Home Country: China
Course: PhD Chemistry (SUSTech)
Department: School of Chemistry
"The split-site opportunity between University of Birmingham and SUSTech helped me develop knowledge and interdisciplinary research in chemistry. My supervisors and I have set up projects with great connections and communication. This programme provides a great opportunity for Chinese students who would like to study in Birmingham and also people who would like to visit China."
Why did you apply to the University of Birmingham?
The University of Birmingham is a Top 100 ranking university and has a great reputation in research. I have been dreaming to study in the UK and this joint PhD programme between University of Birmingham and Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) provides great opportunities to make this come true.
What are the best points of your course?
The best points of the course are being able to learn from experts in different areas and getting lots of support when doing research. The detailed lab safety induction impressed me a lot and is important when I am planning a new experiment. The chemistry department holds the annual ChemBall event, which is an impressive and unique experience.
What’s the best thing about studying at the University of Birmingham?
The best thing here is definitely getting to know my research group members, who not only help me in research but outside of the lab, take me to explore the culture, food and lifestyles in the UK.
What is your highlight of your time at the University?
One of the highlights is cooking with friends. The big outdoor and indoor markets in the city centre are so convenient to access various kinds of vegetables, fruit and proteins and make different dishes, especially transitional Chinese Sichuan cuisine and Cantonese cuisine. Another one is watching live tennis matches in the Edgbaston Priory club and even in Wimbledon.
What advice would you give to other international students?
Be brave, talk to people and get involved with as many events as possible. People are willing to help so don’t be afraid to ask. For those doing research, using the time wisely is very important. In addition, the university offers day-trips to many places across the UK which are great to participate in.
What do you like most about the city?
Birmingham is one of the most vibrant cities of the world. There are lots of beautiful and breath-taking scenes and travel attractions around the city such as canals and museums. Grand Central station has the most convenient transport to other cities and the one and only “University Station” is located in the University of Birmingham campus!