So, hello my name is Yijie Zhou, you can call me Jerry if you want. My mother university is Beijing University of Chemical Technology and now I am a third year student studying Materials Science and Engineering at University of Birmingham.
Question on screen: What surprised you about Birmingham when you arrived?
What surprises me most is that I can know a lot of people all over the world, from diverse cultural backgrounds. Although we are quite different, yet we can communicate in a mutual understanding way and through this I learned a lot of different kinds of interesting cultures and I find it quite interesting.
Question on screen: What is different about Birmingham to studying in your home university?
So firstly I would say University of Birmingham is quite an ideal place for studying. We have a 24/7 library and a really good learning centre full of really good hardware. And secondly, I think students' wellbeing and development are taken really seriously. If you have any problems you can just go to the staff and they'll help you out.
Question on screen: Do you spend much time with students from your home university?
So my home university is Beijing University of Chemical Technology and we have a long-term cooperation with the University of Birmingham. And every year we have more than 10 students coming to study, and we're just like a big family. We hang out with each other, we have a big meal and we celebrate Chinese festival - yeah we have really good time here.
Question on screen: What advice would you give to a student applying from your home university?
So first, I would say practice your English as much as much as possible, because here everything is in English. And second I would say don't worry too much because people here are quite helpful and they will give you a hand if there's something you need to be helped with.
Question on screen: What are your plans after your studies at Birmingham?
I quite enjoyed the educational system in Britain so I'll consider pursuing a Masters degree maybe in other university in London or maybe I will choose to stay in Birmingham.