Hi, I’m Sidharth! I’m a fourth-year Electronic and Computer Engineering Master’s student at the University of York. With a bombardment of choices and decisions, preparing for university can be the most challenging and stressful start to a new chapter in life. In this post, I’m hoping to take your mind off this by telling you about all the exciting things to look forward to when coming to study Engineering at York, starting from why I chose York and this course, the best bits, and drawing from my (almost) four years of experience here, how it has prepared me for life.
Why I chose this course and York
I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, taking everything I get my hands on apart and (albeit very shoddily) putting them back together. My childhood engineering interests started with cars and evolved to aeroplanes. Finally, as I grew older and became more aware of the technologies around me, my focus landed on computers. By the time I neared the end of my A-Levels, I was still somewhat unsure whether to go into computers or electronics. So, I applied to Electronic and Computer Engineering courses, a combination of my favourite subjects.
Despite the significant overlap between these topics, there weren’t many Electronic and Computer engineering courses when I was making my applications. This made things even harder as I didn’t have many options. However, from the get-go, throughout my entire university application process consisting of open days and interviews across my UCAS shortlist, the University of York was the only university where the staff saw me as a human being rather than a walking set of examination certificates. They were kind, patient, helpful, and the only people who resonated with my dreams of one day becoming an Engineer.
And all this made me wonder… What makes the people in York so relaxed, sweet, and caring? I’ve spent all my time living in the UK in and around the vicinity of the hustle-and-bustle called London, where life moves at break-neck speeds, and strangers never smile at you, let alone make eye contact. Once you step foot in York, you notice the night-and-day difference as people are much happier and more inclusive. University education is never effortless. However, the people and the City of York make life much more peaceful and happier, a perfect pairing with the stressful aspects of higher education.
The Engineering department
In my experience, the Electronic Engineering staff have been nothing short of friendly and accommodating. There is a vast diversity in terms of technical specialties within the staff, and everyone is extremely passionate about what they teach and often goes out of their way to enhance student experience and education. The department is always happy to assist and is very responsive to queries. Whether they are regarding mental health, academics, careers, or special interests. The department holds student voices to a very high level. There is a constant strive to deliver better based on feedback, allowing for student representative roles to make sure all the students are heard.
The all-important facilities
The facilities are also top-notch, with multiple laboratories across the engineering buildings. Most notably, the top floor lab in the engineering tower consists of expensive oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, signal generators, soldering stations, and a vast range of other lab equipment, including components. 3D printers are almost everywhere, and high-powered PCs are at your disposal. The university does not pinch pennies on facilities and resources. With full access for students, including components as simple as basic microcontrollers to powerful and complex FPGAs.
For my final year Master’s project, I’m developing a state-of-the-art lighting system for underwater vehicles. This is based at the Institute for Safe Autonomy, which is situated on Campus East. This research centre has many impressive and facilities. These include laboratories for advanced communications and quantum technologies, with indoor and outdoor research and test spaces for autonomous systems that operate in the air, ground, and underwater. Most important to me is the sizeable underwater testing facility.
What I’ve gained from engineering
Studying Electronic and Computer Engineering at the University of York has been stimulating and enriching. My whole outlook in the field of Engineering has changed for the better. I have improved technical expertise and enhanced soft skills. The skills acquired throughout this program are highly sought after in today’s job market. This makes graduates from the department incredibly appealing to prospective employers. And finally, as I prepare to embark on the next stage of my life after my nearing graduation, I’ll not only be leaving with the tools to thrive in the professional world but also with friends helping me flourish in my personal life.
Read more about engineering in our student blogs.
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