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: Karim Almahayni

Hey there, my name is Karim Almahayni and I’m a first year Chemical Engineering student. I’m originally Syrian, but I live in Germany, and this is my first year here in Sheffield. You’re probably asking yourself loads of questions, on what to study or where to study at, it’s normal to be worried, I’ve been in this situation before and I understand how confusing taking such a life changing decision could be, that’s why I thought I’d give you a quick glance of what it is like to study at The University of Sheffield.

Why the University of Sheffield?

Well, other than being a part of Russell group and a world top 100 university, The University of Sheffield has one of the biggest engineering departments in the UK, that undergo world class research at one of the most high technological facilities in the UK, The Diamond. The University is well known for its investments in education and research. Sheffield University has large industrial partners such as Boeing, Siemens, and Rolls Royce.

Why Chemical Engineering?

Hmm I’ve been asked this question a lot lately well, I think Chemical Engineering is a part of every industrial process you might think of. Many misunderstand the concept of Chemical Engineering module and link it only to the oil industry, whereas the module is a main brick in the food, pharmaceuticals, and renewables industries. The module is based on applying engineering skills based on physical chemistry knowledge. On the other hand, Chemical engineers are the highest paid engineers. The University of Sheffield, offers a variety of Chemical engineering courses, some of which are specific (MEng, 4 year courses), and others of which are more generic (BEng, 3 year courses).The first 3 years are the same for both BEng and MEng, it’s just that the MEng courses have an extra year where you do research in a field that interests you. MEng courses can also include a year abroad or a year in industry.

Social life at Sheffield:

Worried about not integrating with a new culture? The University of Sheffield is the base of the best student union in the UK. Sheffield’s student union fosters more than 300 different societies, so whatever you’re interested in, you’ll definitely find your group. The University of Sheffield is a place where everyone is welcomed and treated equally regardless their religious beliefs, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation. Sheffield is also known for its international character, which makes its multicultural campus a great place to socialize with people from all around the world and learn more their traditions.

Advice?

Although studying abroad may seem like a hard choice to take, but trust me it’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make, it’s a boost to your knowledge and an investment in your future. The University of Sheffield provides the best social, and educational environment to help you develop yourself, and between an all-nighter at the Diamond and a late night social at the union you’ll definitely have the best of both worlds.