Muhammad shares his experience as a top-up student

Muhammad arrived at UCLan Preston in 2020 on an ERASMUS+ ICM scholarship but had to return home because of the global pandemic. He has now returned to finish his studies in Preston.

The University of Central Lancashire has been an academic haven for me. The most enjoyable part of studying BEng Mechatronics and Intelligent Machines (top-up) is the practical and laboratory work, so we can implement the theoretical topics covered in the lectures. In one of the modules, I made a smart house project which my professor commended, and it is now a showcase in the Mechatronics Lab for future students.

It seems to me that UCLan helps people from all walks of life hone their talents in a positive and safe atmosphere. I owe a debt of gratitude to my esteemed professors, especially my mentor and academic supervisor Dr Ahmed Onsy. Other notable mentions go to Dr Nathalie Renevier, Dr Hadley Brooks, Dr Ahmad Al Shaer and Essa Anas. Every day they make it their mission to guide all their students towards the path of success and they take the time to make sure we have a good understanding, whilst striving to provide innovative lessons. The academic staff also organise technical workshops and clubs, so the students can continue improving their practical skills by working on various robotic and intelligent systems and innovative solutions.

Before enrolling at UCLan, I completed a Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering at Mansoura University, Egypt. The key difference I have noticed is the availability of well-managed facilities and resources here at UCLan.

Clubs and societies are a great and exciting way to meet like-minded people here at the University. I have gained tremendous knowledge and hands-on experience from exploring different engineering clubs and working on various projects, including the Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV) project offered by the Mechatronics Club - I was nominated as Technical Head for the team. Also, I have taken part in the primary engineering programme for designing a bionic robotic hand. I have designed a ventilator prototype for COVID patients and I'm an active member in the Additive Manufacturing Club. This year, I cofounded the first Artificial Intelligence Club.

UCLan offers numerous services, including hubs where you can borrow any components and resources necessary for your projects and studies. The UCLan Library is magnificent, there are all kinds of books that you can borrow for a long time - I have lost count of how many days I have spent reading there! You can 3D print anything you want using the modern 3D printers in the Additive Manufacturing Lab. The Wharf building is equipped with state-of-the-art manufacturing machinery like water jets, laser cutters and continuous CNC machines.

One thing that I particularly admire about UCLan is the patience and full support for international students. From personal experience, I arrived late on campus because of the pandemic travel rules, however, various University teams helped with my course enrolment and made sure my arrival went smoothly.

Currently, I’m living in a private accommodation where the rent is low cost, you get a well-equipped kitchen and your own private room with a bathroom. The accommodation is so close to the University campus and a few minutes’ walk to the city centre.

Muhammad Elafifi standing in front of aircraft exhibition in the EIC building

"I would say choose UCLan because it will give you the tools and guidance for your success."
— Muhammad Elafifi, BEng Mechatronics and Intelligent Machines (top-up) student

Preston is one of the most peaceful cities I have ever visited and although it isn’t that crowded, you can still feel the spirit of a bigger city. The people are down-to-earth and open-minded. The city is very multicultural and filled with international diversity, making socialising exciting due to the different ethnicities from all over the world. There are many places I like to visit on a weekly basis, but Avenham Park and Preston Marina are my favourite spots.

In my time here, I have managed to explore some other parts of the UK. I spent two weeks in London, where I enjoyed visiting the iconic London Eye and the various museums, such as Madame Tussauds, the British Museum and the Imperial War Museum. I have also visited other major cities, such as Edinburgh, Blackpool, Liverpool and Manchester which are easily accessible from Preston.

Preston is a safe place to live, and I have never felt endangered walking the streets, even past midnight. UCLan Security is present around the campus streets, and there are CCTV cameras everywhere. Although I’m used to the Egyptian climate, I adapted to the rainy weather in the UK quickly!

I try to balance most of my time between lectures and my part-time job. I enjoy cooking new dishes and spend some of my leisure time in clubs, as my lectures usually end before 5pm. Some days I spend the whole day in Avenham Park and other days I work on personal projects, such as modifying my 3D printer and training deep learning models. When I’m not hanging out with my friends, I walk around the city centre, go shopping and I'm most excited to explore the parts of Preston I’ve yet to see.

Some people fear moving to a new country could make them feel like an outcast, but I’ve never felt that way at UCLan. With UCLan’s Welcome Week, making friends has never been easier and came naturally. My advice to future students is just do what I did - join a group of fellow students who have common interest or simply start a conversation with someone on campus. The advantage of coming to Preston is, with old habits changed, there’s no reason not to put myself out there.

In all honesty, I wouldn't choose to study at any other academic institution. UCLan ticks all the boxes in my learning plan. It is productive and excels in creativity and innovation, whilst

encouraging individuality and helping you to map a successful career path. You won’t just find a place where you can learn to be accomplished in the engineering field, or your chosen field, but a place to meet life-long friends and where you can have confidence in your academic staff.

I would say choose UCLan because it will give you the tools and guidance for your success. The advice I would give future students coming to UCLan is take advantage of every opportunity afforded to you because it is full of diversity and opportunities. During your time here, you’ll meet hundreds of students just like you and others who started off just like you.

Prioritise your deadlines, make plans to visit your advisors for any questions you may have, but most importantly, take care of yourself and have fun. Welcome to UCLan.

Information for students from Egypt

Egypt
The University of Central Lancashire has a large number of students from Egypt, allowing us to create a thriving Middle Eastern and North African Society.