Saad
Why did you apply to the University of Huddersfield through Clearing?
During COVID, my A-levels were really challenging, and I didn’t get the grades I needed for my initial course choices. Huddersfield reached out through Clearing, which gave me an amazing opportunity to get onto the Mechanical Engineering course. Since I’d taken Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, the course was a perfect fit for my background and interests.
What really stood out was how supportive the University was from the start. The Clearing team guided me through the process, making it simple to understand my options, and helping me secure my place. It wasn’t just about meeting entry requirements – they genuinely cared about helping me get set up to succeed.
How did you find the process of going through Clearing?
The process was really easy and convenient. It was all done over a call where they reached out to me, and the staff helped me register quickly, without any stress. I also found it simple to set up extra support, including Disability Services, which made me feel confident that I would be supported academically and personally from day one.
"Overall, the Clearing experience made me feel welcomed and valued. It showed me straight away that Huddersfield isn’t just about exams and grades - it’s about helping students grow and succeed, even when things don’t go as planned."
What was your first impression of the University?
My first impression was how easy the campus was to navigate, especially with the help of the campus map, and the friendly staff at the iPoint and the Reception.
The facilities immediately impressed me too. They were modern, well-equipped and designed to support learning and collaboration. I also loved how beautiful the campus was, with the canal and the variety of buildings creating a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. It instantly felt like a place where I could settle in, thrive, and enjoy my time as a student.
"From the moment I arrived, the campus community felt really welcoming – both staff and students were approachable and eager to help."
How has your course been so far?
The course has been really engaging and practical, which makes learning much more interactive and relevant to real-world engineering. Labs and report write-ups have been a big part of the learning experience, helping me develop technical and analytical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
I have worked on my final year project, designing and simulating 3D-printed lattice structures. It’s given me a real taste of applied engineering and research, and I’ve learned a lot about design, materials and testing processes.
I also completed a full-time placement year, working at Sia Abrasives, Bosch, in Halifax. It was an incredible experience that gave me real-world industry insight.
"I'm currently the Principal of Team Hare, the University's student formula team, as part of my Master’s year, and am also Head of Cooling Systems, which has been a fantastic opportunity to apply engineering principles in a collaborative, real-world environment."
What are the facilities like on your course?
The facilities for Mechanical Engineering are excellent. We have access to modern labs, workshops and computer-aided design software that reflect industry standards, which makes learning very practical and hands-on, and it’s easy to get guidance from staff when needed.
There’s plenty of space for group work and individual study, which is great when completing lab reports and project work. This includes spaces in the Library, but also in the Engineering buildings, such as the Haslett Building, which has the Study Mill. Overall, the facilities make it easy to explore ideas, test designs, and bring projects to life.
"One of my favourite experiences as a student at Huddersfield has been helping at open days and STEM workshops as a Student Ambassador. Seeing prospective students get excited about university life and knowing I can help guide them on their journey has been incredibly rewarding."
What are some of the extracurricular activities you’ve been involved in?
I’ve really embraced life outside the classroom. I'm a Student Academic Representative, where I take an active role in shaping the course experience for myself and other students on my course.
I'm also employed as a Student Ambassador, where I represent the University at Open Days and applicant events such as STEM workshops and course taster sessions. I also deliver campus tours and presentations, and assist with hands-on demonstrations, helping prospective students and their families get a real feel for life at Huddersfield.
What specialist support have you received from the University?
I’m registered with the University’s Disability Service and have a Personal Learning Support Plan (PLSP), which helps me with having extra time in exams and deadline extensions when needed. This has made a big difference in managing my workload and performing to the best of my ability.
I’ve also used the Careers and Employability Service extensively to plan for my future, including booking appointments both for help with graduate role applications and improving my CV.
Additionally, the Wellbeing Service has been a great support when I’ve faced personal challenges, providing guidance and helping me manage any difficulties.
"The specialist support at Huddersfield has been really accessible, professional and reassuring, making me feel confident that I can succeed both personally and academically."
What are your plans for after you graduate?
I’ll be exploring a range of options, from graduate roles in engineering, to pursuing a PhD, or participating in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs).
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has been a huge support in helping me understand all these paths, providing guidance on applications, CV reviews and career planning.
By discussing different opportunities and receiving advice tailored to my goals, I’ve been able to make informed decisions about my future and feel confident about the next steps after my MEng. The support from Huddersfield has made me feel prepared to take on challenges in both industry and academia.
