We have recently began sharing the stories and experiences of international students who are studying abroad.
This week we have caught up with Siva, who is an international postgraduate student at Newcastle University.
We’ve spoken to Siva about a number of things: his university experience, why he chose the UK for studying abroad and of course, accommodation.
From: India
University: Newcastle University
Course: Masters in Mechanical Engineering
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am Siva from India and I currently live in Newcastle Upon Tyne. I am a mechanical Engineer, traveller and a dreamer. I love being myself and I believe in kindness.
2) Where and what do you study?
I am pursuing a postgraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at Newcastle University.
3) Why did you choose to study abroad in the UK, and Newcastle University in particular?
UK is one of the leading countries for Engineering Technology especially for Mechanical Engineering.
Newcastle University is very famous for its rail research centre and the Sir Joseph Swan Centre for Energy Research, which attracted me to choose a course in Mechanical Engineering. The major focus of the research centre is to find solutions, not just to understand problems.
These are the reasons why I chose Newcastle University; currently I am doing my project with a professor who is one of the members of the Swan Centre for Energy Research.
4) How do you like your university and course so far?
Mechanical Engineering plays a major role in structuring the real world. We deal with real world problems and find a solution by doing research. Mechanical Engineering at Newcastle is very interesting; the course is designed in such a way that we will be able to open up careers in lots of different fields.
We have access to all software anywhere on the campus which is very helpful. I feel like I am in an industry environment where we deal with real world problems. I am sure that studying Mechanical Engineering will definitely help understanding in dealing with problems such as sustainability.
5) How was your experience with finding accommodation as an international student?
I have a cousin here in Newcastle so it was easy to sort my accommodation for first year. Although I had family to live with, I did get emails from the University and Student Housing Centres at Newcastle about accommodation and connecting with other overseas students to live together, which would’ve been helpful if I was in a different position.
During my first year, I felt that I am missing out on student life; therefore, I decided to stay outside in a Shared Flat or Studio for my final year . I was looking for a place which was close to the University and the city centre. I went through all the student housing centres in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Among them I feel that StudyFlats is the best and most trusted one to choose accommodation. StudyFlats website has filters such as price ranging, room type which made my job easier in finding the right accommodation.
The best thing about StudyFlats is 100% free service which is good for students like me and they immediately responds to the queries. I chose Clapham House as my Home for final year of the study. I am quite lucky and happy to be here in Clapham House. I really appreciate StudyFlats in helping me to choose the right accommodation.
6) What are your plans after your studies?
I am sure that studying Mechanical Engineering at Newcastle University will give me the required transferable skills for finding a career in my field. Currently, I am working on a fuel cell vehicle adsorption system. If everything goes well, I will continue to do a PhD or start my own business.
7) What advice would you give to other students who want to study abroad?
Apart from the academic side, I feel that other things are equally important in life such as the place and the people you are planning to live with throughout your course.
Choosing the right one will make you a better human being. I feel that I didn’t made a mistake by choosing Newcastle University and Clapham House. Living at Clapham House helped me make a lot of memories and friends from all over the world.
