Arryn Kae Smith - BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Arryn has found a home away from home in Plymouth

"I would highly recommend getting involved in anything and everything you can here"

"You will have the freedom to experience lots of different things at the University of Plymouth. I'd really recommend joining a club or society, and if you can’t find one that appeals to your interests, consider starting your own!

You can also become a Student Ambassador, Course Representative or even a Sabbatical Officer for the Students' Union. Explore and take advantage of everything the university has to offer!"

Knowledge, guidance, and support

"I decided to pursue my studies at the University of Plymouth because it offered the knowledge, guidance, support, and practice in my field of study that I was looking for.

I was also drawn to Plymouth because of its location. I thought it would offer a 'home away from home' environment, with the sea reminding me of home in Barbados — and it has done just that!"

Cross-cultural experiences

"My favourite thing about my Plymouth journey so far is the cross-cultural experiences I have been exposed to.

I have met people from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds through interacting with them both on and off-campus, and through joining different clubs and societies — including the Tropical Island Society, which I joined last year."

A diverse group of people studying on campus using books, paper and and tablets

Know your rights in the workplace (UPSU and Careers & Employability workshop)

Supportive lecturers

"The lecturers here are attentive, supportive, and always willing to help.

Additionally, my critical thinking, analytical and communication skills are constantly being challenged in my lectures.

The university offers a wide array of services to assist you during your time at the university, and even afterwards. You really do have support from every direction you turn."

Student placements

Dr Rana MoyeedAssociate Professor (Senior Lecturer) in Operational Research

Ready for employment

"The University of Plymouth is known for its high-quality teaching, and ensures that courses and assessments are challenging enough for students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and understanding that are essential for life after university.

With this being said, Plymouth also focuses heavily on employability and work-based learning opportunities, which allows you to put what you’ve learnt from your courses and assessments into practice."

A change of pace

"Living in the United Kingdom has proven to be more fast-paced than at home in Barbados. I’m from a tropical island with a totally different rhythm, but I've learnt to adjust. I’m honing my problem-solving and decision-making skills. I’m also discovering beauty in different, new, and unfamiliar scenes and spaces."

Inspired by this story?

For more information about studying electrical and electronic engineering, please visit our BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering course page. For more information about our range of courses within the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, please visit the school page.

Want to find similar alumni?

If you would like to find out what other relevant alumni from the Faculty of Science and Engineering are currently doing, please visit the engineering and robotics interest area.