Sharayu came from India to study an MSc in Architectural Design for the Conservation of Built Heritage graduating in 2018.
What made you choose Strathclyde?
The University’s ranking for Architecture, its location, its facilities and the opportunity to live in Glasgow.
Which aspects of the course appealed to you the most?
The University collaborates with local government authorities that could offer potential placement post completion of the course.
How does the course here at Strathclyde differ from your home university?
The course in my home University is 2 years duration whereas the course at Strathclyde is 1 year and hence more intense and comprehensive.
Have you acquired any new unique skill sets while studying here?
I have definitely grown, become smarter and more confident than before. I developed my public speaking qualities due to the regular course presentations. I also realised my leadership and management qualities which were previously hidden. All this is due to the way the entire course was structured.
What are your stand-out experiences, whether academic or social?
Meeting people from different cultural backgrounds, getting to know their culture and lifestyle was the best experience I had. It was fun to make global friends and expand your perspective of looking at the world.
What is your experience of Glasgow and Scotland?
Glasgow has treated me with a lot of warmth. It made me feel as if I was at home, and I consider it to be my home away from home. Its liveliness and vibrant ambience made me fall in love with the city.
Scotland is beautiful! Every city and its people have their different stories and are unique. The Scottish Highlands with its different feel during different seasons of the year is the thing I like the most.
What else do you like about Strathclyde?
The University has a resourceful library with a variety of study areas to match your situation and mood.
What funding opportunities were available to you?
I started with my application a bit later and hence most of the funding options had expired [however] I could apply for the Faculty of Engineering Excellence Scholarship and was successful.
How did you find out about this funding?
Through the University website and higher education agent (IDP)The reduced cost of the course helped me manage my funds better
Would you recommend Strathclyde to others, and why?
I would recommend Strathclyde to other students for its friendly and ever supporting staff and faculty and also for the facilities available to the students like the Career Service and Study skills.
What are your ambitions short/or long term?
In the future, I see myself contributing significantly to promoting, conserving and effective management of the heritage monuments of India.
What advice would you give to potential students thinking about studying Architecture at Strathclyde?
I would advise students to manage their time well and have a decent balance between studying and enjoying their lives and also take full advantage of the wonderful facilities that are available with the University. However, if students are interested in looking for job placements after their course, I would advise them to start with the hunt way before they complete their course and not wait till the end.