Maruf Miah

What motivated you to pursue studies at university?

I am the first in my family to attend university, which has brought its share of pressure. However, I chose to rise above that pressure and make both myself and my family proud.
From a young age, I excelled at maths and gradually developed strong problem-solving skills.

Alongside this, I enjoyed watching videos about how things work, how to fix them, and how to tinker. So, when it came time to choose my A-Level subjects, the decision was clear that I wanted to become an engineer.
I was also drawn to the idea of applying my skills across multiple disciplines rather than focusing on just one, which is why I decided to pursue Mechanical Engineering.

Why did you choose City St George’s, University of London?

I chose City St George’s because of its excellent location, which makes it easy to commute to and from anywhere in London. This was important to me, as I did not want to move away for university or spend over an hour traveling each day, which would cut into my free time. Additionally, the facilities, especially the engineering labs, are outstanding, some of the best in the UK, and have been invaluable to my learning experience

What does a typical week at university look like for you?

I’m usually at university four to five days a week, although not all that time is spent studying. My schedule includes a mix of lectures and tutorials where I focus on my coursework and developing my understanding of the subject. Outside of classes, university life is quite vibrant and offers plenty of opportunities to get involved.

I also take on part-time roles as a Student Ambassador, which allows me to gain work experience while helping other students. This usually means I try to fit in some ambassador duties each week. Additionally, as the president of the Engineering Society, I spend a significant amount of time working closely with my team. We plan events, organise projects, and strive to grow the society and improve the experience for all members.

Beyond academics and leadership, I make sure to spend time with friends and attend university events, many of which feature lots of free food, which is always a great bonus! Some weeks, I play badminton at City Sport or check out the big events happening at the City Pavilion. These activities help me balance work and social life, making my university experience both productive and enjoyable.

What has been your favourite module or aspect of your course so far?

My favourite module is the design module. Every year we have one, and it becomes increasingly tailored to our course as we progress. I enjoy it because it gives me a real taste of what engineering is like. In this module, we work either in groups or individually to complete projects, applying what we’ve learned in a practical way.

Through these projects, I’ve designed wind turbines, built air compressors, and learnt to use numerous engineering software tools. Most importantly, I’ve gained valuable experience in teamwork, understanding both the positives and the challenges. There have been times when I struggled to grasp certain concepts or when team members were not available, but these moments taught me how to adapt, take initiative, and lead when necessary.

One of my favourite aspects of studying at City St George’s, is the 50/50 split between exams and coursework. This balance means I’m not just learning theory for an exam but also applying my knowledge to real-world situations. It has allowed me to build hands-on experience alongside academic understanding, which I am confident will be invaluable in my future career.

What opportunities and experiences have your School offered you so far?

At City St George’s, School of Science & Technology, I have had the chance to take part in incredible opportunities and competitions across the UK, all without having to spend a dime. These include Siemens Connect Curriculum, Industry 4.0, and WorldSkills, where I’ve designed prosthetic arms, explored robotics, and carried out in-depth research.

The department’s support has also enabled me to create opportunities for others. As part of the Engineering Society, I’ve organised events such as the CAD Competition and the Go-Kart Challenge, helping students develop their skills while strengthening our community. These experiences have not only expanded my technical knowledge but also improved my leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

I have also had the opportunity to travel abroad for summer internships and make full use of the Careers Team to prepare for jobs and applications. I spent one month in India, working and learning within a completely new culture and style of engineering.

What advice would you give to someone considering a degree in your subject?

Work hard and make the most of your university experience. Take every opportunity that comes your way and get involved in as many projects and experiences as you can. Focus on growing both your soft and hard skills and make full use of the services available to support your development. Most importantly, make friends and enjoy yourself, as university offers countless fun activities and memorable moments.