Life in a foreign university | ‘Navigating life at University of Sheffield to becoming VP of Women in Engineering Society’

While the traditional bachelor’s degree courses in England are spread over three years, the integrated master’s course includes three years for a bachelor’s and an additional one for the master’s.

From academics to scholarships and city life

While studying abroad undeniably gives one exposure to the world and makes one more open-minded and independent, this wasn’t my only reason for choosing to study at the University of Sheffield.

During high school at the National Public School, Bengaluru, where I studied Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, and English, I was looking for universities both in India as well as abroad.

The University of Sheffield is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and is ranked highly for its Electronics and Electrical Engineering Department. It also happened to be one of the few universities in the UK that offered a course in Electronics and Computer Engineering, which is even accredited by the IET.

Apart from the academic side, the relaxed and green environment with an inclusive and international atmosphere at Sheffield was also a plus. As compared to some of the other bigger cities in the UK, living costs are reasonable in Sheffield. With the hustle and bustle, Sheffield has the pros of a city with the Peak District right around the corner.

The third reason was financial. The university awarded me the International Undergraduate Merit scholarship, which is worth 50 per cent of the tuition fee. I also received the Engineering Excellence Scholarship and Anne Bainbridge Scholarship for my performance in Class 12 exams.

So, out of the five university offers I received from the UK, Sheffield was the best option.

Admission and scholarship

The admission process is quite straightforward for universities in the UK. I applied via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and submitted a single application to all the universities.

Other than the support from my parents, SI-UK’s free counselling organised question and answer sessions with different universities across the United Kingdom. This helped me make my top five choices for universities and the courses they offer.

The application required three major sets of documents: mark sheets from Class 9-11 along with the predicted score for Class 12, a recommendation letter, and a statement of purpose. As the application for all the universities was common, I had to select similar degree courses and write a statement of purpose that would be relevant to all.

Once I received my conditional offers from the universities, I had to nominate a top preference. After this, I started my visa process as I waited for my Class 12 board exam results and confirmation of admission. SI-UK guided us through the visa process as well.

I applied for and received the International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship at the University of Sheffield. This scholarship is renewed for consequent years upon achieving 60 per cent and above results each year at university. At the time, the application required an additional essay regarding my future aspirations and how the scholarship would help me realise them. I believe that my high school grades and statement of purpose also played a big role in my success with this scholarship.

My Class 12 results made me eligible for two more scholarships, which I didn’t have to apply for separately. I was awarded the Engineering Excellence scholarship and the Anne Bainbridge scholarship for scoring an equivalent of AAA in Class 12 board exams.

‘Women in Engineering Society’

I am an active member of the ‘Women in Engineering Society,’ a vital platform dedicated to addressing the gender gap prevalent in the sector. The society organises a range of initiatives, including engaging social events, mentoring programmes, podcasts, volunteering, outreach endeavours, technical workshops, and industry visits to name a few.

I have gained considerably — personally and professionally — during my university journey so far and become aware of the gender disparity within the engineering sector. The society’s mentoring programmes have helped me navigate this environment in my first year, while the enjoyable social events facilitated connections with my fellow women peers.

In my second year, I took on the role of vice president within the society’s committee. This leadership position enabled me to manage mentoring programmes, oversee the society’s podcast, and serve as a point of contact for external stakeholders and fellow committee members.

This experience not only honed my organisational and communication skills but also allowed me to impact young girls’ lives as well as promote awareness about engineering. As I transition into the role of outreach officer for the upcoming academic year, I will be directing efforts to expand outreach and organise impactful events.

Joining this society has introduced me to a network of inspiring women and fostered a profound sense of belonging within the engineering community.

Living my grandma’s dream, understanding new accents

When I reached London in September 2021, I was picked up at Heathrow Airport by family friends. The next day, we rushed on the London underground lines to make it to my train from London St Pancras to Sheffield.

It was my first time in the world-famous London underground, and even the city itself, and all the while, my late grandma’s words ‘my Garima will go to London one day’ were ringing in my ears.

At the Sheffield train station, I was picked up by another kind family friend, who dropped me off at my accommodation. I spent my first 10 days in Sheffield, quarantined in my university accommodation, only ever stepping out for my Covid tests.

But these short walks outdoors were completely magical — I felt like I had entered a new world. One of the friends I made online at university bought me some groceries for a week during my quarantine. This was also when I met my flatmates, who were from all around the world.

Once my quarantine ended, I attended the introduction talk for my course and the freshers’ week events at the university as I also explored the city with the friends I had made. I was excited looking at the different architectural patterns, talking with people from all around the world, and even the trams running across the city.

It took me quite a while to get used to the Yorkshire accent. People here very endearingly address everyone as ‘love’, which I found very amusing.

The first few months away from home are usually difficult, as you adjust to a new country, make friends, feel homesick, and if you are anything like me, even the household chores get the better of you. I made it through that phase, and I must say it only gets better.

My experience at Sheffield has certainly made me a more independent person. Keeping in constant touch with family and friends back home made the transition much more bearable. Moreover, the atmosphere at these universities helps you become a more open-minded individual. It is strange to think how a place that seemed so foreign has now become a second home to me.

Learned about academics at home, life skills at UK

The emphasis here is on developing soft skills along with technical expertise. The careers service at the university provides a plethora of online resources to develop these skills at one’s own pace along with drop-in sessions with professionals.

The education imparted here is practical and relevant to the requirements of the industry. I realised this especially during my first summer internship, as concepts I learned at university directly helped me on the job.

Apart from regular lectures, we also have problem classes that allow us to interact with professors and ask any questions we may have about the content being taught. The labs are scheduled in a way that complements the teaching in lectures. Each student is assigned a personal tutor, who is a member of staff and provides general support, advice, and guidance throughout at university.

Even though the first year is arguably the hardest year at university, especially for international students, Indian education has prepared me well to face academic challenges here. The strong background in Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science was a massive advantage, as I was still acclimatising to the new environment.

Even as my education in India gave me an initial academic advantage over my peers, at Sheffield, I developed basic life skills such as doing household chores and managing finances as I lived independently.

Tackling finances

I use a combination of strategies to manage my cost of living at the university. I work part-time at the university as an ambassador. The pay is quite good, and I can sign up for shifts or work whenever I feel I have time to spare, as there are no fixed hours.

I also try to work during summer break. This summer, I worked as a paid undergraduate research assistant and did a short summer internship.

These opportunities not only help me gain relevant technical experience and enhance my soft skills but are also an excellent way to balance out my extra spending.

My scholarships certainly help a lot with managing my cost of living. To ensure that I receive my scholarships for subsequent years, I make sure to invest enough time in my course to ensure that I obtain the grades I need for it.

Apart from this, I try to stay aware of my spending and buy my groceries from cheaper shops.

(This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students at different foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences — students tell us how life is different in those countries and things they are learning other than academics)