Mengyu Li

Why did you originally apply to do your chosen course at Birmingham?

I originally chose Computer Science at Birmingham because it has a strong reputation in the subject and offers a good balance between theory and practical learning.

I was also attracted by the wide range of modules, especially in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and data-related areas, which gave me the flexibility to explore different interests within computer science. Birmingham also felt like a great place to study as an international student because of its welcoming campus and strong academic environment.

What do you think are the best points of your course?

The best part of my course is how well it balances theory and practice.

We do not just learn concepts in lectures — we immediately apply them through coding labs, coursework, and team projects. For example, in software engineering, I had the chance to work in areal development team environment using tools like GitLab, frontend and backend frameworks, testing pipelines, and agile workflows. This made the learning experience feel very close to what working in the tech industry is actually like.

I also really enjoy the variety of modules, from algorithms and artificial intelligence to data science and systems programming, because it allows me to explore different career directions within computer science.

What’s the best thing about studying at Birmingham?

The best thing about studying at Birmingham is the overall student experience, both academically and in daily life. The campus is beautiful and has great study spaces, but outside of studying, Birmingham is also a very convenient and enjoyable city to live in. There are lots of great food options, especially for international students, and it is easy to find authentic Asian food, which really helped me settle in quickly.

I also like how easy it is to balance studying with social life, whether that means spending time with friends in the city centre, joining activities on campus, or simply enjoying the student atmosphere.

What’s the highlight of your time at the University?

One of the highlights of my time at the University has been the friendships I have built here. As an international student, having friends around me has made university life much more enjoyable and meaningful. Whether it is studying together, exploring the city centre, trying different food places, joining activities, or just spending time together after class, these moments have really made my experience special.

The balance between academics and a rich social life is something I really value, and Birmingham has given me the chance to enjoy both.

What advice would you give to students thinking about studying on the course?

My biggest advice would be to develop strong self-learning skills early.

Computer Science is a course where a lot of progress comes from what you do outside the classroom, whether that is practising coding, exploring new technologies, or solving problems on your own. Lectures give you the foundation, but your own curiosity and willingness to keep learning independently really make the biggest difference.

If you enjoy figuring things out by yourself and learning through practice, you will get a lot out of the course.

Is there anything extra students thinking about studying on the course should know?

Students should know that the course can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. The workload can be demanding, especially when balancing lectures, labs, and coursework deadlines, but the support system is excellent. Lecturers, teaching assistants, and your peers are all there to help.

It is also a course with many future possibilities. Whether you are interested in software development, artificial intelligence, data analysis, the course gives you a strong foundation to move into many exciting areas.