Hamzah Jeha

A day in my life

I usually come in at 9:30 to attend my class at 10:00, I go to my classes and usually have my break at 12:00 to 13:00, where I have lunch, work on my extracurriculars and hang out with my friends in University. By 15:00, after I finish classes, I usually go over my notes to fix them and spend some time with my friends before I leave.

Why Birmingham Dubai?

I chose the University of Birmingham Dubai because it provides me with a world-class British education in the best location possible, Dubai. I was very interested in the transfer year for Biomedical Science, where I can continue my undergraduate degree at the UK campus. I believe this is a great opportunity and time for me to begin my abroad journey, where I can continue my studies in the UK.

I attended the Open Day in my senior year in October 2023, and I was mesmerised by the campus and its classroom facilities. Throughout the day, I felt the staff were highly intelligent, respected their students, engaged them, and maintained the 'university feeling'.

I already live in the UAE, and I chose to stay in Dubai for its safety, convenience, and closeness to family, as I prefer leaving for the UK later on, towards the end of my undergrad. I enjoy the convenience and ease, especially for students, whether it's transport, safety, and affordability in some respects.

Why I chose to study Biomedical Science at Birmingham Dubai

I chose Biomedical Science as I was interested in biological and medical concepts; however, I did not want to become a medical doctor, as I found the idea of this career path to be repetitive and draining. Hence, I found a common factor between Biology and a medical doctor... Biomedical Science!

I was very interested in discovering that Biomedical Science tackles the very cause of diseases and how they manifest in people on a biological level. Similarly, it delves into treatment and curing mechanisms on a biological level. I found that in a Biomedical Science degree, we tackle the disease itself and find the treatment, rather than diagnosing and providing treatment, which to me is more interesting.

My Birmingham Dubai experience

• I'm the President of UoBD Model United Nations (UoBDMUN), where we host conferences, which I work on most days
• Most days, I hang out with my friends on campus
• During winter, my favourite things to do are go into the desert, go for walks, play sports outdoors, and go to outdoor cafés
• I play tennis semi-professionally at an academy outside the University
• I work part-time at the University as a Content Creator

Birmingham Dubai’s impact

• I find my Personal Academic Tutor appointments (PATs) very useful, as I have a designated professor to address my academic concerns to
• The Wellbeing team ensures my wellbeing is well taken care of despite stress and workload

Advice for students

1. Spend time downstairs, you'll make friends
2. Use the Quiet Study Area near the library to study; it’s very quiet
3. Ask to meet your professors for feedback on your assignments if you want further clarification
4. Don't be shy
5. Attend all seminars and tutorials, as they are very helpful for exam practice