Nishant Ravikumar

Host University: Case Western Reserve University
Year of Study Abroad: 2010-11

Where did you live? Would you recommend it?

Staley house (student accommodation) and yes I recommend it!

Which department(s) did you study in?

Biomedical Engineering

How does the workload/classes/teaching styles vary to Sheffield?

Same number of hours/classes per week. Assessment is continuous throughout the semester, such that final end-sem exams are usually worth 30 to 40 per cent of the final grade. Most courses have mid-term exams as well.

What did you do for fun at the weekends and during the holidays?

Travelled around Ohio and the USA.

Did you join any societies or clubs?

Took part in events hosted by the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity on campus.

Describe the University/City/things to do

Case is a great university, with outstanding research facilities especially for engineering and science related fields. Students are friendly and open and easy to get along with. Cleveland is on the banks of lake Eerie, which serves as a good getaway destination on sunny weekends.

Could you give any travel or immigration tips?

Travel light and always remember to keep your I-20 form in hand. Also remember to get the I-20 form signed by the international students office every time prior to leaving the USA (once the academic year starts).

Could you give any advice or tips to a student preparing to go or tell them anything you wished you knew in advance?

Cleveland gets really cold during winter, so carry warm clothing.

Would you say it is cheaper or more expensive to live than Sheffield?

Cleveland has about the same cost of living as compared to Sheffield.