Sam Shaw; 11th June 2019; Portsmouth Photoshoot

Swapnil's experience as an international student saw him overcome challenges and gain hands-on experience in Civil Engineering with MSc Construction Project Management

3 min read

The quality of teaching, high levels of student satisfaction, and the diverse culture are all attributes that brought me to Portsmouth.

As an international student, the transition to University in the UK was fairly tough and it took time to adjust to a new culture and education system - but Portsmouth made this transition easier for me. 

Settling into UK life… with support

I discovered the services the University offers, including the Careers and Employability Service, who helped me to find a part-time job. Fending for myself financially was a big step, and they helped me every step of the way. The Student Finance team also assisted me in times of need - it was a lifesaver and I don’t think I would have been able to manage without this service.

Overcoming homesickness and finding friends

The Resident Life Assistants helped me make friends in my halls and not feel homesick, and I also became a close part of the Indian society at UPSU. I met other students who came to pursue their studies just like me and being in the Indian Society has been a great source of pride for me. I’ve been able to showcase Indian culture to students of all backgrounds, contribute my innovative ideas, and make connections with students and staff.

25th July 2019

Being in the Indian Society has been a great source of pride for me. I’ve been able to showcase Indian culture to students of all backgrounds, contribute my innovative ideas, and make connections with students and staff.

Swapnil Upadhyay, MSc Construction Project Management

Developing my skills and future career

Portsmouth University is a city campus with great academic facilities and a strong graduate employment track record. The facilities on my course were very advanced, with up-to-date software, and gave me the opportunity to use modern surveying technology and expand my knowledge.

Learning from other’s experiences and knowledge has helped me grow and gain a variety of skills, including teamwork, communication and responsibility, and my degree has helped me prepare for future employment. I’m now ready to enroll into the UK construction industry and get even more hands-on experience in the Civil engineering field.