Why I chose to study Civil Engineering at Birmingham

Choosing a degree is one of the biggest steps that one can take in their life. It's the first of many steps toward building a promising future for oneself. I have been very fascinated by city skylines ever since I could remember, and I knew I was going to major in Civil Engineering.

It was time for me to pick a university for my degree, and as I started researching, I narrowed my list to institutions that prioritised industry-focused teaching. I was looking for more than a university, I was looking for a place where I could find a better version of myself by the time I graduate. I wanted to acquire all the necessary qualities so that I could pose myself as a responsible person in society and an engineer stepping towards sustainability because I want to be the first of the few people in India who are promoting the concept of sustainability as a key to foreseeable future. With all the thoughts that were running through my mind, Birmingham stood out.

What intrigued me the most was how the University designed the course to balance academic learning and practical experience. Civil engineering is a field where understanding the logic and mechanics matters, but so does applying them. Birmingham felt like a place where you’re constantly encouraged to build strong foundations and also think like an engineer.

Another big reason was the overall environment. I wanted to study somewhere that felt supportive, modern, and motivating. I was looking for a place where you can focus, grow in confidence, and feel part of a community. Civil engineering is a challenging field, so having the right learning environment makes a real difference in helping me align with my future goals.

Birmingham also stood out for its reputation and teaching faculty, most of whom are involved in groundbreaking research projects. Knowing the course is shaped with the real world in mind made the choice feel even more worthwhile.

While I was applying to Birmingham, a thought in the back of my mind was about having a good social life. Coming from India, I thought it was going to be difficult for me to fit in. But the societies on campus helped me to socialise with people who shared my own interests. Society events provide opportunities for students who share similar interests to meet, regardless of their racial background. The society I was part of was CivSoc, a society for civil engineers. It was a great place for me to learn more about civil engineering as a module and as an industry, with the help of my seniors in the society, who arranged many opportunities for new students to learn about the industry through site visits and industry talks.

The more I wrapped my head around civil engineering, the more I could see the importance of emphasising sustainability. Civil engineers are central to tackling major global challenges like climate change, urban growth, and resilient design. It mattered that the degree encouraged you to consider the environmental impact of infrastructure and how engineering decisions affect communities over the longterm. It makes the subject feel not only exciting but meaningful.

Finally, the city itself added to the appeal. I was a bit scared at the beginning about the cultural shock that I thought I would face coming from India to the UK, but Birmingham has the energy of a major UK city, with a vibrant culture spread across it, and that balance is often overlooked. When your course is demanding, having a lively place to live can genuinely improve one's university experience.

If you’re considering civil engineering, my advice is simple: be clear about why you want it, and pick a university that matches the engineer you want to become. For me, Birmingham offered the right mix of learning and support, and future-focused thinking, and that’s why I chose it.