Hams Abouelela

A day in my life

A typical day for me starts with a drive to campus, where I usually head straight to the café to grab a drink before catching up with friends at the library. It’s a nice way to ease into the day before lectures.

After class, we’ll often take a quick drive to a nearby restaurant for lunch, as there are so many great spots around the area. Once we’re back on campus, I either get involved in activities or society events, or, if I’m working on a marketing brief, I’ll start filming or editing content for it.

After a productive day, I head home and spend the evening catching up on university work or planning for the week. My days are full, but I love the balance between academics, creativity, and student life.

Why Birmingham Dubai?

When I was researching universities, the University of Birmingham Dubai stood out because it offers a world-class UK degree in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

I loved that I could get the same academic excellence and global reputation as the UK campus while being based in Dubai, which is full of opportunities for growth, especially in business and marketing.

The smaller class sizes, supportive learning environment, and strong sense of community also really appealed to me. Additionally, I was drawn to how the campus encourages students to get involved beyond academics through internships, societies, and leadership roles. It felt like the right place to grow both personally and professionally.

Choosing to study in Dubai

I’ve lived in Dubai my whole life, and the thought of leaving it for university honestly felt unreasonable. The UAE has such a vibrant, fast-growing economy and incredible marketing potential, especially with how quickly businesses and trends evolve here.

It’s the perfect place to study and gain hands-on experience in the industry I want to work in. I also genuinely enjoy life in Dubai because it’s diverse, full of energy, and offers everything from amazing food spots to exciting events and opportunities, so it’s never boring!

The culture here is so rich, and the people are incredibly welcoming and kind, which makes it feel like home no matter where you’re from. For me, staying here meant I could continue enjoying the lifestyle I love while building a career in a city that’s full of potential.

Why I chose to study Business Management with Marketing

I’ve always known for sure that marketing was the field I wanted to pursue at university; it’s a creative, fast-paced industry that really excites me. What specifically drew me to the Business Management with Marketing course at Birmingham Dubai was the industrial placement option. It stood out to me because it not only allowed but also encouraged students to gain real professional experience while studying.

The chance to build my skills in the UAE was a major factor in my decision, as it aligns perfectly with my long-term goal of developing a strong marketing career in the region.

My Birmingham Dubai experience

My student experience has been a great balance of academic focus and an active social life. Lectures are engaging and often include real-world case studies, which makes learning feel relevant and practical.

Outside of class, I spend time with friends either studying together or unwinding with games and movie nights in the student lounge. I’ve joined a few societies that host regular events, which has been a fun way to meet new people from different backgrounds.

I also work part-time as a marketing intern, which gives me valuable industry exposure while I’m studying. One of my favourite parts of campus life is how easy it is to connect with people, as there’s a strong sense of community that makes university life really enjoyable.

I’ve attended lots of events on campus and, as a senior member of the Events Planning Committee, I’ve also had the opportunity to help plan and run some of the biggest ones! I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in organising memorable events like National Day and Global Day, which really bring the campus community together and celebrate our diverse backgrounds.

Birmingham Dubai’s impact

Birmingham has helped me throughout my studies in so many ways. One of the biggest sources of support has been the amazing group of friends I’ve made. Everyone is so knowledgeable, kind, and always willing to help each other out, whether it’s with coursework, revision, or just staying motivated during busy weeks.

The learning environment here really encourages collaboration, and having such a supportive peer group has made a huge difference in my confidence and academic progress. On top of that, the teaching staff are approachable and genuinely care about helping students succeed, which has made my university experience feel even more meaningful.

Scholarships and support

Thanks to my academic performance, I was awarded the Chancellor’s Academic Merit Scholarship, which has been incredibly helpful in supporting my university journey.

Beyond financial support, I’ve also received a lot of academic guidance from my professors. They’re always willing to help, whether it’s through detailed feedback on assignments or answering emails when I have burning questions, often replying quicker than I expect!

Advice for students

My biggest piece of advice would be to get involved in as much as you can, join societies, attend events, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. That’s how you’ll meet new people, build connections, and create the best memories.

Academically, stay organised from the start, keep track of deadlines and don’t be afraid to ask for help from professors or classmates. Everyone is more supportive than you might expect.

Also, make the most of the resources available on campus, whether it’s study spaces, library tools, or career services. And lastly, enjoy the experience. Time truly flies, so try to find a balance between your studies and enjoying everything Birmingham and Dubai have to offer.