Meet our International Engineering Ambassador – Aznie Othman

1. Background 

Hi!

​My name is Aznie Othman ​and I am ​from Malaysia which is in Southeast Asia. Currently, I am studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering and am ​in my second year. ​I am in the middle of ​a ​circuits and machines module.  I ​have also joined ​the university’s football and futsal societies. Besides that, I love singing and cultural dancing and was able to perform at an International Cultural Evening organized by 

the International Students’ Committie. I have been ​a member of the International Engineering Ambassador (IEA) scheme since my ​first year which has provided me with many wonderful experiences across the university.

2. Why engineering?

I have really enjoyed​ studying Physics since high school, playing around with electrical machinery​ really excites me and I am eager to discover how the​se incredible things work. ​I was inspired by my brother who​

​ ​is an electrical and electronic engineer and I always ​found his work fascinating. I am planning to work with him and expand his small company ​so it becomes more successful. Moreover, electrical and electronic has been a demand in this highly ​technological ​world where the ​internet is everything.

3. Why UoS?

Apart from being voted the best Student Union in ​the ​UK, ​the ​UoS is most highly ranked for my course. In addition to this, the style of teaching really suits my needs. The Diamond building was established in 2015 and the facilities and equipment are first class . When I started in my first year, I was one of the first students to be able to operate the amazing machinery and use all the facilities. I was attracted to the UoS after reading many excellent reviews by more senior students.

4. Teaching and study methods

​Throughout the course students are helped by module tutors and lab demonstrators and there are also many very approachable lecturers. In addition to this, if you require more help with your course there are ​teaching aid centres where you can just walk in and ask for assistance. ​Every first and second year student is supervised by a personal tutor who will help with any problems. Currently, in my second year, ​I am working on an ​industrial project with ARUP ​where I am able to apply the theory I have learnt on my course.

5.  The City of Sheffield

Sheffield has one of the most beautiful green cities which is and surrounded by spectacular countryside. ​The City Centre is perfect for students and has everything you might need within easy reach. Sheffield is also rated as one of the safest city in UK so ​going out at night has never been a problem. Living costs​ are pretty reasonable  compared to big cities like London and Manchester. Nevertheless, the best thing about 

Sheffield is the friendliness of the people, ​which includes the locals and internationals.

6. ​The ​Benefits of UoS

​

The ​UoS offers a wide range of courses​ especially in engineering​, with all students having access to the latest cutting edge facilities. In addition to studying here​​ students can enhance their experience by choosing to join 

a ​huge range of societies and sports​ to choose from​. The UoS promotes a healthy international spirit among

​the students, therefore as an international student, I have always felt welcomed to engage in all activities across the University.

7. After ​my ​degree

I am planning to work with my brother ​but also maintain an interest in research and development  particularly within the ​electronics sector. I hope to work on business proposals and projects with other large companies to broaden my network. I may also do some part time lecturing or tutoring in ​Universities or colleges as I have a strong passion for educating others.

8. Advice

Make sure you research the course that you are interested in and select the one that you believe you will enjoy 

​the most. Find the most suitable accommodation, mentors and ​societies so you can make the most of your student life in University of Sheffield.       

Meet Our International Ambassador - Michelle Nyama

Hey, my name is Michelle Nyamai from the land of long distance runners, that is, Kenya. I am in my first year studying Electronic Engineering.

Why Electronic Engineering you ask?

Well, simply put, I like to fiddle with things. And I have built quite a reputation for it. Back home, whenever one of my family members, my mother in particular, needs any help fixing and operating devices, I am always the first person she rings up. Even more than that, electronics are everywhere and it is a subject covered in other degrees as well. I wasn't too keen on narrowing down my options to study a specialized degree that involved the use of electronics. I preferred to take a degree that covered a wider field that would allow me options in the industry. Be it in aerospace, computer engineering, telecommunications, manufacturing… the list goes on and on. The most enjoyable part of the course so far has been programming. Most people would think programming is solely Computer Science territory. That’s one thing (among others) I love about our department. The material we learn is designed in such a way that the modules we cover keep us relevant within the volatile electronics industry.

Other than being one of the top institutions in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Sheffield was and still is my university of choice because of its green space. I know, I know, a bit trivial to most but for me it's the sort of place I thrive in. And best of all, a trip to the Peak District is never out of reach. I'd personally recommend a mid morning hike to the Mam Tor. You can thank me later. I believe there needs to be a balance between study and leisure and that was an important consideration when it came to singling out universities. There are tons of parks around like Bolehill which in my opinion has the best view of Sheffield, Parkwood where you can cycle through the woods and even try out the bmx trail and not forgetting Hillsborough Park and Crookes Park which have beautiful ponds. These are just the few I have gone to. There are still a couple more on my bucket list.

Photo: Bolehill Park

When I first came to Sheffield, I didn't know what I was in for but to be fair no one is really ever sure when they make the huge leap to study abroad. What I will say is, if studying abroad is what you want, without anybody else’s influence of course, then you will settle in pretty well. I have, and you will too.