Shiyuan Sheng

A paragraph or two about you and your time at Birmingham.

My master's degree at Birmingham has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, learn about different cultures, and grow both personally and academically. It also opened doors to opportunities I had never imagined, including pursuing a PhD. I am currently undertaking a PhD in Chemistry, where my research focuses on green chemistry and mechanochemistry, particularly ball milling and twin-screw extrusion. These are research areas I had never encountered before coming to Birmingham. Throughout my studies, I have developed strong technical expertise, independent research skills, and the confidence to tackle challenging scientific problems.

Beyond academics, Birmingham is a fantastic place to live. The city has excellent transport links, plenty of supermarkets, and a vibrant city centre with great shopping and entertainment. One of my favourite things about Birmingham is its diverse food scene. As an international student, I especially appreciate the city's Chinatown and the wide range of Asian supermarkets and restaurants, where I can enjoy authentic Chinese food, hot pot, noodles, bakeries, and bubble tea whenever I miss home. Having these familiar tastes nearby has made living in Birmingham feel much more like home.

What do you like the most about the University?

What I like most about Birmingham is its combination of academic excellence and a supportive environment. The University offers excellent research facilities, opportunities to collaborate with researchers from around the world, and access to leading experts in the field. As an international student, I especially appreciate the support from my supervisors. They have always been patient, approachable, and encouraging, helping me build confidence in both my English communication and research skills, which I really appreciated.

The campus itself is vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring. With its beautiful green spaces, modern study facilities, and friendly community, it offers an environment where it is easy to stay motivated while also maintaining a healthy balance between work and life. This supportive atmosphere has made both my MSc and PhD journey at Birmingham an enjoyable and truly rewarding experience.

How has the degree helped you?

My degree has helped me grow not only as a researcher but also as a communicator and problem solver. Through conducting research, presenting posters at conferences, and collaborating with researchers from different backgrounds, I have gained valuable experience beyond the laboratory. During my master's degree, courses such as MCTI also gave me the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams on real-world challenges set by industry partners. These experiences have strengthened my critical thinking, scientific writing, teamwork, and project management skills, which will be invaluable in my future career, whether in academia or industry.

What would you recommend to other students considering Birmingham?

Birmingham provides an excellent learning environment, dedicated academic staff, and a diverse, international community. It is a place where full of opportunities, both studying and working, and it has career support in the main library. You will get so much more than just a paper degree here, you will leave with new skills, lasting memories, and the confidence to take on whatever comes next.