The mechanics of things

Manikanta Sunku Veera Venkata Nagendra, pursuing MSc in engineering design at Loughborough University, talks about his experiences at the prestigious UK university.

Ever since I was a little kid, I have always been an inquisitive person, curious to learn about the mechanisms of every machine moving around me. Throughout my childhood, I was intrigued by everything mechanical. When children of my age were playing with toys, I was keen in exploring the mechanisms behind them. As a young kid, I remember myself working around the house helping my father fix the washers, fridges and polishing his car engines. 

Growing up, my fascination for the mysteries behind such devices only increased. To satiate my curiosity for anything mechanical, I pursued mechanical engineering.

I joined K S Institute of Technology in Bangalore to pursue my mechanical engineering studies. Studying there, I went beyond my theory coursework to train and earn a diploma in softwares like PRO-E, CATIA and worked successfully on several projects like turntable assembly, learnt to utilise parts like connecting rod and crankshaft etc using AutoCAD software and so on. 

Collaborating with my friends, I constructed an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) as an all-terrain surveillance vehicle for my final year project.

I believe that the most cutting edge technology today could be obsolete tomorrow. Hence, after completing my graduation, I wanted to explore the field of mechanical engineering through higher studies in design. After going through the  details of several universities, I came across Loughborough University found that they had a perfect opportunity for me to explore and expand my horizons in this field. 

The University is ranked 5th for its mechanical engineering course in the UK. The University offered specific modules which were of my interest. I looked no more and decided on Loughborough University for my masters.

UK was entirely an unknown land for me but thanks to the University, I never felt out of place. From Heathrow Airport to the private accommodation followed by the LSU trips to discovering surrounding places to counselling sessions, I received aid at every point. The University is a great medium for socialising and making new friends who come in from different countries and the professors are very friendly and helpful.
Moreover, the University provided me with a 25 percent scholarship, which is really beneficial for an international student. From the well structured course to the ample amount of sports facilities, Loughborough University has not let me compromise, neither with my course, nor with my extra-curricular activities. 

I also managed to get a part-time job because of which I could manage my expenses independently. One thing you shouldn’t miss out on is the National Hindu Students Forum (NHSF) which is a home away from home. I celebrated all the Indian festivals with the group there.

Recently, I got the opportunity to intern at the renowned Jaguar Land Rover company thanks to the University. I can now proudly say that I have international work experience in a well-reputed company. The qualification and the knowledge that I have gained here will definitely earn me a job in a multinational company (MNC), which is my ultimate goal.

Loughborough is a calm and safe place and a wonderful platform for international students to gain exposure in every aspect of the changing trends.