The life of a postgraduate engineering student in Bradford

Rida is an international student from Pakistan and is studying MSc Advanced Civil and Structural Engineering here at the University of Bradford. She gives us her experience of life as a postgraduate engineering student.

My name is Rida and I’m from Pakistan. I received my Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering degree from the University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan.

Straight after getting my bachelor’s degree, I started working for the Punjab government of Pakistan. Since my childhood, I have wanted to pursue higher studies at an international university so, in April 2019, I applied to the University of Bradford and got selected for the prestigious Bestway Foundation Scholarship.

I opted for Advanced Civil and Structural Engineering for my postgraduate studies. In my spare time, I usually like to listen to music, watch documentaries and discuss various matters with my friends.

A balanced curriculum

I always get fascinated by the aesthetics and architecture of buildings so my curiosity and the scope of opportunities available in the field of Civil Engineering motivated and encouraged me to apply for Advanced Civil and Structural Engineering.

Further, the design of this course inspired me the most as it doesn’t focus on one stream but provides a balanced curriculum to improve and polish the advanced technical, management, design and research skills.

I am amazed by the teaching strategies adopted by this University. For instance, lectures are coupled with field trips, seminars, tutorials and lab sessions to build up student’s insight, developing their knowledge and broadening their horizons. There is also informal and social learning through teamwork in projects.

Day-to-day life

As a postgraduate Civil Engineering student at the University of Bradford, I have quite a busy schedule throughout the week. My typical daily routine includes attending formal lectures, independent learning, interacting with new people and having fun with my friends.

For me, the day starts at 8:00am. After breakfast, I get ready for my first lecture. Sometimes I have to attend a tutorial after the lecture which is a group discussion between the students and the lecturer. Whenever I get time in the afternoon, I come back to The Green for lunch. On other days, after my lecture, I have to work with my team on assignments.

In the evening, I usually prefer to go to the library for revision and to consult different learning materials like journals and books.

After that, I cook something for my dinner and I spend some time with my other flatmates. Apart from this normal schedule, I always manage my time to attend different events which are organised by different societies of the university because I think this is one of the best ways of socialising with other people from different cultural backgrounds.

Plans for the future

After getting my postgraduate degree, I am intending to go back to my home country. I will resume my last job in the Punjab communication and works department, where I used to work for the execution of construction and maintenance works of Government infrastructures as a sub-divisional officer.

This course will equip me with the skills, theoretical background, and professional grooming required to succeed in my future endeavours.

Welcoming and supportive

I love studying at this University because I have never experienced such a welcoming, supportive and student-friendly learning environment anywhere else.

Bradford is an exciting place to live and explore. For instance, Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, The National Science and Media Museum, The Alhambra Theatre and many other places are worth visiting.

On-campus, The Green and Student Central are my favourite places. There is always something interesting and exciting happening in Student Central. The restaurants and cafes around the campus have made student life quite easy.

The University of Bradford is one of the best options for education, to enjoy a golden period of life and to make memories that will last forever.