Ananda Anugrah

How did you know that the University of Birmingham was the right choice for you?

It had been 10 years since I graduated from my undergraduate degree. When I decided to return to study, it had to be for something that truly mattered to me and my career. The University of Birmingham was the first university to launch such a breakthrough and relevant program for today’s challenges: AI and Government. Knowing they were the pioneers in this field made it the right choice for me.

Why did you choose to study your course?

AI is not only the future; it’s already here and integrated into society. On one hand, it truly helps people work better and faster, but on the other hand, it also presents potential harms. That’s why governments should understand what AI is and how it works in order to regulate it for the best possible outcomes for everyone.

What is student life like for you?

As a full-time Master's student, I spend much of my time immersed in assignments that I truly enjoy, especially when I get to experiment with AI. However, my life in Birmingham extends far beyond the library. I serve as the Vice President of the Indonesian Community in Birmingham and am an active member of the Chevening scholar community. To ward off homesickness, I often cook traditional Indonesian dishes using local UK ingredients, recreating the flavours of home in my kitchen. What started as a personal remedy has turned into a community highlight; my cooking has become so well-known that fellow Cheveners from other cities across the UK now travel to Birmingham specifically to share a meal and connect. It’s a surreal and rewarding experience to see how food can bring people together and make Birmingham feel like a true second home.

What's your favourite memory of university life so far?

It has been a surreal experience to explore both of my greatest interests at the same time. We might spend half the week focusing on programming and algorithms, and the rest of the week discussing how they impact society and how to regulate them.

A big difference here is how approachable the lecturers are and how dynamic the classes feel. We aren’t just learning from the lecturers; we are learning from each other since so many of us have professional or practical experience.

What advice would you give to current or prospective students?

Beyond mastering your subject and connecting with your professors and peers, make sure to truly experience the city. Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city and offers everything you need to feel at home, from diverse halal food to unique cultural landmarks. Whether you’re exploring our beautiful campus or the vibrant city centre, everything is incredibly accessible. Most importantly, get involved with societies at the Guild of Students. Never feel alone - there’s a place for everyone here, and you can even start your own!