11 Things Engineering Students Wish They’d Known Before Starting University

Are you thinking of undertaking an engineering degree? Get clued up earlyStarting your university degree course is an exciting time that marks a new beginning full of promise. This a time for learning new things, trying new experiences and meeting new people, but all of this can make it easy to get overwhelmed when you make the jump from school to university. Between parties, extracurricular activities and events, there are plenty of things at university to distract you from your studies. In addition to this there may be a number of challenges that can knock your confidence or simply make it harder to focus on your studies. Finally, there are things that many students wish they had done more of during their time at university – such as building meaningful relationships with their peers or trying their hand at new things.Find out more by visiting the Cambridge engineering summer school page. So if you’re thinking of studying engineering at university, here are 11 things past students wish they’d known before.

It’s never too early to start networking

It’s always a good idea to get your name out there in the engineering industry, even before you start studying. Try work experience placements, attending industry seminars, setting up a blog or simply following trade publications and industry leaders on social media to keep up with the latest news.

Socialising is just as important as studying

Socialising can be a great way to get your work recognised and put yourself on the radar of universities and future employers. It also helps you develop your social and communication skills in time for university.

There are no stupid questions

You are going to university to learn, which means second guessing yourself is completely normal. But it also means that your tutors will be there to teach you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Get a head start by asking your school teachers anything you’re unsure about.

Other skills may be required

Studying engineering doesn’t just mean being able to understand maths and building materials. There are many skills involved, so you should start practising these now. From turning your hand to software packages or understanding human psychology (this comes in handy when assessing how humans interact with buildings and infrastructure), thinking differently is never a bad thing.

Don’t settle for ‘good enough’

With so much to explore at university, it can be all too tempting to try and get through your work as quickly as possible. But remember the reason you’re there, and put in the effort you know you’re capable of. Start now by putting a lot of effort into your application.

You need to be a team player

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Start making friends as early as possible because engineering generally involves a lot of working together. Use social media to reach out to others studying at the same university.

Start a portfolio sooner rather than later

It doesn’t matter if you haven’t actually started your degree yet, it’s never too early to start putting a portfolio together. Whatever engineering work you’ve done before, from school projects to local competitions, cataloguing your experience is a useful way of establishing your track record.

Take good notes and keep them

Get used to reading up on engineering and taking notes, as this will stand you in good stead for university revision. Plus, any notes you collect can be kept and used throughout your course.

Don’t stick to one field

Engineering is a huge industry with many different strands, so don’t limit your studying and preparation to just one. Think ahead to after you graduate, when you may need to be flexible with your options in order to find a job.

Get hands-on experience

Any hands-on experience you can get will be extremely beneficial when it comes to studying engineering. It’s one thing to read about a process, but it’s another thing to see it in action. Look out for any volunteering opportunities near you.

Don’t waste the summer before you start

The summer before you start university is your chance to get a head start, and one of the best ways to do this is by enrolling in a summer programme. Cambridge Immerse offers two week programmes in a variety of subjects, including engineering. This will give you the chance to see what university life is like while learning more about your chosen subject.