Obinna Uwandu

Construction Project Management

Where are you from?

Nigeria

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I love Northumbria University because it is a great University. It is one of the best in Engineering and built Environment in the United Kingdom. The lecturers are best at what they do and improvements are seen everyday in both the students' lives and surroundings too.

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

The North-east England and Newcastle city in particular has a friendly environment with lots of fun and academic activities working together to bring the best out of a student. No wonder it was rated the best student environment in the whole of UK. Newcastle has lots of surrounding tourist attraction centres and they are my favourite places of exploration.

What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?

Newcastle is a great city graced with two big institutions such as Northumbria and Newcastle Universities at its city centre. My greatest surprise is that the city could still remain calm at all times regardless of the combination of the young students and the aged parents residing in it.

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?

Yes of course. I already started fitting in from Nigeria before arriving because of the way I was treated by the school. I was treated exceptionally like I was the only student being admitted for the whole academic year.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

The student service starting from the school administration down to the students help desk and fellow students is awesome.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

I cannot think of anyone more helpful than the other. Northumbria works like a team where everyone helps.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

My inspiration comes mostly from my academic tutors and fellow course mates. There are lots of experienced individuals in the classroom where inspiration comes from.

What is your favourite place on campus?

The library and Habita.

Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects? Tells us about the highlights?

Not yet but I do play soccer with a couple of friends occasionally at the Sport Central.

What is the best thing about your course?

Learning the best way of managing construction projects efficiently to meet the cost budget, time and quality expected.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

Ways of eliminating wastes in time, effort, materials and money in the construction project and maximizing profit.

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

My aim of studying in the UK is to learn the best methods of practice in handling building projects so that I can be of better help in the improvement of the construction industry globally.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?

Yes. From my working experiences, I have discovered so far that the construction industry gllobally is lagging behind in updated technology and capable human resources for greater efficiency in performance.

Have you taken up any opportunities to travel with your current course/undertake field trips? If so, please tell us about them.

Yes. I been on a few field trips and a conference with from the department. The first was the construction of a plice station here in Newcastle by Willmott-Dixon construction and the second was a hospital construction by Lend Lease construction. Here, I was opportuned to have a grip of how construction is best practiced in the UK. Thirdly, I attended a conference in Eden project, Cornwall, St. Austell where I learned about sustainability in engineering. These are all educative lessons which exposes students activities in their surroundings and offering them the opportunity to make it better.

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

I think it is worth it especially for students thinking of coming from developing countries all over the world such as mine. I could probably assure them of not regretting ever taking the decision.