Emily's experience

Why did you choose your course?

I loved maths and physics at school and civil engineering seemed to be the most interesting way to apply that to the real world. I love the idea that as a civil engineer you had the ability to shape the world around you and make a difference, whether that's through designing a skyscraper or providing clean water to a town. I also love the variety of the course and career. Sheffield offer a wide range of modules from earthquake resistant design, reuse of existing structures, hydraulics, solute mixing in rivers, sustainable drainage design and much more.

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

All the labs and field trips have been a highlight for me, I am a very practical learner so I love seeing things first hand.

What advice would you give to a younger student considering studying your course at university?

If you like maths, physics and being creative, you'll definitely love this course! The course gives you the opportunity to apply your skills to real world problems, so if you want to be able to make a difference to the world, especially in this time where sustainability is so important, this is the course for you.

Why did you choose to study at Sheffield?

When I looked around on the open day, the civil engineering department looked like it had so much to offer with the facilities and modules. I was also really interested in the research the department do and some of the modules they offer compared to other universities, such as earthquake resistant design and blast and impact effects on structures. I also really liked the campus and how close it is to the city centre.

What are the best things about studying in your department?

I love all the lab facilities and the opportunities we get to use them. It has been amazing to be able to use the water engineering lab to do my dissertation to get new experimental data to use myself. The staff are all amazing as well. There is so much support available from the support office and lecturers themselves. The lecturers are also enthusiastic and have such a depth of knowledge around their subjects which makes asking for help a lot easier and more interesting.

What did you like most about the City of Sheffield? Has your time at Sheffield met your expectations so far? If yes, how?

One of my favourite things about sheffield is having the peak district so near by. I love going there with my friends for walks or picnics by a reservoir in the summer. I also love running and being able to run from my door into the peaks most weekends has been amazing, a lot nicer than running around a town!

Are you in any student societies? What do you enjoy most about these activities?

I was a part of the dance society for most of my time at uni which has been a super fun way to carry on taking dance classes and meet lots of new people with the opportunity to take part in dance shows and competitions too. I was also involved in the civil engineering society where I was the social sec for 2 years. This was so much fun being able to meet lots of new people and organise a summer and christmas ball for everyone on the course was a great opportunity.

If you are in your final year, have you got any plans for after you graduate - either in your career or otherwise?

I have a job lined up at Mott Macdonald starting in September working in the water treatment team in London.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I would like to become a chartered civil engineer and hopefully be able to work on some projects abroad.