 Harsh Srivastav
MEng in Electronic Engineering, The University of Sheffield
Country of origin India
Age 21 years
Study history
Harsh Srivastav is an international student from India who is completing his bachelor degree studies in electronic engineering. Last year, Harsh took a year out from his studies to work as the President of the Students’ Union. His ambition is to invent electronic devices that will improve people’s lives.
‘The University has not only helped me to become a better person but also given me confidence and a stronger belief in my abilities.’
Why I chose to study electronic engineering
As a child, I dreamt of one day going abroad to study and being able to do something special and amazing. Today I have fulfilled my dreams – it was not easy but I was determined to accomplish my goals. Science has interested me since childhood, and the field of electronics is very challenging and is continuously expanding, hence I saw huge scope for future development. I chose a four-year electronic engineering course which leads to a master’s qualification that will enable me to gain accreditation for chartered engineer status. The first two years of the course provided me with an overview of the subject and I learned skills needed for the final two years. The final two years are spent on specialised subjects, and I have chosen communication systems as my focus.
What are the best aspects of the programme?
With a 5* rating for research and 24 out of 24 points for teaching, my department is one of the best in the country and attracts some great teaching staff. The best part of my programme is the real-life practical experience through laboratory, project and industry work. In addition to lectures, I have tutorial lessons and meetings with my personal tutor who provides me with additional support and feedback. I have also learnt transferable skills, which include presentations and analysis of information which will be useful for my future career.
I came to the UK to meet people, and in my programme there are students from China, Japan, India, Malaysia, USA, Greece, Iran, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, UK and other countries. It is great studying with people from different cultural backgrounds, as it makes the atmosphere more lively and fun. I get to learn different languages, try different food and learn about different cultures from across the world.
Extracurricular activities
The University of Sheffield has one of the best students’ unions in the country. I have been involved in various activities including sports and union democracy to have a rounded student experience. I have also participated in events organised by various clubs and societies, including the Indian society, hockey club, table tennis, African Caribbean society, Mexican society and the international students’ committee.
I wanted to give something back to the University, so I decided to run for the position of President of the Students’ Union and I was successfully elected. Having an international student elected as Union President shows the University’s commitment to the involvement of international students at every level.
Advice for prospective students
My experience in Sheffield has been great. I have met some amazing people from across the world and have made some very good friends. The University has not only helped me to become a better person but also given me confidence and a stronger belief in my abilities. My term as Union President was overwhelming, and hard work, yet a satisfying learning experience. Sheffield is a great place to study. It is a very beautiful, friendly city with many attractions, and one of the safest cities in the UK. The University of Sheffield not only has some of the best courses but it is very well recognised by employers. I have fallen in love with the city and the University. I am confident that any student who comes to study at the University of Sheffield will have a brilliant experience and the University will help them realise their dreams as it did for me.
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