Prateek, from India, is studying a PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering. Find out what he thinks of Strathclyde...
How did you first hear about Strathclyde?
After my masters, I was looking for some funded PhD opportunities online and I found the University of Strathclyde is having a wide range of possibilities to look into.
Why did you choose to study at Strathclyde?
The University of Strathclyde, being a charitable university, offers frequent opportunities for scholarships and funded research projects which attracted me. Along with that, the academic staff with extraordinary profiles convinced me to choose Strathclyde.
What do you like about studying at Strathclyde?
The faculty-student interaction in Strathclyde is really great. For effective completion of PhD, it's necessary to have a healthy interaction with your supervisor, a good research facility and academic support. I am lucky enough to have all of these at Strathclyde.
What else do you like about Strathclyde?
Being away from my country, in the beginning, I was worried about missing my family and friends but the friendly culture helped me to make many friends and I never felt left out.
What do you do in your spare time?
I am into a variety of sports and in my spare time, I train for professional cycling, indoor bouldering, hiking, gym, playing football with our departmental team on every Wednesdays and travelling on weekends.
What funding opportunities were available to you?
My tuition fee for three years is covered by the University and I am getting paid with £4,000 per annum towards my living expenses by the Department of Civil and Environmental engineering. This scholarship has helped me to focus on my study and be financially independent.
What do you think about Scotland/Glasgow?
Scotland is beautiful. It’s rich with natural beauty as well as the people with beautiful hearts. Students and working people from different part of the world live here together. Being an international student, I had a thought like, “I am going to miss the festival celebrations with family and hanging out friends once I am away”. But believe me, I was wrong. Starting from Holi to Diwali every festival is celebrated here and I was surprised. Along with that, Glasgow will make you fall in love with football. I was never into football but now hardly there is a week when I skipped playing football.
Would you recommend Strathclyde to other people and why?
Definitely yes. Irrespective of the course you are, the well-organised curriculum will help everyone out to enjoy the study with zero stress level. The academic facilities and efficient staff will take the expectation level to the top. And most importantly, being an international university, you won’t feel left out even if you are away from your family and friends.