Noon
I am from
Sudan
I study BEng. Civil Engineering at University of Birmingham· United Kingdom
BEng. Civil Engineering in United Kingdom
Civil Engineer
Hi, my name is Noon and I am currently studying Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham. After I graduate I hope to secure a job in this industry. I love playing basketball and baking - feel free to get in touch!
Ask me about
Noon is a former student and verified International Foundation Group ambassador
Why Noon chose this path
“I've always been fascinated by infrastructure - bridges, tunnels, buildings. There's something deeply satisfying about designing things that people rely on every day.”
What attracted me
Thailand has so much infrastructure development happening - new metro lines, elevated highways, flood management systems. I want to contribute to that when I return.
My background before
I came to the UK through IFG after finishing school in Thailand. I needed a Foundation Year in Engineering to bridge into a top UK engineering programme.
How I got in
The IFG Engineering Foundation was intense - lots of physics, maths, and chemistry. The tutors were brilliant and the small class meant you always got individual attention. My Foundation results were strong enough to get into Birmingham Engineering.
Top tips for getting accepted
Prioritise maths above everything else in the Foundation Year. University-level engineering maths is challenging and a strong foundation in it means you won't be starting from scratch.
Common mistakes to avoid
Neglecting physics or chemistry to focus only on maths. Engineering needs all three - they interconnect constantly in your degree.
My recommendation to you
Getting into Birmingham Engineering was my dream. I remember calling my parents at midnight - they were so happy. Work hard in the Foundation and your moment will come.
What Noon wishes they knew
Things I wish I knew before starting
How collaborative engineering actually is. I expected it to be solitary study, but group design projects are a huge part of the course - and the most enjoyable part.
What surprised me most
How much Birmingham as a city has to offer. I expected a smaller city experience but Birmingham is the UK's second city - diverse, affordable, and genuinely exciting.
The hardest part
The transition from Thai to UK academic culture. In Thailand, teaching is more prescriptive. In the UK, independent thinking and questioning is expected from day one.
The best decision I made
Joining the Engineering Society in my first week. The connections, events, and support network there have been invaluable throughout my first year.
Biggest misconception people have
That civil engineering is less competitive or prestigious than other engineering disciplines. Infrastructure touches every aspect of human life - the career scope is vast.
What helped me most
Talking to my tutors. In Thailand it's not common to approach staff for help, but in the UK it's expected and encouraged. Once I got over that cultural difference, my progress accelerated.
What it's actually like
A typical day
Morning lectures in structural mechanics or fluid dynamics. Afternoons for design studio sessions or group project work - currently a bridge design project I'm really enjoying. Evenings: basketball training twice a week, baking Thai desserts on other nights.
The reality vs. the expectation
Very hands-on, which I love. A mix of lectures, lab work, and design projects. More practical than I expected, which suits me perfectly.
My favourite part
Design projects. Taking a real engineering problem, applying physics and mathematics, and arriving at a physical solution - it's enormously satisfying.
Most challenging part
The maths modules. University-level mechanics and calculus are significantly harder than Foundation level. Consistent practice is the only answer.
Where it's taken me
Skills I've gained
Structural analysis, mathematical modelling, technical drawing, collaborative project management, and engineering report writing.
How it's helped my career
I'm in my first year at Birmingham and loving it. The course is challenging but engaging, and the city has been very welcoming.
Opportunities it has opened
Industry placement opportunities through Birmingham's engineering school, a strong alumni network in infrastructure, and growing contacts in the Thai engineering sector.
Topics Noon can help with
Questions students ask Noon
Is Civil Engineering a good career choice internationally?
What advice would you give to someone considering the IFG Engineering Foundation?
Ready to ask Noon a question?
