Home Country: Venezuela
Course: BSc Physics
Department: Physics and Astronomy
" The campus is amazing and there is always somewhere to explore, for example, the botanical gardens (Winterbourne House and Garden), the museum of geology (the Lapworth Museum), and the art gallery (The Barber Institute of Fine Arts)."
Why did you apply to the University of Birmingham?
I applied to a UK university because the UK has a reputation for having some of the best universities around the world. It is so important to find a credible institution to study at, and the system in the UK goes a long way to guaranteeing this. Specifically, I wanted to attend to the University of Birmingham because it is one of the highest ranked universities for physics and is somewhere that I would be able to do something new and interesting to me.
What are the best points of your course?
The best points of the course, I would say, are learning from excellent lecturers, having enough support if I need it and how flexible the course is because the School make sure you have enough time to complete any assignments or projects. Also, I like how communicative the Department is, it always keeps you updated about any events, internships or placements.
What’s the best thing about studying at the University of Birmingham?
The university’s location because it is 6-7 minutes away from the city centre (if you are taking the train) and it might take 15 minutes if you are taking the bus. Also, the campus is amazing; it is full of greenery; is massive and there is always somewhere to explore, for example, the botanical gardens (Winterbourne House and Gardens), the museum of geology (the Lapworth Museum), and the art gallery (The Barber Institute of Fine Arts) and if you are looking for a part time job, you can go to the Guild of Students and they will be happy to help you.
What's the highlight of your time here so far?
The diversity. I have made so many friends from different countries/cultures and all of them are just incredible, I would not know what to do if I hadn’t met them.
What advice would you give to other international students?
Do not be afraid to make mistakes or look for help if you need to - seriously everybody would be happy help you. Also, try to do some volunteering or go to any social activities so you can make some friends and have fun!
What do you like most about the city?
I like Birmingham’s canals as there are some restaurants around them making the environment just so peaceful. The thing I like most about the city though is definitely the German Christmas market because it is so pretty and easy to go and hang out with friends to have few pints while singing Christmas songs.
How do you feel you have benefitted from the experience of studying in the UK?
Studying abroad is a very different experience from what my experience in my home country. So far I have become a more independent and hard working person, which I believe will prepare me for the future working world after graduation.