"After I started my PhD programme, I got great support from the friendly and helpful school community"

Kholood Alnefaie in her graduation cap
Kholood Alnefaie
PhD student
Supervised by Professor Vladimir Bavula
Following completion of her Masters in pure mathematics at Nottingham, Kholood decided to study her PhD at Sheffield.

I am a Saudi student, and I received a masters degree in pure mathematics from the University of Nottingham in 2015. After that, I decided to complete a PhD and looked for a top-ranked university. I chose the University of Sheffield, because of the reputation of its School of Mathematics and because it is a member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities.

After I started my PhD programme, I got great support from the friendly and helpful school community. The atmosphere is suitable for students, with access to excellent facilities.


... the people in Sheffield are friendly, one of the main reasons that I like living in Sheffield.

Kholood Alnefaie

PhD student


My supervisor, Professor Vladimir Bavula, is very supportive. I have received helpful advice from him, and feel supported in learning new skills and managing the workload. Also, my supervisor encourages me to attend various conferences and workshops.

Sheffield is very pleasant place to live in and was recommended by many students. It is one of the UK’s biggest cities. Moreover, the people in Sheffield are friendly, one of the main reasons that I like living in Sheffield.

After an enjoyable year in my course at the University of Sheffield, I feel extremely lucky to be a University of Sheffield student and I am looking forward to the coming years of my course.

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