Karim Arafa

A day in my life

A typical day for me starts with attending my classes in the morning. After that, I usually grab some food with my friends before heading to the library to study or work on assignments.

Since I’m also a Content Creator for the University, I often spend part of my day filming or editing videos for different projects. Later in the day, I either go to the gym or head home to relax.

Why Birmingham Dubai?

One of the main reasons I chose the University of Birmingham Dubai is because of its strong global ranking and academic reputation. It also stood out to me because it’s based in Dubai, a city I call home. So it was both convenient and familiar. Another key reason was that it offered the specific course I wanted to study, which made it the perfect fit for me.

I chose to live and study in Dubai because it’s where I grew up, so it’s always felt like home. Everything here is convenient, the city is very safe, and I’m already familiar with the lifestyle and environment.

I attended several events on campus. I first attended an Open Day before joining the University during my foundation year, which really helped me get a feel for the campus and community.

Why I chose to study Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at Birmingham Dubai

I chose Computer Science because I’ve always been interested in technology and how computers work. As I progressed in my studies, I decided to specialise in Artificial Intelligence to focus more on innovative and future-driven areas within the field.

My Birmingham Dubai experience

My student experience is a good balance between academics and social life. I attend all my lectures, and afterwards, my friends and I usually grab some food or hang out. If we don’t go out, I often go to the gym with friends. One of my favourite things is meeting up with friends and spending time at cafes or doing different activities around the city.

One of the highlights for me was taking part in the Global Day the University hosted last year. I also got to attend and cover the graduation ceremony last year through my role as a Content Creator, which was a great experience.

Birmingham Dubai’s impact

Birmingham has been very supportive throughout my studies. With the guidance and support of my professors, I was able to achieve a first-class result in my last year, and I hope to do the same this year with their continued help.

When I joined, I was awarded a scholarship, which greatly helped reduce my tuition fees and eased the financial burden for my family and I.

Advice for students

My advice would be to stay organised, make use of academic resources, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. At the same time, get involved in campus activities and build friendships. Balancing studies and social life is key to making the most of your time at Birmingham.