Why I chose to study at Birmingham

Choosing where to study can have a huge impact on us in many ways. It can shape our personal growth, career progression and, of course, the relationships we build along the way. This is what guided my decision to study Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham.

Discovering My Passion for Mechanical Engineering

The first step was, of course, deciding to study Mechanical Engineering. Though it may sound stereotypical, I grew up with a deep curiosity about how things worked. I was one of those kids who dismantled toys just to see what was inside (and did my best to put them back together), and I spent hours building with Lego — something I still enjoy today. My dad is also an engineer, and looking up to him played a big role in inspiring my path. I chose Mechanical Engineering specifically because it is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. It touches on so many areas that it becomes easier to transition between fields, opening the door to a wide range of opportunities.

Finding the Right University

Once I knew the field I wanted to pursue, I began researching universities and quickly discovered that University of Birmingham is ranked one of the top institutions in the UK for engineering. Beyond the rankings, I was fortunate to have friends studying here at the time who gave me honest, insider perspectives — and I heard nothing but positive reviews. From the University’s website and social media pages, I could also see how diverse and inclusive the community is, which instantly drew me in. The facilities were just the cherry on top.

Moving Abroad and Settling In

As an international student, I also had to consider the reality of moving away from home and living independently for the first time. It felt daunting, but I was lucky to have family close enough to offer support while still allowing me my own space. Now, after three years here, I can confidently say that even without family nearby, I still would have chosen Birmingham.

Life on Campus and in the City

The campus is home to students from incredibly diverse backgrounds, and there are societies for almost anything you can think of. There truly is a space for everyone — whether you connect through shared culture, hobbies or interests. The city itself is vibrant and full of life, with countless activities and opportunities to meet new people.

Why Birmingham Has Been the Right Choice for Me

Birmingham is a fantastic place to study. It exposes you to new perspectives, helps you grow both personally and academically, and equips you with the support and facilities you need to thrive. For me, Birmingham has been the perfect fit and an amazing journey so far. I look forward to completing it and seeing where it takes me next.

Whether you’re coming from across the world or just across the country, Birmingham offers a place where you can grow, belong and discover your path — and I hope you’ll find your home here just as I did.