Entrance to Beit Quadrangle

As you enter the quad, take a moment to look at the Imperial College coat of arms tucked into the pediment high up above the entrance.

And below that, immediately above the entrance, look at the keystone to the archway. It is the head of Athena, greek goddess of wisdom with her owl headress.

The squirrel, patiently and dilligently cracking the tough shells of nuts to access the delights within, is a metaphor for the dutiful, hard working student struggling with intractable lectures and problem sheets in order to access the nuggests of wisdom within.