Hydrogeology - MSc

Being a student at the University of Birmingham has been a very enjoyable experience. The lecturers are extremely enthusiastic about what they teach and are experts in their fields, offering students a wide range of knowledge and support. The structure of each module allows students to prepare for their future roles in the world. The interesting classes, dynamic teaching methods, supportive members of staff and class mates have meant this first year was extremely enjoyable and worthwhile.

The Edgbaston Campus is truly remarkable; it has maintained its historic buildings, however completely modernised the interiors. Once you step foot onto the campus it becomes clear that this is student atmosphere. I liked the separation of having a campus to go to school that is quiet and designed for the purpose of education.

Studying overseas has been a valuable experience as it allowed me to experience a new culture that is very different than my own. I would personally recommend living in a different country; the experience is very different than studying in ones native country. Moving away from family and friends has allowed me to become more independent and a stronger person. The most important thing is to sort out living arrangements as soon as possible because that was the main area I struggled with, I left it a little too late and that made it quite challenging to find the right place to live.

For an international student, the University offers a lot of support. They have a specific International Office that organizes trips and events for international students. There are many students here from all over the world that are going through the same challenges and can relate to what you are experiencing.

I am very much interested in continuing to study and therefore after this degree I would like to do a PhD, then hopefully work in the environmental sector. I am extremely interested in the environment - my undergraduate and masters degrees have equipped me with the knowledge to deal with environmental situations.

I enjoy my life in the UK as it gives me opportunities to learn advanced academic knowledge and establish confidence and skills to live by myself in a different country. One of the significant advantages to students learning in the UK is that the UK education system encourages critical thinking.

Leaving home for the first time to live by myself with a group of friends in student accommodation was hard to start with, but an invaluable experience in my life. There has been a lot of support from the University to help overseas students to settle in, which helped me gradually find my way to become part of the society. There has always been a place I can meet and talk to other students from the same country.

I often find the activities organised by the student societies to be interesting and a good opportunities for me to meet friends and develop a social network.

I enjoy the time spent at the campus as the University provides a variety of facilities for students to enjoy their everyday lives, for example, sports centre, a number of libraries, computer centre and coffee shops. Most importantly, all of the facilities are within walking distance. The University intranet acts as a connection portal for student and lecturer, meaning I am able to find the most up-to-date news and events.

Birmingham has a diverse culture and very friendly people. I often travel around Birmingham and to other cities in the UK via the convenient transport network.

My advice to other international students thinking of studying at Birmingham would be 'Go for it!' It is a once in a life time experience to study in a different country. The most important homework you should do before coming to the country is course research as it determines the future of your career.

This is the second time I have lived away from Malaysia, my home country. Firstly, I was in Hong Kong for my Masters degree. Living in Birmingham is absolutely different from my own country and culture but with some similarities to Hong Kong. I really enjoy living in Birmingham despite the strong seasonal weather (I don’t really like the cold and damp winter season, but I really love snow). It is a nice place to live, with a broad variety of people from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. Different parts of the city have different ethnic mixes with British, Asian and Chinese bringing diversity to the city and the suburb. I don’t have any difficulties to find appropriate foods, since in Birmingham it is really easy to get Halal food. As a Muslim, there are many mosques in Birmingham where you can go for prayer.

Campus life is great. There is the Guild of Students; a great place to hang out, the Main Library, the Sports Centre, the University Centre, the Learning Centre, the Barber Institute (a small fine-art museum) and of course the grassy area where we can see beautiful flowers during spring and sit under bright sunshine during summer.

I am really happy to be here. Of course there were some initial difficulties I had to deal with such as simple communication problems, the cultural differences, the food, the weather and a few others but after 1 year and 3 months, I am now a seasoned inhabitant of Birmingham!

There are many Malaysian students in this university, so they have helped me to settle in. Besides, the Academic Services are very helpful. I also joined English classes offered by EISU to improve my English. There is also a place for any student to go when you have problem, which is the Guild of Students.

I want to finish my study successfully and also get as much as I can this opportunity working with people which are expert in my field. This is important so that I will be able to use this knowledge to serve my country.

Honestly, I am really proud to be part of this university, which is listed in the top 200 universities in the world.

Emma received an MSci in Geology from the University of Birmingham, graduating in 2014 with a first class honours. She is now undertaking an MSc in Hydrogeology, which she hopes to use in a future hydrogeology or environmental based consultancy career.

Emma is also a postgraduate mentor, you can contact her online with questions or read further about her experience at the University of Birmingham on her mentor page: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk/mentor/emma-watts/