Kartik Chandrasekhar
Karthik graduated from The University Of Sheffield in 2012 with an MEng Aerospace Engineering.
I am currently a first year student studying Aerospace Engineering. I am doing a masters degree with a year in the industry. I chose to study at the University of Sheffield because of its high standards of teaching and research. It has a very good reputation and is internationally recognised.
Aerospace Engineering at Sheffield is one of the top courses offered and the quality of teaching of the subject is excellent. The university stands in the top 5 positions in UK for this particular course. Lectures are interesting as you always learn something new while the laboratory sessions are fun and again, it´s a learning experience. The university offers weekly tutorial sessions for each subject where you can ask tutors questions and verify your problems.
There are 3 libraries at this university – the Information Commons (IC), the Western Bank Library and St. Georges Library. All 3 libraries have an excellent range of books. The IC is open 24 hours a day and you can go there any time you want. The university has excellent sports facilities. Goodwin Sports Centre has several pitches and courts where you can play with your friends and have a good time. The sports on offer range from football to handball! They also have a great gym - the S10 - that includes a swimming pool.
The students´ union of Sheffield is the best in the UK. The union building has a lot to offer ranging from a job shop to bars and cafés. Sheffield has many places to go to and there is always something to do, no matter what your interests are, whether it´s a night out or shopping. The union has an event almost every day of the week. Wednesdays at Roar and Fridays at Space are the best nights out, in my opinion. When I´m not studying, I like to hang out with my friends, catch a movie or just relax at my flat.
Sheffield is a very beautiful city and it is the greenest city in Europe! It is quite hilly but that´s always a good thing because it keeps you fit and more importantly, it wakes you up while you go in for your morning lectures. The weather in Sheffield is quite cold – even if it is sunny! You should bring warm clothes and a coat or two because it rains a lot during the year. One of my best experiences in Sheffield so far was when it snowed - it was my first snow fall and having snow fights was fun! Living costs in Sheffield are relatively low compared to other cities in the UK. This is ideal for student life.
The transport system is very efficient and quick. There are trams, buses and taxis to choose from. Within the city centre, walking is a very common way to get to places but you could use a taxi or a bus too. You may also need to use the tram if you want to go places that are far. Every tram stop and bus has a map of the city and the routes available. There´s also a train station in the city centre if you want to visit other cities in the UK.
My main advice to you is to learn to cook before coming here. I found it pretty difficult at the beginning of the year to cook for myself. But luckily, I have been learning from friends and I can now make some delicious pasta! Sometimes, if you don´t want to cook, there are several restaurants in close proximity. Also, there are ready-to-eat meals available at supermarkets.
At the beginning of the year, it is usual to find yourself being homesick. The best solution to that is to make new friends and talk to them. At times, they would be feeling the same as you are. The people here are very friendly and living and interacting with students from all over the world will help you learn about different cultures and traditions. Coming to university is a very enjoyable experience and these coming years will be among the best years in your life!
My Web Blog
I am writing a web blog for you to enjoy and read about my experiences in Sheffield. Please click on the link below to read it!