Shreya Jha

In my spare time, you can find me dancing, singing and doing HIIT workouts. Being a National Champion in Arts twice, creative designing helps me unwind. As a cricket enthusiast, I channel my passion into creating Instagram content, honing my editing abilities, and navigating the ever-evolving social media landscape.

A typical week in my life

My typical week is packed but rewarding. Mornings start with breakfast and a workout before I catch the bus to campus. I usually arrive early to sit in the lounge, finish some work, and chat with friends before classes begin.

Lunchtime is all about connecting with my coursemates, and then I'm back in seminars and lectures for the afternoon. Once I'm back at my accommodation, I dive into readings, lecture prep, and assignments. Dinner is in the communal kitchen, which is always a great place to unwind, meet new people, or catch up with friends.

As a Student Representative, I'm also involved in university events, various societies and meetings, working to bridge the gap between students and staff. In between everything, I carve out time for content creation - shooting videos, editing, or brainstorming new ideas for my media projects.

It's a balance of academics, social life, leadership, and creativity, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Why I chose Birmingham Dubai

University of Birmingham Dubai offers the perfect combination of academic excellence and real-world opportunity. Dubai's dynamic growth, particularly in the media industry, made it an ideal location for my studies.

The campus itself is exceptional - offering students the freedom to express themselves while fostering both academic achievement and extracurricular engagement.

I was particularly impressed by how seamlessly it blends British and Emirati cultures. The faculty I met at the open day were approachable and supportive, and the student-friendly location sealed the decision for me.

Why I chose Digital Media and Communications

I chose Digital Media and Communications because it's a thriving field that perfectly aligns with the age of content creators and digital storytelling. The industry is constantly evolving, offering endless opportunities for innovation and creative expression, which resonates with my personality.

I've always been drawn to how media shapes perspectives, builds communities, and drives cultural conversations. This course allows me to turn my passion into expertise while developing the technical and strategic skills needed to succeed in today's digital landscape. If you're creative, forward-thinking, and have a genuine passion for media, this course is definitely for you.

My future plans

My degree in Digital Media and Communications is the perfect foundation for my aspirations in media and content creation. It's equipping me with both the creative and strategic skills I need to succeed in the digital landscape, from understanding audience engagement and storytelling techniques to evolution of digital landscape and research.

It also ensures strong basics, assisting in strong comprehension of application in real world. Beyond the technical skills, the degree is teaching me how to think critically about media, adapt to industry changes, and navigate the business side of content creation.

It's giving me the confidence and expertise to turn my passion into a sustainable career, whether that's working with brands, launching my own ventures, or becoming a recognized voice in the media space.

My advice to new students

Balance is everything. University life can be intense, so make sure you're taking care of yourself: stay active, prioritize sleep, and don't sacrifice your well-being for grades. Your health directly impacts your performance, so treat it seriously.

Time management will be your best friend, but remember: don't just study. Make time for the things you love and are passionate about. Whether it's content creation, hobbies, or just unwinding with friends, these activities rejuvenate you and keep you motivated.

Get involved on campus, attend events, meet new people, and engage with the university community. Some of the most valuable experiences happen outside the classroom, and the connections you make here will last beyond your degree. Finally, don't put too much pressure on yourself.

The shift from school to university brings a lot of uncertainties, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. But trust the process, things will fall into place. Stay organized, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the journey. This is your time to grow, learn, and discover what you're truly capable of.