Jump to Course review
Jump to University review
Course review
Review by: Alice O
University: The University of Strathclyde
Course: Civil Engineering
Year of study: 3rd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the Civil Engineering forum and see what people are discussing right now!
Click here to go back
The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
14
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
I would recommend Maths, Physics, Graphic Communication and Geography.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
I have always been interested in structures and buildings and wanted to do something that would allow me to work outside, instead of being constantly stuck in an office all day.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
It's not as "hands on" as I had initially expected.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
I have a couple of hours of lectures a day plus one or two hours of tutorials and sometimes a lab class.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
Sometimes, depending on my workload.
Is there anything else you think is relevant or that you would like to add in respect of your course?
The department is well run but seems to be run differently to other Engineering departments in the uni which can sometimes cause confusion.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
Everything is really enjoyable.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
Sometimes things aren't very clear and I struggle to comprehend things and what they are asking for.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
There is often a difference between the standard of lecturers as some are a lot better than others. The University in general has good facilities but lacks a decent swimming pool!
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
The course isn't fully packed and some things take a bit of getting used to. Most lecturers use a mixture of PowerPoint slides and an Overhead Projector (handwriting is sometimes difficult to read).
ERASMUS scheme, study abroad and work placements
Have you been on a work placement/year in industry? How has it benefited your study and career prospects:
I have been on a 10 week placement with a small contractors firm this summer. It has given me the opportunity to see so many things and given me a greater understanding of things we have been taught at uni because I have seen them happening. I'm hoping it will now be easier to gain further experience next year because I already have some "under my belt" and know what to expect.
Looking for more information on Civil Engineering?
Other reviews for Civil Engineering
Bobby G, 1st Year doing Civil Engineering at University of Bristol
Tim G, 1st Year doing Civil Engineering at Loughborough University Nicola R, 2nd Year doing Civil Engineering at Cardiff University
Looking for another course? Or university?
University review
Review by: Alice O
University: The University of Strathclyde
Course: Civil Engineering
Year of study: 3rd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the The University of Strathclyde forum and see what people are discussing right now!
Click here to go back
Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Strathclyde is a fantastic uni, I've been pushed out of my comfort zone and loved it. Joining a sports club was definitely a good idea as I've gained so much out of it in a short space of time and it was a great way to meet new people. You just have to put yourself out there and see what happens but most importantly make the most of it!
What is the academic life like at your university?
The academic life is good, classes aren't too bad until the run up to deadlines and exams.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
I found Freshers' week in first year good. The line up of bands put on with the union was fantastic but I don't think I enjoyed it as much as I could have done because my flatmates that I had just met were very different from me. I enjoyed Freshers' week of second year a lot more than first year even though the line up was not as good but because I knew more people and felt a lot more comfortable.
Are there any other notes you would like to add about life in general at university or anything else which would be relevant to a prospective student?
Go and enjoy yourself - you're only young once so make the most of it!
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
Best thing - meeting so many new people and being pushed out of my comfort zone
Worst thing - ?
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
The university has a good variety of sports on offer - I joined the Boat club on starting uni and have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I've learnt so much, met fantastic new people, got much fitter and have just benefited in many ways.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
The social side of uni is brilliant. Most nights out are alcohol orientated and involve drinking games and promotions of some sort but there is also a lot of general mixing and socialising during the day.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Glasgow is fantastic - it's got a great atmosphere and is really friendly. It's brilliant for a night out as there's always somewhere to go!
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
I stayed in halls (which were divided into flats) for both first and second year. I would definitely recommend going into halls for first year.
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
Both halls were self catering. I would recommend self catering as you're going to have to learn how to fend for yourself at some point!
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £65/70 for self catered
Looking for more information on The University of Strathclyde?