Meet Orian
Mechanical Engineering BEng
About Orian
I chose Newcastle University because of its strong reputation and its long history in engineering, which gave me confidence in the quality of its teaching and research. The programme structure also suits me well, offering a clear balance between core engineering fundamentals and practical application through labs, design projects, and group work.
A course that combines theory and practise
A typical week on my engineering course is varied and hands-on. You spend time in lectures, tutorials, and both computer-based and experimental labs, learning how to solve real engineering problems. Group projects are also an important part of the course, helping you develop teamwork, manage deadlines, and present your ideas clearly - skills that prepare you for industry or further study.
Compared with similar programmes in Hong Kong, I feel the course here offers more opportunities to apply theory to real-world engineering problems and to develop teamwork and communication skills. I also like that the campus is compact and located in the city centre, giving easy access to engineering facilities, libraries, and student support, without the long and crowded commutes common in Hong Kong.
My engineering degree at Newcastle is a good balance of solid theory and practical application.
Choosing an international education
I chose to study in England because I wanted a more international education, with classmates and lecturers from different countries. In Hong Kong, most lecturers are from China, so I felt that the exposure to different perspectives would be more limited if I stayed there to study.
Studying in the UK also allows me to develop my technical English in a native-speaking environment. This is important for an engineering career, where research papers, manuals, and international collaboration are mostly in English.
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I wanted the personal growth that comes from living abroad – being independent and adapting to a new culture, instead of staying in the same environment I grew up in.
A supportive community
What I love most about the University is the strong sense of community within the School. The classes are large enough to bring together diverse ideas, but still small enough that I can get to know my lecturers and feel comfortable asking questions. The staff are always approachable and willing to help.
One of my favourite memories was my second-year go-kart project. At the beginning, I hardly knew how to use AutoCAD Inventor, but working together to solve real engineering problems, and completing the project helped me build friendships with people from different countries. It was exactly the kind of collaborative experience I imagined when I decided to study engineering abroad.
The facilities are great - the engineering labs, computer clusters, and main library are great environments for both practical work and quiet study.
Living in a relaxed, friendly city
I was surprised by how friendly and relaxed people are in Newcastle. Strangers are more willing to chat, and lecturers and staff are approachable, which feels quite different from the fast-paced and often more stressful environment I personally feel with Hong Kong.
The city is also very walkable. I can reach campus, accommodation, shops, and even the river within a short walk. The slower pace of life here took some time to adjust to, but I now really appreciate having more space, as well as parks and the nearby coast to relax after intensive engineering coursework.
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