Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine is an independent constituent part of the University of London.

Imperial College was founded in 1907 in London's scientific and cultural heartland in South Kensington.  It was created through a merger of the Royal College of Science, the City and Guilds College and the Royal School of Mines. St Mary's Hospital Medical School and the National Heart and Lung Institute became part of the College in 1988 and 1995 respectively.

Imperial College provides world class scholarship, education and research in science, engineering and medicine, with particular regard to their application in industry, commerce and healthcare. They foster interdisciplinary working internally and collaborate widely externally.

They strive to remain amongst the top tier of scientific, engineering and medical research and teaching institutions in the world, developing a range of academic activities to meet the changing needs of society, industry and healthcare; continuing to attract and develop the most able students and staff worldwide; establishing their Business School as one of the leading such institutions in the world; communicating widely the significance of science in general, and the purpose and ultimate benefits of activities in particular.

There are two outdoor sports grounds around west London and various indoor facilities across the campuses. Membership of these facilities is available to all students and staff of the College free of charge, although a small entrance fee is payable per visit.

A new sports centre at the South Kensington campus was also recently opened and will assist the College in becoming a leader in sport and leisure provision, both in the local area and comparatively in the academic world.

To encourage students to take part in sports activities, there is no timetabled teaching in Wednesday afternoons. The range of sporting clubs makes it easy for students to participate in sports from badminton to yoga, and motor racing to hang gliding. All abilities are catered for - from complete novice to world champion.