Studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Civil Engineering
Sirui set his sights on a career in civil engineering while still attending high school in China, believing it to be one of the most essential fields in the world.
"Everything involves civil engineering, from the basic infrastructure of the city such as the city drainage system, buildings, roads, to more advanced hydro power plants," he says.
When Sirui first came to New Zealand, he lived in Auckland for three years. He moved to Christchurch to experience more of New Zealand, and because of UC’s reputation in Engineering.
"UC provides the best Engineering degree within New Zealand. In addition, I like the feeling of Christchurch as a city and UC’s campus. Compared to other universities’ campuses, UC’s is more closely-packed and is in a relatively quiet area of the city. Which is exactly what I wanted.
"My life as an international student at UC feels great. In fact, most of the time I don’t feel like an international student. UC treats international students and domestic students pretty much the same. Staff and lecturers are just as nice to us as they are to the locals."
Sirui has taken the opportunity to make the most out of many of UC’s free study and support services.
"The Academic Skill Centre really helps me with grammar for report writing. The tutors guide me though my papers and help me understand what I need to improve on; which is a huge help for international students like me, since English is not my first language. The UC Careers team helped my CV writing and helped me find my current internship."
In Sirui’s free time, he volunteers and has joined several UC student clubs.
"Although not all have contributed to my career plans, they certainly helped in developing my personality. I have made many friends in the process and gained additional skills in communication and teamwork."
One club in particular, UC Aerospace Club, was far from his chosen degree, but Sirui learned to assemble a rocket and launch it.
"It was a very simple rocket, but it was a lot of fun. It was nice to have a little break from my degree work and to see what other degrees were doing," he says.
"I also like to wander around Christchurch in my free time and take pictures of the scenery. It is great that some of my favourite scenery is located close to the city. Another factor in why I enjoy living in Christchurch is that the city is really flat which makes it cycle-friendly. I like the fact that I can go to almost everywhere in town just by cycling. The bus system also helps. If I have some more time, I would like to drive a bit further to see other places near Christchurch."
Once Sirui graduates, he would like to work for a few years to gain experience in the industry and then pursue a higher-level Engineering degree to specialise in.
