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Sid Charaschanya, a Mathematical Computation MEng student, was honoured as the Academic Representative of the Year for 2024.
What's your background?
Although my roots can be traced back to Punjab, I was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. Growing up in such a diverse city allowed me to experience a unique blend of cultures, traditions, and languages.
This multicultural background has deeply influenced my perspective, fostering a sense of adaptability and appreciation for different ways of life.
Why did you choose to study Computer Science at UCL?
The reason I chose to pursue the Mathematical Computation MEng at UCL was because of the freedom and flexibility it offers in the latter half of the degree. Once equipped with a solid grounding in both practical computer science as well as rigorous mathematics, students are able to specialise in almost any relevant subject area, ranging from quantum computation to quantitative finance.
I felt that this unique blend of disciplines would not only foster a deep understanding of theoretical principles but would also hone specialist skills that are highly sought after in the industry.
What were the highlights of your CS programme?
One of the most memorable modules during my degree was Computer Systems. It offered a deep dive into the entire computing stack, from high-level architectures down to instruction sets, which I found immensely captivating.
What stood out the most was the hands-on experience of implementing compression algorithms, virtual memory systems, and a Bash-like shell from scratch. These projects significantly enhanced my grasp of how machines operate at a fundamental level.
While many students gravitate towards more applied modules, I also particularly enjoyed studying Quantum Computation. Exploring this alternative paradigm through a mathematical lens was truly enlightening and prompted profound reflections on the potential boundaries of computation.
What were the highlights of your time generally at UCL?
Fortunately, with only my first year of university interrupted by COVID-19, I've developed a deep appreciation for the in-person experience. Whether it was chatting with friends in the Malet Place Engineering Building (MPEB) Labs or sharing a meal together after a lecture, I cherished every opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals at UCL and forge lasting relationships.
These personal interactions enriched my academic journey but also broadened my perspective on different subjects and cultures. Being part of such a vibrant community really made me appreciate the value of attending London’s Global University.
What industry and career opportunities did you get access to on your programme?
UCL Computer Science maintains very strong industry connections, leading the UCL Computer Science Society (CSS) to frequently collaborate with various reputable employers for career-oriented events.
These connections between industry and the department have enabled me to participate in a diverse array of career fairs, internship panels, and networking opportunities throughout my years at UCL.
Attending these events has been immensely enlightening, offering an insight into the ever-changing landscape of cutting-edge technologies within the industry.
How did you manage your workload, and what advice would you give to prospective students in terms of being successful and making the most of the opportunities at UCL?
In my opinion, achieving success in university hinges on seizing opportunities aligned with your interests, rather than exclusively concentrating on your studies. Initially, I overlooked this principle during my first year, but I'm grateful I recognized it early.
Driven by my passion for altruism, I eagerly applied for the role of academic representative when the opportunity arose. Over two years of dedicated effort alongside my team, we accomplished significant positive changes, culminating in receiving the prestigious Academic Rep of the Year award for 2024.
If you were an international student, how easy was it to settle in? How did you find studying in the UK?
Coming from a bustling city such as Bangkok, I personally found the transition to life in London to be very smooth. One of the reasons I chose to apply to UCL is because it lies right in the heart of London. From exquisite restaurants to amusing arcades, there is always something new to explore and you’ll never run out of excuses to take a break from studying.
Why would you recommend this course?
I feel that UCL provides a holistic environment for students to thrive in, as long as they make an effort to study hard and get involved. The university offers extensive resources, a lively campus life, and a supportive academic community that encourages both personal and professional growth.
I would highly recommend anyone interested in computer science and mathematics to pursue the MEng Mathematical Computation degree at UCL. The programme's rigorous curriculum, combined with UCL's world-class faculty and cutting-edge research opportunities, ensures that all students are well-prepared for successful careers in a rapidly evolving field.