Meet our IEA - Amira

Name: Amira Deana binti Abraham

Department: Computer Science

Course: MEng Software Engineering with a Year in Industry

Nationality: Malaysian

Who am I?

Hello, I’m Amira and I’m a first year student studying Software Engineering. I was born and raised in Sabah, Malaysia. Malaysia is known for its diverse culture and love for all sorts of food. Sabah is a state of Malaysia located in the northern part of Borneo Island. A fun fact, Borneo Island is the biggest island in Asia. I enjoy meeting new people and also trying new cuisines from all around the world. I wish to travel the world one day and experience lots of different cultures around the world.

Why University of Sheffield?

First of all, I chose The University of Sheffield (UoS) because of its excellent reputation. Being a part of the Russell Group Universities, UoS offers you the best facilities to maximise the students’ university experience both academically and for its extra curricular activities. A good example of this is The Diamond building which is dedicated to serve engineering students at the UoS. My favourite study spot is actually on level 4 or inside the silent study room, which has an amazing view of St. George’s church. I enjoy gazing at it from my seat and I totally love it. The surroundings really help me to be more focused and finish my work.

The second reason for choosing Sheffield, is the low cost of living. It is one of the cheapest places to live in the UK. The living costs will definitely not hurt your wallet! Also, as a person who hates crowded hectic city life, I love the calm and relaxed lifestyle in Sheffield. If you are like me, you will totally love this city! Speaking frankly, coming to the UK to further my studies is one of the best decisions that I have ever made in my life :)

Why did I choose this course?

It all started way back, when my mom brought a laptop home, that was my first encounter with video games. Then, in 2007, a friend introduced me to The Sims, a simulation game that provides us with the freedom to build a micro world, with its own rules and physics with which we can interact. I was hooked on the game. I really wanted to understand how this game came about. After some research, I found out  that the production team for the game was made up of a large group of engineers and technological professionals. Fast forward 11 years later, here I am in Sheffield trying my best to gain a degree, so that I can work with fellow engineers and technological professionals and make great things for people in the future.  

For those of you out there that may want to do a Computer Science course, don’t be afraid if you lack a basic knowledge in programming. Here at the University of Sheffield, you are taught everything from the very basic principles. The first year is all about getting students to get to the same level. I’m not saying it is always easy but I can promise you that everyone here is willing to give you all the help and support that you may need. So, if you are a beginner who wants to do Computer Science, don’t worry, come to Sheffield! :)

Advice for prospective students…

In my opinion, for you to be able to get the best out of your university life, the key is research, research and research! You might be thinking, what do I have to research? Well here’s a short list to guide you:

1.     Course

- This is always the hard part, having to choose what to study at university. If you have a specific course you want to do in mind, that’s great. However, if you aren’t sure, don’t freak out just yet. Do some more research or talk to someone until you are more certain about your preferences.

2.              Uni

- Find out about the University and its surroundings, the city life, and whether it is suited to your needs. Think about the community? The university’s ranking? Is it a city or a campus uni? Do your research to find a university that is the most suitable for you.

3.              Module

- Different universities have various module combinations. Do your research and look at what modules are offered on the course you wish to apply to. Pick a combination that you find the most fascinating because it may prove very difficult to study an area that you are not interested in.

MEET OUR INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERING AMBASSADOR: Muhammad Shuja

Name: Muhammad Shuja

Department: Computer Science

Course: MEng Software Engineering

Nationality: Pakistani

Year: First






First, something about yourself?
My name’s Muhammad and I’m currently studying 1st year Software Engineering. I was born in Karachi, Pakistan and raised in Dubai, UAE. I did my International GCSEs and A-Levels in English Language School, Dubai.

Your favourite subjects at school?
Definitely Maths!

Why did you choose to study at the University of Sheffield?
I was amazed by the fact that the Sheffield University has won awards at some point in all categories, all the way from the best accommodation to the best Students’ Union in England. Apart from that, I planned to study in a city that was entirely different than the one I was previously living in (Dubai). I was looking for something not entirely made out of skyscrapers, but rather more greenery. And what could be a better choice than Sheffield?!

How easy did you find settling into Sheffield?
To be honest, it was a lot easier than I was expecting. I was hoping to get homesick really soon. Not to mention the fact that I was terrified about the culture shock I was expecting. Turns out I didn’t face any of those things at all. The University did make sure my transition was as smooth as possible. One of the best things they did was assigning a mentor to me who helped me out on all aspects of university. Yes, prospective students, you can get your very own personal guide to Sheffield. The best part? He/she will be on the same department as yours if not the same course!

Part of your course you particularly enjoy?
Most people usually think that Software Engineering is just programming, something which you could probably learn on your own. However, that’s not true. My course offers a lot more than that, stuff like Artificial Intelligence and Software Development Techniques all the way to Assembly Language Programming. The part I like the most are Artificial Intelligence labs. Each group gets a robot which we programme to do loads of cool stuff like responding to what you say and identify faces of different people and performing specific actions for each one. It does some basic Tai Chi tricks too!

Your opinion about the teaching and studying methods at the University?
It’s nowhere close to the ones at school. You get to be more responsible in terms of your academic progress. Though the lecturers are as helpful as possible, just viewing the lecture slides won’t do the job. You’ll learn through your own mistakes and you’ve got to do a certain amount of independent study before you understand concepts, and this keeps getting harder as you advance through your course.

The benefits of studying at UoS rather than another University?
As a student in Sheffield, you get to be part of world-class Russell Group University situated in a diverse community. You have a Students’ Union which makes sure your voice is heard no matter what your concern is. I don’t think any other university is as good as Sheffield at welcoming international students. The University also has the privilege of having an impressive employer satisfaction rate and also the best Students’ Experience for a number of years.

Advice to prospective students?
There is no such thing as a ‘stupid question’. Don’t be afraid to talk about anything that worries you. I’m sure you’ll always find someone to hear. Living on your own in a new country is never easy, but all it takes is some time and patience to find your way around it. Join lots of societies and have fun. Oh, and definitely try all the takeaways on West Street, each one is better than the other! Don’t forget the thing you will actually be here for … work hard and prosper!