Riya Bhatnagar

A day in my life

I usually arrive at university around 8 am to enjoy the morning or catch up with friends in DIAC Park. After grabbing a coffee from the Atrium, I head to class. Between lectures, I often relax with friends in the garden near the Old Joe Pod or join campus events. Evenings are for winding down, spending time with family, and catching up on coursework.

Why Birmingham Dubai?

Having lived in the UAE for a long time, I wanted to stay close to my family and community, in a place I consider my second home. Dubai is full of energy and cultures that live quite harmoniously over here; the safety is amazing, and the country is always buzzing with energy.

I chose the University of Birmingham Dubai because it offers the same degree as the UK campus, with excellent facilities and a welcoming environment. I attended the Open Day twice so that I covered all my bases and had a complete understanding of the University.

Why I chose to study Psychology at Birmingham Dubai

I have always been interested in how people interact with each other as well as how people's interactions can be affected by past factors and experiences. It is a course where there is always a twist behind every logical reasoning that always keeps me surprised! The one thing that really convinced me to take this course is the third-year research opportunities, offering real-world experience while doing my studies.

My Birmingham Dubai experience

I try to keep a balance between academics and personal life, especially since I get home late. On days off, I spend time with friends and family.

My lectures are mostly theoretical, while seminars are more practical. During my breaks, I hang out with my friends in the Old Joe Pod or take a walk around the gardens or in DIAC Park. I have joined a lot of social and sports clubs that host several events. There’s always some kind of activity going on around campus!

I’ve worked as a Content Creator, a TAP Ambassador, where I chat with prospective students, and a Student Rep for my course. I’m currently the Student Education Leader in the Student Association, where I gather feedback and help organise large-scale events. I’m also President of the Photography, Videography, and Editing (PVE) Studio, where I provide courses, notes, lessons/workshops, and opportunities to students who are interested in the club to develop their media skills as a hobby or an asset to a future career.

What I love most is how easy it is to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging. My favourite places on campus are the Chill Pod, the gardens, DIAC Park, and the Harvard Lecture Theatre.

My favourite events the University has hosted have been Diwali, National Day, and Global Day. People come in beautiful and amazing clothing, are excited for activities throughout the day, and make plans with people, making the University feel more like home.

Birmingham Dubai’s impact

The University of Birmingham Dubai always sends emails from the Careers Network and Library Resources, which provide workshops, tools, and sessions that help me build academic and professional skills. The staff members genuinely care about our struggles and needs; they ensure that we have as many resources as possible to help us get through any obstacles, and always bring an open, safe, and approachable atmosphere.

During Welcome Week, I was able to attend events and make friends with people in my course and outside of my course, allowing me to build a close-knit and supportive group that always has my back when I need it. Everyone is extremely kind, enlightening, helpful, and brings so much humour and joy! There are so many people I can turn to when it comes to revising concepts, asking friends to peer review my work, or even just helping stay motivated during long days.

I have also received a lot of support from my professors based on an integrated system that allows me to communicate with my designated professor and receive detailed guidance, which provides me with a nudge or boost to continue with my task and efforts. The professors respond to emails in a timely manner and do their best to make time for a meeting whenever needed, despite their busy schedules!

Advice for students

Even though studies are important, make friends within your cohort and outside of your course. This way, you prevent yourself from getting academically burnt out, and you have a support system to turn to anytime you feel like things are becoming too much for you.

Additionally, join a lot of the clubs and societies we have here. If you ever miss any events organised by clubs, societies, or the Student Association, then do not worry! There will always be opportunities that come by, and more events soon.

Chat and hang out with friends during your breaks, build relations, and hang out outside of the University with your new friends! Step outside your comfort zone bit by bit and have fun. Even if the courses are 1-4 years, time goes by quickly, so make the most of your time and experience here at the University of Birmingham Dubai.