Introduction
My name is Gabriele and I was born and raised in the marvellous lands of
Lithuania, but for the past 2 years I have been living in the UK. I am a second
year Materials Science and Engineering student at The University of Manchester.
Many people ask me what Materials Engineering is and why I choose this subject.
Well, I have always enjoyed Physics, Chemistry and Maths and I was searching
for a course combining all of them. Until, nanotechnologies and graphene popped
into my radar and without a second thought, I applied to the university where
graphene was found. As a teenager, I was always striving for challenges so studying a course with so many different fields (biomaterials, tissue
engineering, polymers, alloys, ceramics) was exactly what I was looking for.
Why I Like Being an Engineer
Engineering is the most male-dominated field in STEM; therefore, whenever
I tell people my degree, I receive stereotypical questions about
being a female in engineering. Engineering captivates me as I am in lectures
with world-class researchers and this inspires me to improve personally, contribute
to society using tools of engineering and make a difference. Being so
interested in the academic world, I asked my favourite lecturer if I could do a
summer project in his team. After my first year at university, I got an
internship at Manchester Institute of Biotechnology where I conducted research
on self-healing polymers, made from oxidised lactose.
Imagine getting a one-page long description of an experiment, where no
measurements, concentrations, catalysts are given and you have to make a final
product, which in theory, when pressure is applied, should be able to recover
the tears. I was working with extremely time-consuming and expensive products
and every small mistake could cost a lot of money but because of my hard work,
the results of this extremely challenging project surprised the PhD students
and raised eyebrows of post-doctorates. No one expected the first-year university
student to succeed and be able to contribute to the academic paper – but I did
it!
Why I Joined a Society
Universities are famous for their range of different societies. As I was
interested in Aeronautical Engineering, I joined Flight Simulation society where
I soon became a part of the committee. During my time here I expanded my
knowledge by designing my own aircraft with some help from Aerospace Engineering
students and in my second year in the society, me and my teammate (we were the ‘strangest’
team, as I was the only female participating and he is a first-year student)
designed a vertical take-off and landing aircraft and were chosen to represent
the university at an aircraft designing and handling competition in the United
States of America.
It is such an amazing feeling to be surrounded by like-minded people who
are passionate about their field of studies and it has encouraged me to learn
more and participate in discussions about new concepts. In the beginning, it
was difficult to be a part of this society as I had no knowledge how an
aircraft works, but slowly I became equal to all other members and involved in
socials and events. This year, I taught first-year members how to
use flight simulators, shared my experience about ‘living conditions’ in the
simulator room and got to fly my aircraft in it with the full motion power – I
felt like I was a real-life pilot!
What Lies Ahead?
During my second year at university I found out that Rolls Royce
together with Target Jobs were conducting a competition for Female Undergraduate
of the Year. Over 800 applications were sent and only 20 students were invited
to attend an assessment centre in Rolls Royce. Proudly, I can say that I was
one of those females. They were 2 amazing days, filled with networking, getting
to know the company and finding out possibilities for after I graduate. One of
Rolls Royce’s goals is to have more senior female engineers and attract them to
the engineering world. This company conducts a wide range of projects where you
can put yourself in a position of a real engineer and what it feels like
working there and I really saw myself undertaking the challenges in a world-leading
company and who knows – maybe in a couple of years I will go back there and
lead a group of apprentices into the engineering world.
I cannot imagine studying another subject. Engineering
intrigues me every day with new technologies, new materials being invented, and
it gives me many different opportunities to improve.
Read more about engineering here:
Introduction
Hi, my name is Abdullah. I am 21 years old and currently in
my second year studying at the University of Manchester. I study Mechanical Engineering
which I find exciting, inventive and fun! So, what is it like and what can you
do with an engineering degree?
Why I Chose Mechanical Engineering
First, let’s see the many reasons for studying it. I chose
the course so I could become an engineer primarily because I enjoy STEM subjects.
Studying engineering has enabled me to use the topics I liked the most in one
course: Maths, Physics and Chemistry. Furthermore, being an engineer provides
the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world situations and be
creative every day, solving real-world problems. Additionally, the rapid and
constant developments mean the subject will only become more interesting and
engineers will be more and more sought after. There are always plenty of jobs
and you will never be bored with what you do.
A Day in the Life of a Mechanical Engineering Student
On a typical day, I wake up at around 7.30 am and travel by
bus to the university which starts at 9 am most of the time. With around 6 or 7
hours at university, the day is made up of a mix of lectures and tutorials
spread over 2 campuses: Main Campus and North Campus (where engineers are
mainly based). On North Campus, lectures are always in the Renold Building. Also, there
is the George Begg Building with exceptional computer facilities. This is where
I prefer to work with friends; 2-3 hours of study is required each day. Finally,
to research for assignments, I go to North Campus’s Sackville Street Building
library for books.
In terms of work outside classes, this contains coursework,
reports based on previous lab sessions or rewatching lectures once uploaded
online to further grasp the concepts. In addition, there are tutorial sheets
that I need to attempt before the tutorial class. These are questions based on lectures
in the past week of that module then the class tutor goes through the solutions.
While this seems like a lot, there is still plenty of free time if you chose to
study Mechanical Engineering!
What Can You Do With a Mechanical Engineering Degree?
Using the Careers Service and career fairs at the
university, I have learnt about options you have after you finish the course in
lots of detail. The obvious one is to become a mechanical engineer which most
students do. Mechanical engineers are mostly hired by the aerospace, automotive
and manufacturing industries. After the course, you can also do a Master’s
degree which is another 1-year degree. With this, engineers are able to become
chartered engineers in the future which means faster career progression and increased
pay.
Surprisingly, there is considerable demand for engineering students in investment
banking too. Generally, it is working as an analyst to predict market trends
because students are taught the numerical and analytical skills applicable to
the role. Alternatively, I learnt at a university career fair that there is
also scientific research in engineering as an option but this requires an extra
degree.
Overall, I would conclude that studying Mechanical Engineering
has a lot of benefits and an extensive range of excellent career prospects that
it leads to. To learn more, details can be found on the university website in
the links below:
Introduction
My name is Gladys. I am doing my Master’s in
Advanced Computer Science at the University of Manchester. Growing up watching movies portraying
how scientists achieved some of their missions using various intelligent computer
applications made me fond of computer-related courses. That's why I did a BSc
degree in Computer Engineering. As the world is now technologically based and
computing is the foundation of so many advancements happening in this digital
era; my passion for computer science has been enhanced.
If someone asks me why I wanted
to study Computer Science at the University of Manchester; my answer would be that I wanted to
study this course at one of the best Universities in the UK and the world. With
enough lecturers who know their area of interest intensely, it has led to the
production of graduates/experts who are doing well in the computing industry
hence inspiring new applicants like me, to opt for UoM.
Why You Should Study Computer Science
Everyone at one point wants to be a problem solver and the most important aspect of computer
science is problem-solving! Most successful businessmen such as Bill Gates (founder
of Microsoft), the late Steve Jobs (founder of Apple), and Mark Zuckerberg (founder
of Facebook) are from the computer
science industry. As a computer science student, you will study the design,
development, and analysis of software and hardware used to solve problems in a
variety of business, scientific, and social contexts.
Here's some reasons why I think Computer Science is such an
important degree:
- Computing and computer technology are part of just
about everything that touches our lives from the cars we drive, the movies we
watch, to the ways businesses and governments deal with us.
- Computing
enables you to make the difference in the world as it drives innovation in sciences from impacting the
health industry, automation of the majority of business processes, and
enhancing our social life just to name few.
- Computing jobs are among the highest-paid and have
the highest job satisfaction.
Why Manchester?
The University of Manchester is the best place to highly consider as
it has state-of-the-art computer laboratories, experienced lecturers who
provide constant support whenever you need it, big libraries with about 4
million books, the list goes on! UoM is home to great scientists who
transformed the computing industry. Alan Turing, the pioneer of modern
computing and a great Mathematician; and Thomas Kilburn, who invented the world's first electronic stored-program
computer also known as "Manchester Baby". To honor them, the
Computer Science building is named after Kilburn and the school of Mathematics
building is named after Turing.
The computer science modules at all years of study are interesting and
very engaging preparing you for a prosperous career, with room for modifications/improvements
to keep up with the industry demand. I am confident in saying that this course
has everything one would wish for in this computing industry. There’s room to learn
modules such as software engineering where you will learn various programming
languages such as python and java; machine learning, artificial intelligence,
data science, etc. and you can do modules from other courses too in order to strengthen
your knowledge base.
The career path for computer science students is smooth as there is a
huge increase in demand for computer science professionals all over the world.
Some popular jobs are data scientists, software engineers (programmers and
developers), cybersecurity specialists, game designers and developers, IT
consultants, information system auditors, machine learning and artificial intelligence
experts and so many other opportunities.
The Alan Turing Building on UoM Campus
Is Computer Science for Me?
This
is the one question most of you desire to get answers when you are faced with
several options especially when it comes to University and degree selection.
It is not necessary to be certain
about what specialty in computer science you would like to follow. Just have
some passion for technology and you will find yourself in the richness of this
beautiful computing world.
Keep calm and join computer science. The
current and the future is digital!
To learn more about Computer Science at UoM, please visit: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2020/00560/bsc-computer-science/entry-requirements/
For more information about Computer Science careers visit: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/computer-science
Introduction
Hi. I’m
Eve. I’m 20, a third-year Law student at UoM, and I have a mental health
condition. There’s so much I wish I could tell my first-year self about
managing my condition around University, so I thought I’d share some tips with
you! Here’s how to manage your wellbeing at Uni.
Social
life
Don’t
worry about being ‘cool’
- I spent
lots of time in my first year of University trying to seem cool. I felt the pressure to socialise rather than spending some much-needed time alone, because
I didn’t want to miss out on anything or lose potential friends. As much as
socialising is great fun, don’t worry so much about constantly being around others especially if you’re an introvert
who likes time alone. Good friends will understand the need to balance
socialising and resting, and won’t make you feel bad about it, either!
Do what
you want to do
- A healthy
social life will look more active for some, and less active for others. It
might involve sports, or chess, or computer games – no two people are the same!
If you prefer watching a film to playing football, choose accordingly. There is
a society for everything at Uni, so take advantage of this opportunity to meet
like-minded people and make good friends. If you love classic films, go to film
society and skip football. And, don’t make apologies for it!
Try new
things
- If you’ve
never tried needlework before, or photography, or creative writing – but you’ve
always wanted to give it a go, now is the time! University is about dipping
your toe into the water of adult life; and making your own choices. Trying new
stuff is great fun, and you might develop a new interest you’d never have
experienced if you hadn’t tried.
Look
after yourself
- Eat a
balanced diet, exercise, and get enough sleep. Have a routine you follow each
day and make looking after yourself part of it. This will help promote a stable
mood, which is so important especially in Uni. You’ll enjoy social interactions
so much more when you feel good. Something I’ve learned is that skipping an
event to re-charge and rest will make the next event you do attend even more
enjoyable.
Give it
time
- Uni is a
huge transition. It is often the first time in your life you’ve lived away from
home, not seen your friends’ every-day, and this first taste of independence
can be very hard to swallow. It’s normal to feel awkward at first. Just
remember – everyone feels the same way, and this alien territory will be your
new normal before you know it.
Academics
Take it
slow
- Assessments
and deadlines can be very scary. Days at sixth form are much more structured
and controlled than at University, and sometimes independent learning can feel
so overwhelming and can trigger anxiety. You will get better as you progress on
your programme, and you don’t need to ace your degree in your first semester or
even your first year. Your academic performance isn’t a measure of character or
intelligence. You got onto your course for a reason – remind yourself of this
in moments of doubt.
Schedule
- In first
year, I worked excessively and I burnt myself out, which had a really negative
impact on my mental health. If you plan your deadlines, assignments and exam
dates onto a calendar and work for a specific amount of time a day over a
longer period, you’ll be doing more than enough. This will also leave plenty of
time for self-care.
Speak
to someone
- When I
first started my degree, I didn’t even consider informing the School of Law of
my mental health condition – that felt like asking for special treatment. It
was only in my second year that I reached out for support; informing the
Disability Advisory Support Service (DASS) of my diagnosis and difficulties. I
wish I’d done it sooner. UoM wants to support you. DASS offers confidential
advice, additional learning resources and can put measures in place to help you
perform to the best of your ability such as podcasts, deadline extensions, and
exam support. If I could go back, I would have been upfront about my condition
from the start. UoM don’t consider mental health conditions to be weaknesses,
and neither should you.
Most
importantly...
Be kind
to yourself!
- UoM
doesn’t consider diagnosis as a part of your identity. Mental illness is
something they work with you to manage to maintain a normal, happy life. So,
don’t be ashamed. Prioritise your mental wellbeing when applying to a
University in the same way you would other factors such as course modules,
accommodation costs, and campus facilities. Ask questions - do you have a
counselling service, a DASS department, what’s your view on mental health in
the student population? And, when you get to Uni, be open and honest and they
will support you. Remember - you deserve to enjoy and fully participate in
University just the same as any other student, and with patience and
self-awareness, you will lead a happy ‘student life’.
Below
are some resources that help me maintain good mental wellbeing during Uni:
- https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/my-possible-self/ - This app allows you to track
your mood, then collates the data and provides insight on any patterns in your
moods (helps identify triggers). Also lets you focus on different topics which
might be helpful to you, such as overload, low mood, etc.
- https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/student-health-app/- Student Health App. Includes
tips and resources for physical and mental health support, actions to take,
self-care tips, and resources for emergencies. Turn to this in a crisis or to
inform you about the link between lifestyle and mental wellbeing.
- https://moodspace.org/ - A great app designed to change
your thought patterns and improve your mood based on CBT strategies. Includes
small tasks to be done once a day to improve wellbeing.
- https://www.elefriends.org.uk/ - A lovely platform where you can
share stories and experiences and connect with others who have mental health
conditions. Helpful for when you’re feeling lonely.
Introduction
As soon as you get the confirmation that you have been accepted
into university, your mind goes all over the place - planning what you will do.
For many, it is sorting transport and moving away to your very own place.
However, the side of this journey that is not always seen is those who decide
to stay home, like me. When I got accepted to the University of Manchester, I knew
immediately I was going to stay home. I am not a very adventurous person and
have never even left Manchester without my family. I had no idea staying at
home would be an adventure in itself. My name is Faryal and I live at home with
8 other people whilst studying Law at the University of Manchester.
The Ups and Downs of Living at Home
Staying at home does have many positives. I do not have to
pay rent, bills and I do not need maintenance loans. I help at home when I can
but it costs considerably less than having my own place. Travelling to
university comes at a cost but compared to travelling home on the weekends, it
is much less. I personally believe staying home has helped with my mental
health, being surrounded with people I am comfortable with and have lived with
my whole life.
Staying at home, however, is not all money-saving and family
time. It does come with its struggles. Peace and quiet are pretty much non-existent in my home. It is also more difficult to make friends when you do not
live with other students. Travelling to university can be hectic in itself as
there are specific times you must be there and busses coming on time is as rare
as sunny British weather. The biggest issue is definitely how to make the most
of university when living at home, how to live the true university experience.
How to Make the Most of Uni
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These disadvantages
can be overcome. I cannot stress the importance of these tips and wish I really
took full advantage of the opportunities. The most obvious way is to join a society
or volunteering. Freshers Fair at the University of Manchester is full of societies
signing up new members. There really is a society for everyone. The best thing
about joining a society or volunteering is you are surrounded by people with
the same interests as you, whether it is Mixed Martial Arts or Accounting you
are interested in. The Manchester Students’ Union lists all sorts of different
societies. Listing the societies you are interested in as well as being
spontaneous and trying something new is the best way to go for Freshers.
Seminar groups really push you to meet new people. The best
advice I could give is when you talk to people in your seminar group, ask for a
way to contact them. Whilst you may seem shy, they probably want to ask you the
same thing.
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As a home student,
seeing other students already knowing each other, it could really affect your
confidence, not only in making friends but also speaking to people in general.
During the beginning of my first year, I found myself barely participating or asking
for help. It is so important to push yourself within the first few weeks to
participate in seminars and ask for help when you need it because you can then
fall into a habit of being withdrawn and quiet. It can be really daunting at
first and you feel like everyone is watching you but it soon becomes second
nature. It is so vital to ask for help when you feel your mental health is not the
best it could be. The University of Manchester counselling support is amazing
and really can make the difference. University is such a special experience and
getting into university is a fantastic achievement so you should really make
the most of it.
One thing I love about the University of Manchester is the
campus. The greenery, the libraries are all great places to spend your time.
Instead of rushing straight home, go to the library or even take a walk around
the campus and just enjoy the experience.
Staying at home is as ‘boring’ as you make it. It can really
be the best experience if you take full advantage of all the opportunities you
have. For me, whilst the beginning of university was really difficult, once I
pushed myself and became more social around the university, I really loved it
and cannot wait to start my next year, surrounded by my family when at home and
by friends when at university.
Useful Websites