Md. Tanjilul Islam

BEng Mechanical Engineering

I came to Sheffield after completing my higher secondary in Bangladesh. Now I am studying Mechanical Engineering. Before that I have completed a two term foundation course in science and Engineering from The Sheffield International College.

The reason for choosing University of Sheffield was its outstanding academic reputation in world. It is one of the world´s top 100 Universities and the department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield is one of the largest and most respected in the UK, having consistently achieved high ratings for teaching quality and research.

From my first year I am working as an International office Ambassador for Bangladesh and recently was recruited as an Ambassador for the University as well. Besides these, I am a student representative on engineering faculty board and working with the Learning and Teaching Services of the Sheffield University as an Academic review panel member. I am also involved with the activities of the University of Sheffield Young Investor society and Engineers without Borders (EWB). During 2009/2010 academic year I was involved with the International student committee (ISC) of the Union. If you are an International student and want to make friends from different countries then I would suggest you to join ISC.

The teaching and assessment system of the University of Sheffield is very well arranged and most of the department offers very modern research facilities. For instance, my department has state of the art laboratories. Many departments of the University have a policy to assign a dedicated personal tutor for students during their 1st year of study. I have found this offering really helpful.

Sheffield is a great place for students where University of Sheffield has students from over 130 countries. So it is truly a global student village. Socializing with students from different countries is a great experience. Sheffield is the 4th largest city of UK but it is also one of the safest, cleanest and greenest cities of UK. So it is a nice place to experience the University life. Campus of the University is really nice. Sheffield is a Red Brick University, so in Sheffield University you will find both traditional and modern building.
Among all the University buildings, I like the Information Commons the most. IC is a 24 hours library with having more than 700 computers, thousands of books and cafeteria for students. Most of the halls of residence are en-suite (Single room with attached Bathroom) and very comfortable. For all international student my advice is, during your first year do live in the University accommodation. It offered me a wonderful experience of community living and opportunities for amazing social life, it was worth every penny.

The most interesting thing that I have found in Sheffield University is that, it offers lots of opportunities for developing skills outside the lecture theatre. Sheffield students Union has been constantly ranked at top in UK. Union has a lot to offer, no matter what your interest or hobbies are, you would find a society in the Union that would help you in exploring further. It always provides opportunity to get involved and participate with over 300 societies and other interesting programs such as Give it a Go and trips to different cities in UK etc.

University of Sheffield offers numerous things and I believe that University education is about more than just attending lectures. So, I think if I can utilize my time properly in Sheffield University then I will be graduated (2012) with lots of experience.