MEng Structural Engineering with Architectural Studies.

Here's a video from one of our alumni, Aatisha Gupta. A Civil and Structural Engineering graduate from the University of Sheffield is working as a Structural Engineer for Arup India Pvt. Ltd. based in Mumbai. 

Aatisha graduated in 2014 with a MEng Structural Engineering with Architectural Studies.

Meet Our IEA Alumni: Aatisha Gupta

Department: Civil and Structural Engineering

Course: Structural Engineering and Architecture

Nationality: Indian

What was your favourite subject at school?
Maths and Art.

How did you decide which degree course to take?
Seemed like an interesting combination of the two subjects I love the most.

What advice would you give to people about to choose a university course?
Look closer into the course and its structure rather than just its title. Dig deeper and you might just find something that’s more YOU!

What inspired you/Who inspired you to follow this route?
Following around the architect who helped renovate my house and play boss once in a while! My fascination with buildings and structures in general played a big role.

What do you particularly enjoy and why?
Being a part of several different societies and getting a chance to be in an organising committee for events. The student life is a once in a lifetime experience and being a part of societies makes you feel like you’re finally making a difference rather than simply being taught how things work.

Best job/most fun/most fulfilling/challenges?
Sheffield Volunteering one-off: We were asked to help paint a homeless shelter for children. After 6 hours of painting, sore arms and shoulders, the smile on the children’s faces was one of our most rewarding experiences.

How is studying your subject or methods of learning different at university than at school?
More room for asking questions. More of an interactive, cordial relationship with your professor rather than a master-student one.

What are your plans for the future/dreams/goals?
Be the next Santiago Calatrava… Or close enough!

What do you like to do when you are not working on your degree?
Playing Basketball, Swimming and giving a go at Give It A Go’s (You’ll hear more about it when you join Uni!).

Meet Our IEA Alumni: Shruti Vasudev

Department: Bioengineering

Tell us a little about yourself. 

My name is Shruti Vasudev; my family are Indian but I’ve lived in Kenya all my life as part of the large Indian ex-pat community there. I’m nineteen and studying first year bioengineering here at Sheffield. When I arrived I decided to join the International Ambassador Scheme and I’ve recently returned from Kenya where I was giving talks on studying at Sheffield and coming to live in the UK to students at Schools where I grew up. 

How did you decide to study Bioengineering? 

At first I wasn’t very sure if I wanted to do engineering or medicine, because I really liked biology but at the same time I really liked maths and physics. When I found out about bioengineering it seemed like the perfect combination for me and when I read about the course content at Sheffield I was very interested in doing it here too.

The subject is very interesting, I’m very intrigued by a lot of the modules and we have amazing tutors. Sheila MacNeil is my role model; she’s just amazing. Everything about bioengineering suits me very well, all my interests are what I’m studying so it’s a lot of fun. 

What are your plans for after you finish your degree?

Well I’d like to finish my Masters then work in industry for a year first and eventually I’d like to do my MBA and maybe start my own company. My dad owns a business for cardiac surgery equipment, so In the future I’d like my own company, maybe something like medical imaging. 

What have you been doing through the International Ambassador Programme?

This was, undoubtedly, my best experience ever. It was about telling people what we offer at Sheffield, the kind of engineering degrees we do and basically to encourage people to come here. I went to my junior and senior schools at Oshwal Academy. It was so much fun going back to people you know, and they remembered me from last year.  The teachers were all there too and they were so proud that one of their students was in the University and had come back to represent [Sheffield]. That was a really big feeling. 

“Every university should have a scheme like this! I went to Kenya but other students went to other countries and this will make such a big difference” - Shruti Vasudev

One of the other schools I visited, Nairobi Jaffery was a really good experience too. It is a Muslim school and a lot of girls came to my presentation. I think they were surprised to see a girl talking about engineering and to hear that they could do it too. They often come from quite conservative families that don’t always believe in girls taking up something like engineering and when they heard from me that girls can do it and we have jobs all over the world, it meant a lot to them. 

“a lot of girls came to my presentation- I think they were surprised to see a girl talking about engineering and to hear that they could do it too” - Shruti Vasudev

How have you found the audience reaction to your talks?

It’s been really interesting and positive. After I went to the Jaffrey School a lot of the girls’ parents rang me to ask how I was finding it, things like is it a male dominated class? Are there other girls studying with me, how it was on the whole to adjust to the UK and if it was safe for a girl to be there?  They were so interested to know how I was managing not just as a person but as a girl. After the talks some of the teachers came up and asked me to tell them about the course as well. When my biology teacher went back to her class all the boys said “OK today, let’s not study today, tell us about bioengineering a little more!” 

It’s a new scheme this year, how do you feel it has gone so far? 

Every university should have a scheme like this! I went to Kenya but other students went to other countries and this will make such a big difference. I know personally a lot of students will be considering engineering that wouldn’t have done so before. Definitely. This scheme is undoubtedly fantastic, it’s such a big thing. 

My family in India are teachers and this has been so positive for me that I’m hoping that I can arrange to go and speak in some Indian schools next time I visit. 

Do you plan on going back again?

Yes definitely I would love to do this. At the end of the day, it’s such a good feeling knowing that, if I've not made a difference to someone’s life, then at least shown them a path they may not have considered before. That’s such a good feeling, especially when at the end of every presentation a few boys and girls come around and asked questions. I feel like I’ve helped them at least a little bit in choosing a career.

Meet Our International Engineering Ambassador - Ritwesh Chatterjee

Q: A little about me first …

A: I am an undergraduate student studying the course Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science with a Year in Industry. I am from India and have, for better or for worse spent my entire life over there before moving to the UK.  I have been awarded one of the five Sheffield Undergraduate India Merit Scholarships and also received an Engineering Excellence Scholarship by the Faculty of Engineering. I love listening to music of all genres, but some psychedelic progressive rock will always get my attention first! An offer for a session of music and gossiping is something I cannot refuse.

Q: Why far away from home? And Why University of Sheffield?

A: I neither did trouble my parents too much nor did they trouble me. So I came to UK of my own free will. The motivation behind this was the system of education that is practiced in the United Kingdom. They manage to teach us a lot more with the least pressure, providing us with capabilities to work in an industry or work in a team of highly qualified professionals.

However, the curricular education isn’t enough. Being a high achiever in exam papers but losing sight of the things that makes us human is not ideal. The cultural history of Sheffield and the ambience is really very influential and makes us grow as a person. Being a Russel group university, the University of Sheffield provides the highest standards of education but also has its own warmth, and is very welcoming to international students. You never feel abandoned or isolated like Mark Watney from The Martian. The staff and students work in unison trying to figure out what’s best for the students and constantly work on developing themselves and the system. I promise you won’t find it difficult to find a home away from home.

Q: What I love about my course …

A: Since I hate clichés, I won’t say ‘everything’. I’ll be specific. I am in a department with over 40 teaching staff. Each of them has their own areas of specialisation. Their expertise is reflected in their way of approaching topics. How making paper planes can help understand Agile Methodology of Software Development, is something I couldn’t have guessed otherwise! The unconventional approaches, yet keeping the flavours and advantages of orthodox methods, blending them to perfection is really an art one admires. Professors of their experience, being open to new ideas coming from students and actually paying attention and helping them to work on those, is also something worth noting. Lack of encouragement is something you can never complain about. I study a curriculum which is designed so that everyone from novices to people with experience in a certain area will have enough to gain from it and not feel deprived in any way. The assignments are planned and designed in such a way that they give us the feel of working in the industry and help us develop each aspect, starting from professionalism to group work.

Q: A typical day in Sheffield …

A: Yes, you do miss your mom or occasionally curse the decision to go abroad when you have to do everything from cooking your own food to buying your own medicines when you are sick. But then rest of the day brings life back to you. Waking up in the morning to rush to lecture theatres … yes, you might want to take a short nap during the lectures but then again, you need to pay attention. A sandwich, a cookie and some Latte from the Diamond Café might just work. The bright smiles and people warmly wishing you good morning might even make up for the morning shivers! As the day goes by you may dread the upcoming exams, but you might also come up with a brilliant logic to make your robots work in the lab. So you end up finishing the two days’ work in one and you feel on top of the world! Just then you are reminded of your upcoming Quiz in the next week but we are students, and that’s what we do. Some lectures make you sleepy, some are better than alarm clocks! But an evening in the café with a cuppa and friends is must. Even better, go to the studios and have a jamming session with friends. The moment I pick up sticks and sit behind the drums with the other guys up with their keys and six-strings, the tiredness fades away! After a couple of hours, you’re tired but recharged at the same time. And if it’s a weekend? There are always clubs and pubs you might want to go to. Sheffield, with its distinctive music culture, is sure to refresh you and get your energy back to ensure you can work even harder the next week!

Q: Something I would like to say …

A: Before I sign off, a few final words. If you are a new comer, make as many friends as possible. The first year of your undergraduate education is going to be the easiest. You should try and join as many Societies that interest you and get actively involved. Time will fly. Try and make the most of each moment as university life is something you won’t get back. And please, don’t study so much that you forget to enjoy life. Grades are important but so is fun! Have a passion to pursue. Who knows, your passion might one day be your profession someday!

Meet our International Engineering Ambassador: Akshit Sood

Name: Akshit Sood

Course: MEng Mechanical Engineering

Nationality: Indian

Can you tell us about you?

I was born and brought up in Delhi, India. I have lived all my life in Delhi before coming to Sheffield. I did my higher education from Ryan international school. I have always been interested in mathematics and represented my school at numerous mathematics Olympiads. My love for machines and design persuaded me to choose mechanical engineering.

Why did you choose University of Sheffield?

I chose University of Sheffield as it is one of the best places to study Mechanical Engineering and holds third position in the UK for mechanical engineering (according to the Guardian Guide 2015). The engineering department of the university is well reputed and known throughout the country for its excellence in education. Moreover, with companies like Boeing, Rolls Royce working closely with the engineering department, studying at the university enhances my future job prospects.

What is the most enjoyable thing studying your subject at the University of Sheffield?

The most exciting part of studying at the University of Sheffield is to see the application of different concepts learned in lectures into real life problems. Numerous labs and practical sessions ensure that we have the true knowledge of everything that is being taught to us. The new diamond building has provided us with top-level equipment which has given us the chance to familiarise and understand the use of the high tech equipment in the industry. 

What’s your opinion on Sheffield as a city?

My first impression of Sheffield was that it is a beautiful city with friendly people. My experience as an international student was such a mesmerizing one that I never felt that I was away from home. I was amazed to see the variety of people from different countries of different backgrounds, working together united in this city. From the nature’s gift of Peak district to the modern city center this city has lots to offer for an international student like me. 

Hobbies:

I always had great interest in cricket and badminton and I love playing them in my free time. Since living in Sheffield has given me a new hobby of cooking, I love trying new recipes and new cuisines. Apart from these I enjoy volunteering for the local organizations in Sheffield. I am a member of fundraising group for the British heart foundation where I help in organizing various fundraising events throughout the year.

What are your plans for future/dreams/goals?

My aim for the next year is to get a placement year in the oil and gas sector. After graduation, I plan to work in the oil and gas industry to gain industrial exposure and commercial awareness. 

Learning the elements of large edifices - An article about our IEA Balgovind Ranjith

This article has been printed in the Deccan Herald in India. It is one of the top dailies with an average daily readership of 458,000. Balgovind is one of our new IEA's, a first year civil UG student from India.

Balgovind Ranjith, December 3, 2015. Page no. 17, Ed. Edition Bangalore, , Mangalore, Mysore, Devanagere, Gulbarga and Hubli

Luxury of experimenting

I  was raised in Dubai, an ever-changing city with new, striking buildings popping up by the day. For a long time, I knew I wanted to be related in some way in making these mega structures.

My father is a structural engineer and his whole stream seems so interesting to me when he describes all the projects he has done and the innovations in engineering that has been made to allow crazy structures like the ones in Dubai. This led me to choose civil engineering as my bachelor’s degree.

I chose the University of Sheffield after months of research on the internet and visiting countless numbers of university fairs. It is among the top 10 universities in the UK for civil engineering. I have also received the GREAT scholarship from the British Council for my studies at the University.

The course I have picked allows me to work in a civil engineering firm in the third year of my studies. I had interned in an entertainment park called Adlabs Imagica in Mumbai. It was an excellent opportunity for me to go behind the scenes of all the huge rides and understand the mechanics of the components that make each ride work. This is why I think a year in industry would be a great experience for me.


Home-like feel

Although I haven’t been in Sheffield for too long, I have come to really love this city. Maybe it’s the interesting course or the awesome company. My course here motivates me to think beyond the mere design of a building. It makes me think about the effect of what I do on the environment, on ways to use the properties of our planet to your benefit.

We started a large bridge building project within the first few weeks of university itself, where we designed and constructed a scaled model of a bridge from scratch.

I am also a part of the Indian Society here and that’s helped me meet a lot of people who have helped me feel like at home. The Diwali party they had arranged was very homely and made me feel like I was back in my country, celebrating it with my friends.

Another part that I love about my choice of coming to the University of Sheffield is the Diamond. The Diamond is a newly finished building, an investment of 81 million pounds, has specialist teaching facilities for engineering students and over 1,000 study spaces, which are available 24/7 for staff and students across the University. The building contains a number of labs with a large variety of tools and machinery that can be used by us during our course. It also contains computer labs scattered around the building and over all, it is an absolute beauty. You will find something to do here always..

I have got the chance to work in a few of the labs myself, mainly the materials and structures labs. In the past few weeks, we got to use tools to figure out the hardness of materials and flow rates of fluids. My ongoing project now is to build a model bridge in the project lab space with wood, paper, string and foam and analyse how this bridge works (or doesn’t). For this project, we get to use CAM tools like laser cutters, 3D printers and many other machineries. It becomes a lot more interesting to learn when you have the ability to make structures and do things by hand, rather than watch a video or read a textbook. That is probably the major difference between studying here and if I were studying back in India.

By doing things by ourselves in labs, it becomes a lot easier to recall specifics and relate to the ideas. We have the freedom to experiment with our notions, get things right or wrong, and learn from it rather than being told what is right.

Representing the Sheffield Engineering Community in India

A large part of what IEA’s do is outreach; this summer I visited a school in Pune (India) to talk about the different Engineering degrees at the University of Sheffield and how I applied to Bioengineering. Due to the relatively low knowledge students had about the application process, I explained this further, explaining to them the importance of picking the right degree course suited to their aspirations.

 My talk included my experience so far as a Bioengineering student and about Sheffield in general (which included boasting about our new Diamond Building, of course!). Students were interested in the opportunities available to them after graduation so I gave them examples of recently graduated IEA’s and what they want to do next.

It was a really satisfying experience to answer the kind of questions I had before I applied to Sheffield and I feel the students enjoyed the information session as much as I did. Towards the end, I handed out our IEA postcards as a token of remembrance and this generated a lot of excitement! I also shared with the students our blog website if they wanted to follow our experiences further.

Saylee 

Meet our International Engineering Ambassadors: Vamesh Jajoo

Name: Vamesh Jajoo

Course: MEng Mechanical Engineering

Nationality: India

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born and brought up in Indore, India. It's a moderately-sized city not unlike Sheffield which is probably why I feel at home here. I did my IGCSEs and A Levels from The Emerald Heights International School, Indore and being at an international school and studying an international curriculum encouraged me to take a global perspective to things. My favourite subject at school was Mathematics with Physics and Chemistry really close second; this along with increasing interest in manufacturing persuaded me to study Mechanical Engineering.

Why did you choose the University of Sheffield?

I chose the University of Sheffield because it is one of the best places to study Mechanical Engineering (it is ranked 3rd in the UK according to the Times Good University Guide 2014 and ranked 69th overall by the QS World University Rankings) and it has an award winning students union. This ensured that I wouldn’t be compromised academically while also being able to get actively involved in student life giving me a well-rounded university experience.

What is the most enjoyable thing about studying your subject at the University of Sheffield?

The sheer excitement! You have to build a small self-powered car, produce a lab report, work on computer modelling assignments, complete the mathematics quiz online, coordinate with your group members - there's so much to do and it's all relevant and is helping you develop skills for you to solve an industry problem in the future! There are modules ranging from various engineering disciplines but also from project management and business practice which provide you with the skills to do well wherever you go after graduation.

How do you find the teaching and the study methods at the University of Sheffield?

There are three ways in which we are taught: lectures, tutorials and labs. I find the lectures engaging and interesting which is partly because of the brilliant lecturers who are experts in their own fields and partly because of the content which is so engrossing! Tutorials are sessions with a department professor who develops understanding on the course by stimulating discussions about the course material and guiding us through any problems that we might encounter. Labs are the spaces for practical work which complement what we have learnt in theory and this adds more to our learning of the topic. There are also workshops which is where we have machines for manufacturing. We just made a vice (a self-adjustable clamp) from scratch at the workshop!

What is your opinion on Sheffield as a city?

I find myself at home at Sheffield and this is something I was really worried about as an international student. It is one of the safest cities in the UK and the greenest in Europe! And the living costs are relatively cheaper than the rest of the UK which is a great advantage to have as a student! The people are also really friendly and helpful. One third of the city lies in the Peak District national park so it is quite hilly but if you don't fancy a walk the public transport is quite efficient.

What are the benefits of studying at the University of Sheffield?

Like I said before, the University of Sheffield offers me the best in academics and the best in student life. You have leading academics as your professors and well-equipped libraries and labs to assist you in studying. Then there's the career service for any help regarding placements or jobs and they are always ready to assist. There are quite a few places to go to if you need any help like the Student Advice Centre and the SSID (Student Support Information Desk). The Students Union organises events for like-minded people to meet up and there's also parties and bands to go to. It is a very well-rounded university experience.

Do you have any plans after the completion of your course?

I would like to work in the manufacturing industry to gain some industrial exposure and commercial awareness. If I then feel the need, I had return to academics and then pursue my dream of running my own business.

What advice would you give to prospective students coming to Sheffield?

I know you will miss home because I did but the best way to counter that is get busy! Work hard at your course, join societies and clubs, volunteer, get involved in the students union: there's loads of stuff to do! You will also meet like-minded people when you get involved and being with friends will also help you adapt to the new atmosphere. University life is a challenging time and it will push you out of your comfort zone but that's where the magic happens and you will find yourself stronger, more independent and a much more capable individual.

Meet our International Engineering Ambassadors: Felix J Mundanmany

Name : Felix J Mundanmany

Course : Aerospace engineering

Nationality: Indian

Born in Kerala (South India), childhood based in Gujarat (North India), thereafter I grew up in Botswana (Africa). It’s a brew of cultures that moulded my character but it is safe to say: “I am what I am thanks to all of that which made me:- First-year Aerospace engineering student at the University of Sheffield.”

The University of Sheffield became my first choice after a great deal of research into all the options that were open to me. The availability of Aerospace engineering with a year in the industry had already given a good place for the University of Sheffield in my priority list. But the biggest factor that struck the deal for University of Sheffield was when I was awarded the India Merit Undergraduate Scholarship. It provided me with a great opportunity to build a rewarding career with a start at the university accompanied by a scholarship.   

Aerospace engineering was my dream course that came from my love for aircrafts and moreover everything that flies. The University of Sheffield has the best environment and facilities setup for Aerospace. Ranging from research facilities for international companies such as Rolls-Royce, Boeing to the most qualified lecturers in the advanced field of Aerospace engineering. The teaching methods adopted in the university involves a great deal of interactivity between lecturers and students as well as a great deal of hand-on experience, this creates a great combination in making a world-class engineer.

Apart from life as an academic student, my life revolves around football, digital art and friends. Sheffield is a student-oriented city and that on its own creates every students experience in Sheffield a story to be told more than twice. Sheffield has everything and anything that an International student would need, as over the years the Sheffield market has also adopted in providing for all the needs of International students.

Upon completion of my degree, I look ahead into three options: going ahead to a post-graduate degree or jumping into a business management course to complement my degree or take on the world as an engineer. But with all the surplus amount of opportunities for me at the university, these options are bound to change, all I know is that the future is bright.

For all the prospective students, my advice to you is to always know your own character ,know your goals and build up to them every day. The University of Sheffield holds all that you need to build your career.

        

Intro Week at Sheffield

By Vaidehi Tembhekar

My emotions before the first week of University

It was time... Time to pack my bags, leave the hotel and get dropped off to my University accommodation in Endcliffe Village. As my mum and I got into the taxi, my heart was racing. I was going through numerous emotions at that point – excitement, nervousness, anxiety; those were just a few of them! My mind was exploded with all sorts of questions:

Will I like my flatmates? My course? The university? Sheffield? Will I be home-sick at any point? How will I cope with all of this being so far away from family?

We finally arrived at Endcliffe and I was so relieved. The greenery and the beautiful ambiance helped calm me down. I got the chance to see my room and I was delighted that my room was fairly decent sized and quite spacious. 

                                

The following text is to show you that you have no reason to be as nervous as I was! The first few weeks of university are a great experience! 

Intro week at Sheffield

After a long night, I headed to the Octagon Centre for the welcome talk. Seeing hundreds of confused and nervous faces like mine assured me that I was not the only one; everyone was as anxious as me.

Intro Week was a week of being bombarded with a bunch of leaflets and discounts for free dominos pizza in the SU! – Yes, that’s right, free Dominos pizza! :D The Activities and Sports fairs along with the Freshers' Fair were extremely busy occasions, offering such a great amount; from the Snowboarding Society, Women in Engineering society to the Baking society and Football.

Alongside that, everyone had the chance to take part in a huge range of activities arranged to get to know people in your department and those living around the same area as you (eg. Endcliffe/Ranmoor Village). One of my major problems that week was to choose the activities I wanted to be a part of each day - there were just way too many options! 

I realized that making new friends really wasn’t half as bad as I thought it would be. This is because everyone will be on the same boat as you and looking to make friends. So, you’ll have a warm welcome from everyone – whether it’s the freshers, students that will be your seniors or even the staff.

Orientation Week and Intro week allowed a smooth transition for me to place myself in this new city far away from home. This week was certainly one of the highlights of my time at Sheffield and I would strongly recommend each of you to make the most of Intro Week.

Meet our International Engineering Ambassadors: Sebina Kalawadwala

Name: Sebina Kalawadwala

Course: MEng Civil and Structural Engineering

Nationality: Indian

Hi, first of all I’ll start by telling you a bit about myself. I am Sebina Kalawadwala, a first year Civil Engineering student from Gujarat, India. I have completed my 12^th CBSE boards from Lancers Army School, Surat. I am passionate about sports, especially table tennis. A good stress reliever for me is listening to music or curling up in bed with a good book.

Now going to the most essential question, why I chose to study at the University of Sheffield and a more pressing one, what made me come here, hundreds of miles away from my home and family? Well to be honest the decision was not easy but I can tell you this, it is definitely worth it. I chose this University because I was looking for a very specific kind of course, i.e. MEng Civil and Structural Engineering, which is a 4 year integrated masters course. Not a lot of people know this but in the UK, as of now, there are only a handful of universities offering this course of which the University of Sheffield is the best. The University has a lot to offer in addition to their study programs, the Students’ Union has been voted, 4 times in a row, the best Students’ Union in the country. We have more than 300 societies and sports clubs - there is something for everyone here and if there isn't then they can start their own society.

What I love about my department?

The thing I love most is that here at the University it’s not all about theory; we are provided with real life hands-on practical experience. How? Let me give you an example. Through the study of Civil Engineering, everyone knows that one will go ahead in life to design and build bridges and other structures after gaining a deep understanding of the principles behind it, but would you expect a first year student to do the same? The answer will most definitely be no. Going ahead of the conventional thinking, we were asked to build a model bridge purely from our intuitions and qualitative judgment, excluding any sort of technical or mathematical calculation. Here we were given a brief which we had to strictly adhere to and, like a real life situation, we bought and sold materials, hence calculating the total cost of the bridge. Later we tested the bridge and, to avoid any penalties, we ensured that the latter was able to carry the required minimum load of 8kg.

Going through this exercise I am sure that I learnt a lot more than I ever could from any textbooks.  I am confident this exercise was just the tip of the iceberg - the department has a lot more to offer in the future. I am eagerly looking forward to my time here.

In my profile I could have gone on talking about numbers but personally I feel numbers are boring and you can never get a true sense of something from them, so instead I decided to write about one of my most cherished experiences and I hope it will give a feel of how studying at the University of Sheffield is. 

Meet Our International Engineering Ambassadors: Vaidehi

Name: Vaidehi Tembhekar

Course: BEng Chemical Engineering

Nationality: Kenyan






Let me start by telling you a little bit about myself. I am Vaidehi Tembhekar, currently in my first year of Chemical Engineering here at the University of Sheffield.

I’ve always been international! This is because originally, I’m Indian but I’ve lived my whole life in Kenya where I went to an international school which followed the British education system. Since childhood, travelling and learning about the various cultures and languages has been something I was incredibly passionate about.

However, travelling miles away from home for university isn’t quite the same. For some people this can be an extremely daunting thought - It was for me anyway! However, from my first week of university (intro week), I felt extremely welcomed and comfortable. It made me realize that I had no reason to be nervous or worried.

Time really does fly by! I am already close to finishing my first semester here and I can confidently say that the University of Sheffield is just the perfect place for me! It has fulfilled all my expectations, starting with the quality of education and extra-curricular opportunities to social life. The endless opportunities, amiable people and beautiful atmosphere of Sheffield still have me mesmerized and have definitely made my time here memorable.

Why the University of Sheffield?

According to me, choosing a university where you want to spend the next four years is one of the most important decisions you will make in life and making a decision can be very challenging. I believe university is the place that shapes you as an individual.  After a lot of research, I chose the University of Sheffield as it had a high ranking for my course. Additionally, the university has collaborated with a large number of well-reputed multi-national companies in the Chemical Engineering department, which I believe is beneficial when it comes to finding placements and graduate jobs.

Why chemical engineering?

Watching my father excel in his efforts to curb industrial pollution, I found myself intrigued by the opportunities available to engineers, including working towards an environmentally healthy future. It started when I learnt about a horrifying fact - Every 2〫 C rise in the Earthʼs temperature increases the sea level by 1m. If the temperature rises any further, the Maldives and numerous other cities in the Europe may be underwater. The applications of chemistry in the conservation of our planet, through innovative measures is something that is really important to me. I strongly feel that a degree in chemical engineering will enable me to contribute to solutions towards this and numerous other complex problems currently faced by the world.

Teaching and study methods at the University
The teaching method at university is completely different to high school. How you are taught largely depends on your course and level of study. However, university teaches you to be a more independent learner; it’s all about the effort you put into self-study. Here, a strong emphasis is placed on teaching you to apply the information in your daily life. The seminars and tutorials usually take place in smaller groups and are a better way to interact with your lecturer and raise any questions or doubts.

Advice I would give to prospective students

Most importantly, make sure you don’t let anyone influence your choice of course. This will be something you will be studying for the next few years of your life and it is extremely important that you really love what you’re studying.

Finally, a little bit about Sheffield

Sheffield is a lovely, vibrant city and, most importantly, caters for all types of students. Living expenses here are much lower compared to all the other cities and the public transport services are extremely well managed for those of you who prefer not to walk! Sheffield is known to be the greenest city. Consequently, there are a large number of parks and gardens to visit in order to spend some time relaxing. All in all, Sheffield is a great city to be living in as a student, you will never run out of things to do or places to visit here!

Meet Our International Engineering Ambassadors: Saylee

Name: Saylee Jangam

Course: BEng Bioengineering

Nataionality: Indian

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born in Mumbai and spent the first six years of my life there before moving to another city in India for a year and then finally, moving to Hong Kong at the age of seven. When people ask me where I’m from, it’s an odd combination of India and Hong Kong. After five years in Hong Kong, I moved back to India and did my IGCSEs and A levels at RIMS International School & Junior College, Pune. All this travelling has really shaped me as an individual and has led me to study Bioengineering at the University of Sheffield.

Why did you choose the University of Sheffield to study your subject?

I chose the University of Sheffield because it offers Bioengineering as a degree with the flexibility of choosing a specialization in second year instead of the first. This gives students a year to explore the different aspects of Bioengineering and choose one that appeals to them the most. Bioengineering at Sheffield is extremely interdisciplinary in terms of the number of departments that contribute to it – seven to be precise! And apart from all this, the University is ranked 69^th in the World Times Higher Education rankings and is a top institution in the UK.

What’s the most enjoyable thing about studying your subject at the University of Sheffield?

The most enjoyable thing about my course would be the diversity of it. I have an electronics module as well as a human anatomy module. Because so many departments contribute to my degree, I get the opportunity to meet other engineering students during class which is always fun. What I love about my department is that we often have these tutorials where we look at the ‘big picture’, we discuss how Bioengineering is changing healthcare in the UK and all over the world, especially in developing countries and how it has the potential to solve major problems. These talks are motivational and thought provoking and are exactly what a student needs to hear from time to time as a reminder of how important the things we’re learning are. 

What are the most valuable aspects of your course?

One of the most valuable aspects of my course is the guest lectures that the department regularly organises on the different specialisations available to choose from in second year. Another great thing about the Faculty of Engineering at Sheffield is the fact that they put a large emphasis on careers and have talks from people working in Industry. Recently, I attended a talk by a professor in my department organized by the Institute of Engineering and Technology – which students at the University get to be members of – on the topic of biomedical engineering research. 

How did you find the teaching and study methods at the University of Sheffield?

One thing that got me excited in my lectures was the use of ‘clickers’. This is an app on your smartphone which enables you to answer the question asked by the professor at that moment in a class of 200 people. The app then records your answer, collates the data from the rest of the class and prepares a bar graph of the percentage right and wrong. The professor will then discuss the answer. I feel this method is effective to keep such a large class engaged and attentive. It also helps to know where you’re going wrong if you are. 

Some lecturers also put up recordings of actual lectures on MOLE (My Online Learning Environment) which is an online university portal that you use to access all your study materials which is very helpful as you can log back in any time to access anything you need. These methods make information accessible to students if and when they need it, at their own convenience. And of course, there’s always the iSheffield app!

What do you see as the benefits of an education from the University of Sheffield?

The most important benefit of an education at the University of Sheffield is that your professors are one of the top academics in their field. They have the relevant knowledge and experience that you need to do well in your course and they are always willing to help…you just have to be brave enough to ask for it!  And in fact, that’s what you eventually learn to do at university – get brave enough to ask for help. 

The university offers great careers services to its students and has a student advice centre for any personal problems. The Students Union is THE place to go if you need any sort of help – whether it is opening a bank account when you’re new in Sheffield or grabbing a quick bite to eat between two lectures. An education at UoS is beneficial for the balance between academics and social activities you can find here.

What in your opinion is the best thing about life at the University of Sheffield?

The best thing about life here is that there is just so much on offer you can literally never get bored. At the University of Sheffield, there is an abundance of choice and never boredom, and your only challenge is to choose and to manage your time well. 

What do you hope to achieve after you’ve finished your course?

After my course, I would like to either continue studying for a Masters degree or work for a while and then get back to academia. I see myself working for the development of rural countries and this is something I would like to get involved in from the start which is why I have joined the Engineers Without Borders Society. 

What advice would you give for prospective students coming to Sheffield?

I would tell prospective students not to worry about moving away from home. You might get homesick but take it from my own experience – you will honestly have no time to be thinking about it once you start your course. Uni life is fast paced and keeping up with it helps you grow as a person. It is a challenging time that pushes you outside your comfort zone and whilst all this is happening, Sheffield as a city provides you a safe and friendly atmosphere like a home away from home.

World Week in Sheffield?!

Written by: Saylee Jangam

Last Week at the University of Sheffield there was World Week, a week organized by the International Students’ Committee to celebrate the international diversity in Sheffield. The following is my experience of the World Parade that took place to mark the beginning of World Week on 15^th November, 2014.

World Week began ceremoniously with the ever popular World Parade that happens every year starting at the Students Union. Over 150 students participated this year and gathered outside the Students Union on the chilly morning of Saturday, 15^th November. As a fresher, the World Parade, I had heard, was something not to be missed so although it was drizzling and far too foggy for my liking, I headed outside to join this celebration and I am so glad I did because I had such a great time!

Once at the SU, I picked up the Hong Kong flag as it was the first thing I spotted amongst the other flags laid onto the welcome desk of the International Languages Festival that was happening the same day (for which I volunteered to face paint – more on that later haha). And once my friends had picked out their flags, we walked outside to join the others in order to start our parade to the Winter Gardens in the city centre.

After a brief photo session, we started our walk and to my surprise, a fellow IEA was playing the ‘Dhol’ – an Indian drum-like instrument. And what does one do when the Dhol is played, you ask? Bhangra*, of course!  

Walking through the city centre as part of such a big group was definitely interesting. We had a lot of people looking our way and some even taking pictures. Once at the winter gardens, we had another photo session (there can never be too many of these!) and soon after, I came back to the SU for the Languages festival after a quick lunch in the city centre.

The International Languages festival was a two-day event over the weekend where students volunteered to teach a language as part of World Week, and other students came to learn. They had a total of about 30 different languages being taught that weekend which I found very impressive. I was volunteering to face paint in the Activities Zone of the SU so this is what I did when students came out of classes for a break or if committee members of the ISC (International Students’ Committee) wanted to get their faces painted as well. I mostly painted flags to go with the theme but at one point, was asked to paint an elephant too. 

I met so many new people during the World Parade as well as the Languages festival and honestly had a brilliant time. To make things even better, they had Masala Chai at Coffee Revolution for the entire week! Now I can proudly say that I have checked off ‘World Parade’ from my to-do list at Uni.

Have a look at the few highlights! :)

*Bhangra – an energetic form of Indian dance.