My advice would be to venture out and try out new experiences that the University is able to provide.

Why I chose to study at the University of Sheffield

When visiting the University of Sheffield on an Open Day, I thought that it was a really good university for engineering because of the different student-led projects that were showcased at the Open Day. I was also impressed by the cross-departmental projects on offer, such as the Global Engineering Challenge that all engineering students took part in, and the general facilities that we get access to such as the iForge, where I can use the 3D printers and laser cutters. I was also told that Sheffield has a great student life and has had the number one Students’ Union in the UK for numerous years. I was really interested in the societies, social events and general community that Sheffield had to offer.

My year in industry placement

As part of my course, I was fortunate enough to be able to undertake a year in industry placement. I was a control engineering intern working for GE Renewable Energy. The placement was a good opportunity to apply the theories I have learned in university while also further developing myself. I have been involved in numerous different projects during my placement, ranging from designing some tests for a HVDC control system, to being a team manager for an intern group project focusing on improving documentation efficiency. I also took part in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) engagement events, where I would be involved in numerous school visits and company outings. I had the opportunity to build connections with industry leaders and get an insight into the renewable energy industry. 

During my placement, I was able to develop my technical skills in Python programming, MATLAB/Simulink and a few other engineering software programs. I also developed a lot of my soft skills such as being more confident in public speaking and being able to communicate with a wide range of audiences. I gained experience as a project manager and project planning during my role in the intern group project, which greatly improved my time management and team working skills. I also learned to be more resilient and independent with my work and became a better-rounded engineer. After the placement, I was offered a position within the company and plan to return to the company after completing my studies.

I would eventually like to become a chartered engineer, and I see myself as an industry leader in renewable energy to combat climate change and help produce more clean and sustainable energy. 

My student life in Sheffield

I have joined numerous societies over my time as a student, including the Malaysian Society, Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE) Society, the Ethical Hacking society, and also the Photography and Beekeeping societies. I enjoyed being able to make friends outside of my course and taking part in activities that I would not get the chance to do or would not even consider outside of university.
Sheffield is just a nice city to live in. It offers a lot of the conveniences you would normally find in a big city but at the same time does not feel too busy like most cities. Sheffield hosts a lot of events throughout the year such as Christmas markets, food festivals and music festivals. Sheffield is also close to the Peak District, where I often go for hikes to unwind on some weekends.

Why Sheffield is great for international students

The University of Sheffield is one of the most international universities in the UK, with a third of the student population being international students. There are dedicated societies for most countries, making it easy for international students to find friends from similar backgrounds. There are also the Global Campus Ambassadors that hold global engagement events each week to create an inclusive space for international students. Generally, Sheffield is very welcoming to international students. There are numerous shops that sell halal food and shops that provide speciality ingredients and products, such as in the Asian markets.

My advice to new international students

My biggest advice would be to venture out and try out new experiences that the University is able to provide. Join societies that you are interested in and experience new cultures. Get out of your comfort zone and get to know the locals and students from other countries, besides Malaysia.