynman
- Play with examples: Try applying a theorem or formula to different scenarios. The more you experiment, the more it’ll click.
King’s offers fantastic resources. Use them!
KCL has a wealth of resources. Take a look:
What’s Available to You
- The Maughan Library: A quiet haven for studying, with access to countless textbooks and even “plug-n-play” computers.
- Online resources: KEATS has discussion forums, lecture notes, problem sheets, lecture recordings and past papers.
- Lecturers and tutors: This is the most important resource. They’re not just there to lecture—they’re there to help. You can send them an e-mail, or attend their office hour and ask any questions.
Balance
Yes, mathematics is demanding, but don’t let it consume your entire life. Take breaks, explore London, join societies, and make time for fun. Whether it’s a pub quiz, or a random salsa class, these experiences will keep you sane and remind you that there’s more to life than eigenvalues, phase portraits, and second order differential equations.
Stay organised (seriously)
With problem sheets, deadlines, and lectures piling up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Get a planner, use a digital calendar, or stick post-it notes everywhere—whatever works for you. Your future self will thank you.
Remember your why
There will be days when you question your life choices (usually around exam season!). On those days, remind yourself why you chose mathematics.
What’s Your Why?
- The beauty of proofs: There’s something magical about seeing a complex idea distilled into a few elegant lines.
- The thrill of problem-solving: Few things beat the rush of finally cracking a tough problem.
- The impact of mathematics: Whether it’s in finance, tech, or research, mathematics has the power to change the world.
Final thoughts
Studying mathematics at KCL is a great opportunity to master the subject. You’re surrounded by brilliant minds, world-class resources, and a city full of inspiration. So, take a deep breath, grab a coffee, and enjoy your degree.
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