Shazfa Alam

A day in my life

A typical day usually starts with lectures in the morning or lab sessions. Between lectures, I like reviewing notes or working on assignments in the library or catching up with friends at the student lounge.

I’m also involved in societies both on and off campus, so I often have meetings or creative work. After classes, I usually spend time catching up on society work or relaxing with friends on campus before heading home. Evenings are usually for unwinding, reviewing what I’ve learned, or preparing for the next day. It’s always good to have a balance between focus and fun.

Why Birmingham Dubai?

I was drawn to the University because it offers a UK degree with the same academic standard as the UK campus, but with the comfort of being closer to home. I was also impressed by how supportive and approachable the staff were right from the beginning, and how the smaller class sizes allow for easy interaction with professors. I also loved the idea of studying in a multicultural environment that values both academic excellence and student well-being. The teaching style, facilities, and the chance to complete my final year in the UK made it the perfect place to build connections and grow both academically and personally.

I attended an Open Day before joining, and it really helped me understand what life at Birmingham Dubai would be like and how welcoming it is. The Student Ambassadors were so real and easy to talk to, and it made my decision so much easier because I could genuinely picture myself studying here.

Dubai is like the ideal place to study. It feels like home but also like a global city full of opportunities. It’s safe, modern, diverse and full of energy. Studying here meant having access to global experiences while staying close to family and connected to your own culture and values. I also like that Dubai gives students so many chances to grow through internships, events, and collaborations beyond the classroom. I also love how accessible everything is here.

Why I chose to study Biomedical Science at Birmingham Dubai

I’ve always been fascinated by how the human body works and wanted to understand the science behind health and disease. Biomedical Sciences felt like the perfect course to explore that curiosity.

I wanted a course that combined both theory and practical learning that aligns with my goal of pursuing research or clinical science. The course here really focuses on critical thinking and connecting science to real-life healthcare, which I love and emphasises both practical skills and scientific reasoning, helping us think like scientists, not just students.

My Birmingham Dubai experience

My experience has been really positive and full of growth. The campus feels like a community, and there’s always something happening, whether it’s an academic event or a student-led initiative. My lecturers are supportive and genuinely care about how you’re doing. I’ve met so many people from different backgrounds and made amazing friends.

I’m also part of societies and events that keep things exciting outside of academics. It’s a balance of learning, growth, and making memories along the way.

Birmingham Dubai’s impact

The University provides a lot of support. The Academic Skills Centre helped me improve my scientific writing and referencing, while the Careers Network guided me through internships and CV building. It really feels like there’s always someone ready to help you when you need guidance or feedback. Even during stressful times, the staff are always understanding and quick to help, whether it’s through wellbeing support or additional support sessions.

I received a partial scholarship, which made a big difference and motivated me to continue aiming high academically. I’ve also benefited from my personal academic tutor, who genuinely cares about her students’ progress and wellbeing, which makes a big difference, especially during busy terms. There’s always someone to guide you when you need it.

Advice for students

• Be open to trying new things, even if they feel a little outside your comfort zone, whether it’s joining a society, attending an event, or speaking to someone new
• Be curious and take initiative; the more you explore, the more you’ll gain
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek help early; everyone here is willing to support you. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at first, but everything starts falling into place once you engage with the community
• Most importantly, enjoy the process; university life goes by fast, so take time to experience everything it offers. It's about growing as a person as much as it is about academics