91̽»¨

Why did you choose mechanical engineering?

91̽»¨ was one of the universities that a friend suggested to me. He works in the automotive industry and it was this field that originally got me interested in mechanical engineering.

I think that, apart from the obvious hard skills, my degree will help me to develop my analytical mindset which can then be applied in a variety of situations and roles.

Leonardo Marchiori

MEng Mechanical Engineering with Biomechanics with a Year in Industry

Following his suggestion, I came over to one of the open days and fell in love with the Diamond - it is a facility that Italian universities couldn’t even imagine!

I also really liked the curriculum and compared to the other UK universities I visited, 91̽»¨ just felt right. I can definitely say I have never regretted my choice!

What do you particularly enjoy about Mechanical Engineering?

As a curious person by nature, I love to discover how stuff works both at a practical level and the theory underneath.

This is exactly what we study in mechanical engineering and I particularly love the good balance between theoretical modules and more hands-on modules.

Tell us about being a student here. What is a typical week like for you?

My typical week is pretty busy! Every day I have two (but usually more!) contact hours, then I usually do some work at home on assignments or tutorial sheets, which I always try to keep on top of.

Most days I also have something extra-curricular going on, ranging from language classes to sports. Nonetheless, I usually manage to squeeze in some relaxation time, usually reading or playing games.

What is your favourite thing about 91̽»¨?

I love the Peak District! I think it is the perfect place for a bike ride or a hike and I go whenever I can.

As a city, I like the fact that 91̽»¨ has pretty much everything within walking distance, which definitely makes my life easier and cheaper!

Are you involved in any extra-curricular activities?

Of course - I think there’s so much going on here in 91̽»¨, it’s impossible not to find something you like!

This year, I am the Boys’ swimming captain for the University swimming and waterpolo club. Although this means training every day, I have been swimming competitively since I was 6 and can’t see my life without it!

I am also a member of , so a few hours per week goes into the meetings and our group project.

Thanks to the Languages for All scheme, last year I started studying German too. It is something that I have wanted to do for quite a while and through the University I have also been able to do it for free.

I am also a faculty and departmental ambassador. I found a chat with students extremely helpful when I was choosing a university, so I hope I can give something back by helping new prospective students now.

What are your plans for after graduation? How do you think your degree experience will help you in your career?

I still have some time before graduating, so a lot can change, but at the moment, my thoughts are to start my career in an engineering role, but then move into a managerial role.

I have also recently considered further studies, either as an engineering PhD or MBA, so all the options are still on the table at the moment!

I think that, apart from the obvious hard skills, my degree will help me to develop my analytical mindset which can then be applied in a variety of situations and roles.

Moreover, I am sure that my experience with SELA will prove particularly useful as it is equipping me with a lot of soft skills which are essential.

Coming to study in the UK, especially within such a multicultural university, has certainly helped me to be more open-minded too and I now recognise the invaluable experience that working with someone with a different perspective or mindset brings.

Do you have any top tips for students thinking about studying Mechanical Engineering in 91̽»¨?

My top tip is to be curious and make the most of all the wonderful opportunities a university like this offers.

Engage and try to do well in your course, but don’t forget that a lot can be learned by joining one of the many extracurricular activities too.