My First Year as An International Student – Manya Sharma
Student experience 8th August 2022
I first stepped into the world of technology at middle school, creating games, chatbots, and voice recognition tools. Ever since, I’ve remained fascinated with Computer Science and its fusion with not only AI, but science and humanities too. Both innovative and logical, this is a subject which pushes me to think creatively every day.
The right course, the right place, the right time
I’d known the subject I wanted to study at university since year eight, and though I had prepared for Indian Engineering Exams, always visualised myself studying abroad. At first this seemed like a far-fetched dream – international fees and living costs are no small amount!
However, six months before the UCAS application start date, my family and I discussed how beneficial it would be to study in a diverse, international environment. So, I dedicate this blog to my father, who really did make my dreams his own.
After spending weeks finalising the five universities I would apply to, Manchester soon became a clear picture in my mind. Friends and family even coined the line “Manya @ Manchester!”
The first thing which attracted me to UoM was the beautiful widespread campus, its old cultural architecture and green spaces. Next, it was the course: Artificial Intelligence with Industrial Experience. It left my family and I in awe.
Student life and making friends
Always bustling with students and cheerful energy, I have fallen in love with the city, people, and University of Manchester.
Neither over-crowded and touristy, nor a super quiet town, it is truly the best of both worlds. Already, I have explored museums, stadiums, tourist attractions, and breath-taking natural landscapes!
Studying abroad in itself holds many benefits too; teaching me to take responsibility, to have confidence in myself, and really figure out how to balance different aspects of student life.
One of my favourite things has been meeting other international students from different cultures and countries. Living together and making so many friends has truly given me a home away from home – thank you first year family!
What I’ve learned? Where to begin…
My first year has given me so many opportunities, helped me grow, and guided me as a young woman in tech.
From learning important tools of programming and understanding hardware intricacies, to joining societies and making friends I want to hold on forever – being in the Department of Computer Science expands my horizons in all sorts of surprising ways. It is especially rewarding to work with students and mentors with so many varied skill sets, perspectives, and backgrounds. I’m very happy to say that collaboration is inclusive in every aspect of my learning.
Also, the brainstorming of holistic concepts and situations on the course has helped increase my critical thinking and problem-solving skills; preparing me to contribute in both team and individual tasks. Not only am I growing my interpersonal skills and leadership style, but I am also learning how to balance personal goals with academic interests.
Something I didn’t expect was to become so much more emotionally cognizant, developing my skills in self-improvement through introspection. Perhaps most importantly, my first year has helped me discover my individuality and independence.
A responsibility I would recommend every student takes on is becoming a Student Ambassador; it really widens your experience. I love to represent The University of Manchester, enjoying the process of getting to know prospective students, sharing in my journey, and experiences.
Confidence, communication, task delegation, and even time management – this role will help you grow in ways outside of your course!
Setting goals for the future
Our beautiful campus, with its pristine location, has offered the best atmosphere to study and experience student life with professors and peers.
An educational community, Manchester takes an innovative and modern approach, which undertakes student education with true practicality. My first year has made me realise its value for student diversity, community building, and expert teaching.
The long term plan is to use my knowledge of AI to assist people and improve lives. I look forward to seeing this purpose grow in second year, as I continue hone my analytical skills and collaborate on team projects. With cutting-edge expertise and logic-based creativity, I want to showcase the capabilities women hold for the future of computer engineering, and in my opinion, there is no better place to do that.
At The University of Manchester you are part of a culturally diverse, cosmopolitan corner of the world which dates back in the old pages of history!
Are you interested in the potential of computer science and artificial intelligence? Explore our courses BSc Computer Science and BSc Computer Science with Industrial Experience.
Gaurav Sharma says
Manya, I m so very much Proud on you to read this marvelous and helpful blog. I was equally happy in year 2021 to make your dream as my dream. I still remember that day when we finalize UoM as our first choice and after one year I can clearly see, its the bwst choice 👌
You totally deserve it & I has never a second thought in it. God Bless you with more & more success in coming year. And may your this blog help other students to decide their future better. As always, you never miss a chance to give back and that is wht it make us genuine Human Being who live to give n share their exp to show the rightous path to others.
Good Luck 👍
Anu says
What a blog you have written sweet charming girl. Your innosense and purity is reflecting in the blog.
You are going to do wonders as God has blessed you with the boom, studying in UoM.
You are the inspiration of the youth, welldone on your student ambasadoor role in the first year. You are the future CEO.
All the bery best for ur studies, May you shine and rise.
Mithun says
Great journey Manya so far!!
God bless you. Keep shining like a star.
Harush Sharma says
Success is the fruit of good ideas pursued with energy, intelligence, and determination.” No wonder you’re doing so well! Congratulations A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward its achievement. You will prove goods to the family and especially who made all these efforts to carry forward your dreams kudos to them and waiting for the day when you reach heights good wishes to you Manya and a well written blog, Good luck 👍
Khyati Nayyar says
I am so touched to read this blog, surely seems that a little baby girl is getting her wings ready at the University and is accumulating all her learnings and experience together before she take a flight high in the sky and touch the epitome of success. World surely needs more young women talent like yourself. I am sure you shine bright and motivate many students and peers at any given point in time.
All the very best, make this best of this opportunity and give a splendid shot at both academics and extra curricular.
Shine brighter and brighter each day.
Khyati Nayyar says
I am so touched to read this blog, surely seems that a little baby girl is getting her wings ready at the University and is accumulating all her learnings and experience together before she take a flight high in the sky and touch the epitome of success. World surely needs more young women talent like yourself. I am sure you shine bright and motivate many students and peers at any given point in time.
All the very best, make this best of this opportunity and give a splendid shot at both academics and extra curricular.
Shine brighter and brighter each day.
Khyati Nayyar says
Manya everything you mentioned in your blog is so motivating and heart touching, it seems that UOM has transformed a little girl to a young aspiring women who is adding immense knowledge and courage in her forte and is getting ready to take a flight high in the air very soon.
I am proud of you for all your efforts and hard work and I am this will lead your to be a very strong women working splendidly in all fields. I wish that you reach the epitome of success and never look back.
More power to you 🙂
Priti Chopra says
A commendable journey Manya and very beautifully described..!! This blog is a must read for any aspiring student to get an honest insider view of the life in Manchester University and a student in AI/ Computer Technology.
So proud of Manya…!! Way to go girl…keep growing and keep shining….
Gaurav says
Great to know about your wonderful experience. This will.motivate many more students to join the University. I wish you all the best for a wonderful course ahead. Keep it going.
Manisha Sangani says
Wow, what an outstanding blog. Such heartfelt description of your journey! Congratulations Manya, you make everyone associated with you so very proud. UoM sounds like a wonderful first step for any aspiring undergrad student. Thank you for sharing your experience. Thoroughly enjoyed reading every bit of your writing. Hope you succeed in all your endeavors.
Pramod Sharma says
Truly amazing to see you writing your own blog, an indication for your uultimate success and a great success in your future endeavours. Gregreat going manya.
Peeush K Bishnoi says
Consider yourself very lucky and privileged to experience so many aspects mentioned in your blog. Please make best use of these opportunities. My Professor used to say – “What got you here will not get you there.” I took a short course at UoM long back and recall the building where Lord Rutherford did his research in Physics. His name was on a plaque. Rich heritage. All the very best to you Manya.
Sandhya Shivakumar says
Congratulations Manya on dreaming big and making it happen! Such maturity at such a tender age. I love that you are guiding and helping others along the way. May you blossom into a great professional and human being!
Gunjan Sharma says
What a lovely writeup Manya.
Very inspiring and heart touching.
You are a very bright girl and would surely bring laurels to our family, friends and ofcourse UOM.
Best wishes from our side.
God bless you.
Vipul Om says
Very Nice
Chander Mohan says
Well Done! Keep exploring new things. Best of luck for your bright future.
Chander Mohan says
Well Done! Keep exploring new things. Best of luck .
sanjeet singh says
Good work Maya…keep it up and pave an example for others.
D k puri says
Your blog is an inspiration to all who are prepared to go out and explore. Hard work ,guidance and dedication shall take you to your destination on the journey that you have very wisely selected. We are all very proud of you. God bless
Akshay Joon says
Very happy and proud to see you fulfilling your academic dreams and encouraging others at one of the world’s top educational institution. Best of luck for your future endeavors.
Alok Sharma says
Well done Manya my dear doll keepit up
Sheelu swamy says
Dearest manya
I wish there was a degree of adjective better than superlative “dearest”…….I would have used it for you.
What a treat for my eyes to read your first blog as a student of university of Manchester.
It was not way back when you used to discuss teeny weeny mistakes while coming up with a write-up for school etc or scope of improvements in it.
And now I get your blog link through your mom…..I am so elated ….Filled with a sense of pride inexplicable through words.
The feeling is replica of the feeling what a coach feels when his /her best trained player performs perfectly on the pitch……Or a pupil trained by a classical dancer guru gets more applause from the audience than the guru.
Some qualities in you that I have noticed since the time we met …..Raise your stature in my heart …..
No matter how many feats you achieve …You never lose your humble nature…..Never ever I sensed an iota of arrogance in you…..You didn’t seem to lose your indian roots when I met you few months back ( when you had already spent 6 months in UK).
May you fly high manya…..The limit may be higher than skies…
One line from your blog definitely stole my heart….
“My father made my dream as his own”
Sheelu swamy says
Seems most lengthy comment mera hi hai,,😊