Home Country: Malaysia
Course: MEng Mechanical Engineering
Department: Engineering
"I really like the transportation around Birmingham, especially from the university to the city centre. Also, the city itself has a Chinatown, where I get to buy most of my Asian groceries and eat in restaurants that remind me so much of home. "
What’s the best thing about studying at the University of Birmingham?
The university is situated near Selly Oak, which is a student-centric area. So, doing daily activities during the term is very convenient for us students such as going grocery shopping in Tesco/Aldi, catching up with some friends at a local pub or even trying out new sports at the university’s sports complex.
What are the best points of your course?
The lecturers give freedom to us to solve assignments. Through this, I was able to learn more than what was taught in the class and carry out my own research.
What’s your highlight of your time at the University?
I have made friends from different walks of life. I truly appreciate the strong international student presence that the university offers because I got to know and understand different cultures, lifestyles and languages.
What advice would you give to other international students?
Being away from home may be daunting at first, but there are many others that feel the same way too. Don’t be afraid to try new things during your time here because new experiences will make university life all the more memorable.
What do you like most about the city?
I really like the transportation around Birmingham, especially from the university in Edgbaston/Selly Oak to the city centre itself. It is very convenient for me to just hop on a train at University’s Station to New Street Station where most of the retail shops are located. Also, the city itself has a Chinatown, where I get to buy most of my Asian groceries and eat in restaurants that remind me so much of home.
How do you feel you have benefitted from the experience of studying in the UK?
I have learned to adapt to the new environment and work with strangers on assignments to meet deadlines accordingly. The ultimate takeaway is being independent and being able to adapt to situations well.