Nikita Deshpande

Why Birmingham Dubai?

I completed school in 2021, which was the peak COVID era. There were difficulties and uncertainties throughout the world, and travel restrictions meant many doors were shut. The US was out of the question, and the UK had moved fully online.

Amongst this, I got a call from the University of Birmingham. They said I could start the Computer Science and Software Engineering MEng (Dubai) course in Dubai and come to the UK for my final year. Having a top Russell Group university, a world top 100 institution, within the comforts of my own city, where I’ve lived for 13 years, felt like a personal win. Many students travel far for university, and we now understand how tiring and difficult studying abroad can be. Being able to spend three more years at home, within our own ecosystem, was one of the main reasons my family and I loved the option of applying to the University of Birmingham Dubai.

Studying across two campuses

The best part about studying at Birmingham Dubai and then transferring to the UK is that I got to experience so much of the world while completing my undergraduate studies. Many people do their undergraduate degree in one country and a graduate degree in another. In my case, I experienced two cities in just four years. It was extremely rewarding and helped me grow as a person, not just as a student.

My Birmingham Dubai experience

The Dubai campus may be smaller, but it holds an inclusive community and a really really active student body. Every student wants to leave their mark, starting clubs, being involved, and bringing a distinct level of multiculturalism and diversity, while reinforcing Middle Eastern culture.

The campus does a great job of welcoming new students. For local students like us who’ve lived in Dubai for a long time, it gives us a sense of victory having such a prestigious university nearby, with the option to transfer and experience both campuses.

Transferring to the UK campus

The UK campus was a big change; its scale is tenfold compared to Dubai, but it carries its own charm. It’s extremely lively, with something always going on: free pizza nights, sports nights, and activities around the Guild.

There’s always cultural appreciation, with events for every culture and religion. You never feel a lack of entertainment or connection, especially during festivals when you may miss home. The University helps you find your people. Coming from any international country, it’s difficult to connect instantly, but the University does an amazing job, including the accommodations, with icebreaker events and functions so you never feel alone. They take care of you, even down to the smallest concerns like homesickness.

My highlight moments

One core highlight was the transition from the UAE to the UK, walking to University in the rain and snow was fun, especially coming from Dubai, where we don’t experience that much.

Working Open Days was also extremely fun. Talking to prospective students and working with professors in the Computer Science department was enlightening. It gave me work experience and the chance to earn something on the side, while also becoming friends with my professors (something I had in Dubai and really wanted in Birmingham).

Late-night study sessions with friends, group calls, and library meetups before assignment deadlines were iconic University moments.

Birmingham Dubai’s impact

Coming to the UK for my final year gave me the experience of living away from home and living independently. I was able to take a part-time job alongside my studies, which isn’t as easily available in Dubai.

Graduating on the iconic Birmingham campus, under Old Joe, and receiving my degree from the Chancellor was an extremely rewarding and memorable opportunity.

Studying across two campuses expanded my knowledge of the world, exposed me to different cultures, and helped me become a more mature and well-informed adult.

The Computer Science department is incredibly helpful, with study sessions, office hours, and answering questions. This helps you build a personal bond with professors and understand your modules better.

Advice for students

Cliché, but be friends with your professors. Don’t slack off, don’t procrastinate, and keep on time with your lectures. You’re in it together, so study with your friends. It makes assignments and revision ten times easier and more fun.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Whatever it is, ask it and put it out there, because you don’t know how many other minds you might connect by just asking that one question.

Make the most of the studying abroad option. It’s an amazing experience to travel while completing your studies and not something easily available to many working professionals. If you have the option to go for a year, definitely go. Both cities are extremely welcoming, well-connected, and great to live in.

If studying Computer Science, brush up on programming languages like Python and Java before your programme starts or during the summer. It will help you not just during University, but also in your job search.

Finally, find your passion in your dissertation. It’s a commitment for over nine months, and it will be a piece of work that is yours for life.