Bits and pieces about the first semester

By: Hui Choo, Tan - BEng Aerospace Engineering

I had been studying in Singapore before coming over to Sheffield for my BEng. To those who do not know where Singapore is, let me share some fun facts about her. Singapore is a tiny little country beside Malaysia. It is a country and also a city. There is only one season, which is summer all year round, with lowest temperature of about 24 degrees Celsius.

Why did I choose the University of Sheffield? I did some research before choosing the universities and I found out UoS is known as one of the best engineering universities in UK. In addition, a friend of mine who is studying in London suggested UoS as it is known for aerospace. Apart from these, UoS is ranked the top 100 of the 2014-2015 Times Higher Education World Universities Rankings’ Engineering and Technology.

University is about independent study although there are many hours of lectures, tutorial and laboratories. You will have to spend time doing revision to keep up with your work. It is all about time management so that you can play and study. UoS has many professors who are top in their engineering field, which is beneficial to the engineering students. Never be shy to consult them because they will be able to share their knowledge and experience.

What are the benefits of UoS?  There are many places that you can seek help from, as well as to get involved. The best place to seek help is the Students’ Union. The Careers Service is one of them and it is a good place to apply for future summer internships and placements. The school has various societies such as Engineering without Borders and Simurq UAV which are related to engineering.

What should you do before coming? Do lots of research! Check out the various stuffs and documents that you will have to prepare, the events that UoS organised for the prospective students and a little research about Sheffield. Get yourselves involved in various events during the Orientation Week and Introduction Week to make new friends. Lastly, be mentally prepared that you will feel homesick as you are far away from home. But this will shape you to be a better person as you will pick up new skills and gain valuable experiences. 

Meet Our International Engineering Ambassador: Vimanyu Beedasy

Name: Vimanyu Beedasy

Department: Mechanical Engineering

Course: BEng Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry

Nationality: Mauritian

Year: Second

• What was your favourite subject at school?

My favourite subject was Design & Technology. I spent two years studying Design & Communications for my O-Levels and the next two years studying Design & Technology for my A-Levels. I loved every part of it as it was different from the standard writing and calculating in other classes. I had to draw technical drawings and spend time in the workshop to actually construct an artefact I had designed all by myself from scratch.

 My A Level project - wine barrel comprising of a glass hanger, wine bottle rack and cooling drawer.

• How did you decide which degree course to take?

Since I really enjoyed Design & Technology, I was sure to go in the engineering field. However, choosing which one specifically was hard as I want to work in so many different fields like aerospace, mechatronics or even biomedical. I spent a lot of time talking to friends studying different engineering courses, relatives and people in the engineering field besides doing my own research and reading on whatever pieces of information I gathered. Eventually, I chose Mechanical Engineering as I believe I can do almost any other degree afterwards to specialise in one specific field (which I hope to have already chosen before I complete my degree in mechanical engineering).

• What advice would you give to people about choosing a university course?

Gather as much information as possible: speak to students studying the course, have studied the course and also to people who work within their field of study. Moreover, read the module description to see if there is anything specific you’d like to do or not. And finally, look out for ‘year in industry’ courses.

• Who inspired you to follow this route?

My father. He is a highly qualified engineer and he inspired me to follow his way. As a kid I was always amazed by the way he fixed things and knew what was wrong with something which stopped working. He always finds something to work on during the weekend and I enjoyed helping him. I aim at becoming as good as he is, if not better.

• What do you particularly enjoy and why?

My course: It is very well-balanced with not only lectures and reading but also labs, group works, project works and workshop practice. I believe it is the best way for a student to learn and he both learns the theory as well as the practical work involved. Throughout the first year I met people from different cultures and backgrounds and I enjoy making friends, especially through group work and recognising a familiar face in extra-curricular activities. 

• How is studying your subject or methods of learning different at university than at school?

The fact that everything is available online and viewable on a laptop, tablet or even the mobile phone is easier to stay updated with the lecture notes and workload. In addition to this, the polling system during lectures definitely spices up the lecture theatres as we are able to interact with the lecturer himself and therefore prevent us from falling asleep!

• What are your plans for the future/dreams/goals?
  
  Get at least two degrees, secure an interesting job, tick off all the items in my bucket list, open a small business and finally get back home for the old days. And oh, watch Ronnie O’Sullivan play the World Snooker Championship Final live at The Crucible in Sheffield!
  
  
• What do you like to do when you are not working on your degree? Any pictures?
  
  I like to explore and adventure around, especially away from the city centre. Sheffield has some interesting places to visit away from town. I also like to volunteer: the University offers so many opportunities here at the volunteering office! Imagine spending a day among some of the cutest labradors for Guide Dogs in Sheffield. Another hobby of mine is paper-crafting (I ❤ Paperchase) and learning to cook new meals almost every weekend.
  
  
  

Why choose UK

By Usman Sami Khan

The UK is home to a wide array of multicultural individuals, all living together in a nutshell. This diversification leads to people from different communities interacting with one another to live in an environment of peace and harmony. Pakistanis, in particular, are welcomed with great warmth. There are Pakistani societies in many universities across UK, including the Pakistan Society at The University of Sheffield. This makes it particularly easy for Pakistani students to adjust with the new surroundings, away from home. This is one of the major reasons why students, in particular Pakistanis, tend to be more inclined towards the UK as a destination for pursuing higher studies, where they can experience multiculturalism as well as practice their religion in a liberal environment.

The UK is home to the most renowned universities of the world. Such rankings are testament of the fact that UK education standards have been consistently high and universities such as The University of Sheffield are seen as being one of the most prestigious universities in the world – both in terms of education as well as student satisfaction. UK, and in particular The University of Sheffield, is a world leader in terms of research and this success is reflected in the world rankings. All in all, this makes it an ideal place for Pakistani students to pursue higher education as they are exposed to ideas and discoveries in a very open and welcoming environment where they can express their thoughts freely.

The UK also offers a wide range of scholarships to international students. These scholarships are available at both the Undergraduate, as well as at the Postgraduate level. At the Undergraduate level, some of the highly prestigious scholarships being offered include the Pakistan Undergraduate Merit Scholarships at the University of Sheffield. These scholarships tend to be a source of great affinity for students on the lookout for saving some money off from the highly burdensome tuition and living fee all across universities in UK. Some of these scholarships directed towards Pakistani students serve as an incentive for many capable and deserving students to be able to afford world class education abroad at their dream universities. Having personally received the Pakistan Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, it is safe to say that such scholarships can actually change around the finances involved in studying abroad drastically, which is the sole purpose that I have been able to study at The University of Sheffield. (Find more about them here).

UK degrees at the Undergraduate level are also confined to a 3 year programme as opposed to a 4 year programme in other countries, having the benefit of being cost-effective and time efficient. UK degrees are internationally recognized and students have the advantage of being able to work anywhere in the world with a degree from a university in the UK.

The influx of Pakistanis to the UK for higher education is definitely due to an amalgamation of factors which together constitute the various reasons why Pakistanis choose to prefer UK over other countries.  

"Whatever the reason may be, the crux lies in the fact that those students have secured a brighter future for themselves, as well as for the nation that gave them their identity – Pakistan."

Meet our International Engineering Ambassadors: Usman Sami Khan

Name: Usman Sami Khan

Course: BEng Mechanical Engineering

Nationality: Pakistani

Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Before studying at the University of Sheffield, I was enrolled at Nixor College for A Level Studies where I successfully scored 2A*’s, 1A and 1B in my A Level examinations. For my O Levels, I was enrolled at Foundation Public School, scoring 4A*’s and 5A’s.


Why did you choose the University of Sheffield to study your subject?
Currently holding the 3rd position in UK for Mechanical Engineering (according to The Guardian University Guide 2015), The University of Sheffield’s Engineering Department is widely reputed as being one of the best engineering department in the country. The programme also gives me an option of switching from my Bachelors programme (3 years) to a Masters programme (4 years) which would save up time and resources. Reputable companies such as Boeing, Rolls Royce and Siemens have their research centres located at University of Sheffield which enhances future job prospects.


What’s the most enjoyable thing about studying your subject at the University of Sheffield?
With such a reputable ranking for Mechanical Engineering, one does expect a lot from the university. However, it is safe to say that I was not let down in any way. In fact, my expectations surpassed. The most enjoyable thing in my opinion would be the fact that much of the learning is based on practicality rather than conceptuality. I have been used to a much more conceptual learning experience in my past, and the switch to a more practical based learning environment is very exciting!


What do you think of the teaching and study methods at the University of Sheffield?
The teaching and study methods employed at the University of Sheffield are designed around easing the study patterns for students. My Online Learning Environment, more commonly referred to as the ‘MOLE’, is the place to log in to for any lectures, notes or assignments that you may wish to go through. It is an actual lifesaver - For if you miss any lectures, this is the place to visit!


What do you see as the benefits of an education from the University of Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield is consistently ranked in the top 100 universities worldwide across various world rankings. One can therefore only expect an all rounded education experience. The University of Sheffield equips you with the necessary skills required to function effectively in the real world while providing the very best in academics.


What in your opinion is the best thing about student life at the University of Sheffield?
One of my biggest fears about moving so far away from home was the settling in factor. I was really nervous about whether I would be able to settle in well and make good friends. But now, a year later, I can vouch for the fact that settling in over here is definitely not an issue of concern. There is no discrimination here at all. I have found myself meeting such loving and caring individuals here, who make this place a home away from home for me.


What do you hope to achieve after you’ve finished your course?
My country has massive unused potential for growth in sectors that could utilise Mechanical Engineers. Pakistan's textile machinery, automobile, surgical instruments, oil and gas industries are a few of many examples of local industries that need our generation to step up as students of mechanics and engineering and stimulate micro and macro-economic development over the next half a century through investing their education in the growth of our industrial sector. The University of Sheffield will groom me towards implementing such efforts while engineering will help me think systematically and analytically, and provide me with insight into tools that will greatly aid my ability to indulge in problem solving for my country.


What advice would you give for prospective students coming to Sheffield?
For prospective students intending to come to Sheffield for higher education, don’t be too scared about feeling homesick. You will realise that there is always something to do over here. Be it meeting new people from different countries on the different societies you will join, to just exploring the city in general. You will find that this place has a lot to offer, as a new international student in Sheffield, I almost instantly felt at home. You should, however, be prepared to walk a lot over here as well as engage in more group work and individual learning. Gone are the days when teachers used to spoon-feed you all the literature – This is university, where you are supposed to do individual learning to comprehend all the lectures. However, this does not go to say that there are insufficient resources and help available at your hands; your personal tutors are there to guide you along the way. Prioritise your life and you will find yourself striking a balance between your academics and social life.

A Little Bit about Aerospace Engineering

Written by: Haider Janjua

As this is my first ever blog post I should tell you a little bit about me first. My name is Haider Janjua. I am from Pakistan and I am currently in my 2^nd year of Aerospace Engineering. Just like my degree I have variety of interests. I like reading and have interest in writing too. I am also quite interested in photography, so wherever I go, I don’t forget to take selfies! Apart from that, I like travelling, tennis and TV Shows! I have also just started learning graphic design thanks to GRAPHCAD Society and find it quite exciting and fun.

Today I will tell you a little about my course, which is Aerospace Engineering. Aerospace Engineering is concerned with the design, research, construction and testing of the aeroplanes.

Sheffield University is one of the best universities in UK for Aerospace Engineering.  This course is multidisciplinary in nature, which means that we study modules from many different departments. These departments include mechanical, automatic control, materials, computer science, mathematics and law. So not only we get knowledge about different subjects, but also have classes with students from other departments. On top of that we even have a choice in later years to choose the stream we like. So if you don’t really like some specific are like for example electrical stuff you can select Aero Mechanics in the second year and vice versa. Plus all the degrees are professionally accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAes) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Rolls-Royce has two research and technology centres here at the University. The university also collaborates with Boeing and other aerospace companies in the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. And there are two flight simulators (I had a session last year and somehow I managed to go past the map into infinity). In addition to that there are two wind tunnels as well.

There is a choice between different Aerospace Engineering courses. You can either decide to do BEng which is bachelors of engineering or do 1 extra year and get masters. If you want to go and experience living in another country for one year, you can choose the study abroad option and go for your 3^rd year (can only do so if you are on MEng course). Also if you want to get experience of working in the industry you can also do that in your 3^rd year and come back afterwards to complete your BEng or MEng. The university career service helps you a lot in obtaining placements. And if you would want to learn to fly an aeroplane as well, you can choose the private pilot instruction option as well. It takes place in 2^nd semester of the 2^nd year (next semester for me as I am doing it, so exciting! :D) .

You don’t have to worry if you didn’t choose the industry/study abroad or pilot instruction at first because you can change your course till your second year and if you chose BEng but afterwards want to convert to MEng course; it can be done after your 2^nd year if you get more than 60% overall. There is no choice in the first year but you can choose between Aeromechanics, Avionics or the general stream in the 2^nd year.

All in all if you are interested in aeroplanes and you want to learn further about them, plus you are good at maths and physics, you should choose aerospace engineering as it is the BEST!

Aerospace Engineering at the University of Sheffield