Pavan Thind

Why did you choose to study at University of Birmingham?

I chose to study at the University of Birmingham because of its brilliant reputation, wonderful campus, and the broad range of opportunities it offers both academically and personally. The University has a strong global standing, great facilities, and an encouraging environment that pushes students to achieve their full potential. I was particularly drawn to the Biological Sciences course at UoB, as the breadth of modules available allowed me to tailor my degree to my own interests and explore different areas of the subject in depth. This flexibility, combined with access to world-class research and teaching, made Birmingham the perfect place for me to study.

Did you face any challenges when deciding what university to study at and, if so, what helped you to choose Birmingham?

I was torn between Birmingham and another university, but one of the main reasons I chose Birmingham was because of the unique balance it offers. The campus is beautiful and creates a real sense of community, while the city centre is close by, providing access to all the experiences of city life. Having both a campus and a city on your doorstep convinced me that Birmingham was the right choice.

What is the highlight or biggest achievement of your time at the University of Birmingham?

Some of the key highlights of my time at the University of Birmingham have been getting involved beyond the academics. Being a Student Ambassador has been really rewarding, as I’ve been able to represent the University and connect with prospective students. I’ve also loved being part of the BioSoc committee, where I’ve made some amazing friendships and had the chance to help organise fun socials and our society ball. These experiences have made my time at Birmingham feel even more special and memorable.

What are your future plans for after you have graduated?

I’m still in the process of figuring out my exact career path, but I feel reassured knowing that the Careers Network will continue to support me for up to two years after graduation. Having access to that guidance and advice gives me confidence that I’ll be well prepared to explore different options and take the next steps in my career.

What skills and knowledge did you learn at University of Birmingham?

Studying Biological Sciences at the University of Birmingham has given me strong scientific knowledge, as well as transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and time management. The Careers Network has been a great help too, particularly with CV writing and interview preparation, which supported me in securing a placement at GSK.

How have your experiences as a student helped you to think about your future plans, or secure your job?

At UoB, I have been given opportunities to explore different career options and develop valuable skills, both through my course and extracurricular activities. Securing a placement at GSK, with support from the Careers Network, has been especially important in helping me gain real-world experience and shape my future career plans.

What advice would you give to students thinking about studying at University of Birmingham?

Studying at the University of Birmingham offers the perfect balance of academic excellence and great student life. As a member of the Russell Group, it provides world-class teaching and research, while the campus provides a sense of community, making it easy to feel at home. With over 300 societies to get involved in, amazing facilities like the Sports and Fitness Centre and the Careers Network, as well as access to the city’s culture, UoB is a place where you can learn, grow, and make lasting memories.