Eugene Wong

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

I visited Birmingham during a spring Open Day and was immediately struck by the beauty of the campus. What truly stood out, though, were the student ambassadors, their enthusiasm and honesty about university life made a lasting impression on me.

As an international student from Hong Kong, I was also reassured by Birmingham’s strong academic reputation as a Russell Group university, its research excellence, and its location in the UK’s second-largest city, offering both opportunity and diversity.

Why did you choose to study your course?

I was drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of my course, particularly the Social Policy component, which offers a contemporary and practical perspective on social sciences.

The flexibility to choose modules across Politics, Policy and Economics allows me to tailor my degree to my interests while building a strong academic foundation. I value being able to “hand-pick” options that reflect my evolving interests, which keeps the course engaging and intellectually stimulating throughout my time at Birmingham.

What is student life like for you?

My student life at Birmingham has been both dynamic and rewarding. I work part-time as a Student Ambassador, supporting Open Days and Offer Holder Days, where I enjoy sharing my experiences with prospective students. I have also worked with the Student Experience Team to organise engagement events and help address student feedback, which has been particularly meaningful.

Beyond academics, I served on the PPE Society committee and as Secretary of the Hong Kong PASS, where I built strong friendships and participated in inter-university debates and public speaking events.

I also prioritise my wellbeing: I train at the gym regularly and completed my first triathlon last year. Academically, I have around 12 hours of lectures and seminars each week and spend time on campus most days studying. For me, Birmingham offers a great balance between academic challenge, leadership opportunities and personal growth.

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

One of the most meaningful aspects of my time at Birmingham has been the support from academics in my home department. Their guidance inside and outside the classroom has helped me grow both academically and personally.

I’ve also been fortunate to work as a Research Assistant on several projects outside term time. These experiences shaped my academic interests and gave me confidence as I think about my future after graduation.

What advice would you give to current or prospective students?

Step outside your comfort zone whenever opportunities arise. University is the perfect environment to try new things - whether that’s joining a society, applying for leadership roles, or exploring research opportunities.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions - there are no “silly” questions here. Most importantly, reach out when you need support. Birmingham has a strong and welcoming community, and you may be surprised by how willing people are to help.