Nicolo Todde

Why did you decide to study at City, University of London?

The course's perfect mix between theoretical and practical skills made me choose City as I believe experience in your study field is the most valuable skill an employer will look at after I graduate. Its central location also played a vital role when I decided to apply because this give students a unique connection with the real world.

What is your favourite thing about studying at City?

Definitely the location plays a vital role in studying at City as it is located in the heart of London with a very friendly, active but quiet surrounding area where places to have fun and meet people are endless. In my course, we do a lot of group projects and field courses. They help me develop my transferable skills which are important when I will enter the real working word. City also gives a lot of practical experience making graduates ready for the real world.

There is also a perfect balance between the theoretical and practical knowledge students receive as part of their course. In my second year I took part in a project with the engineering firm Arup which involved designing a three storey structure and giving a presentation as part of a team. This experience is really invaluable for students like me because it makes the transition between the University environment and work place easier.

What kind of things are you involved in outside your course?

I am a Student Marketing Ambassador which gives me the great opportunity to get to know other students from City as well as working with people from every corner of the world since City is located in the heart of one of the most multicultural cities in the world. It is also a fantastic way of growing your own network and earn some extra cash which is always needed. Moreover, I am a CityBuddy, where I help two first year Civil Engineering students settling in at university as well as giving advice on the course and opportunities City offers.

Have you had the opportunity for any work experience or internships?

During my first year we have had a geology field course, which allowed me to apply what I learnt in a year to solve real-life problems. That has been a chance for me not only to apply my knowledge but also I grew up professionally as we had several deadlines. On top of it, I loved the time spent in Devon with my course mates visiting a new part of the UK I had never visited before.

Between my second and third year of University I spent 14 months in the industry working as a Project Engineer where I was involved in the design of various concrete and steel projects, attend meetings, produce technical reports and liaise with the technicians to make sure they were producing the correct drawings. This year enormously helped me grow professionally and I had an insight in what it is like to work as an Engineer, which makes me even more passionate about what I study!

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

After I graduate, I plan to become a Chartered ICE Civil Engineer working in one of the most renowned projects both in London and abroad.

What would be your top tip for our applicants?

The most important tip is to choose a course you are really passionate about because when you will find difficulties, it will be easier for you to overcome them since you are interested in what you are learning. If you can, make sure you attend one of the Open Days so that you can actually see the University, meet students and ask any sort of questions. I believe talking to current City students is the best way for you to have an insight into how study at City is like.