Hello there Criptonox89.

To start it off with, I haven't been in Taylor's engineering programme, but I do have frens who have been in Taylor's Engineering and twinned over to the UK. However, they didnt go to Birmingham but instead went to University of Bath. Mind me asking which field of engineering you are taking?

I myself, have been studying in at University of Bath for the past 2 years and I have just recently moved to Birmingham for my placement. So I would be able to answer a good part of your questions there.

Living costs: Accommodation accounts for the biggest portion of your living costs, do check up the University's website for prices on university accommodation. It's usually the better option as you would be housed with other undergraduates and enables you to meet more people. As far as the range goes, they may range from £80-over £100 per week depending on what sort of accommodation you want. Other livings costs may include monthly bills for electric/water/gas but these would mostly be included in your accommodation costs (if you're under University accom.). Food and drinks would be solely dependent on you. I'd say typically around £50-70 a week would be a good gauge, but you may end up spending more/less on this. Shopping would not be a big worry if you spend wisely and time your buys with the sales. You'd be surprised at the amount of deals that crop up if you hunt hard enough.

Malaysia vs UK (Birmingham): Well for one, and I have to say this upfront, you will definitely miss the MAMAKS. No more round the clock access to good food. The alternative to that is the good old British Pubs where you go in for a pint and perhaps a burger. The culture here is not all that different to Malaysia but if you're up for beer then I suppose it would be a good start . I must also say that the Brits themselves are pretty friendly. If ever you are in doubt, ask around and believe me, you will get help. I'd say its just about as safe as Malaysia can be, if not better.

Malaysian population: You would be seeing quite a few Malaysians now and then and perhaps bump into one on the streets. But part of the UK experience is to come here to meet people from other countries like China, HK, Germany or even UK itself. Oh and by the way, there is a China town in Birmingham for you to shop for 'essentials' to cook. There are chinese supermarkets and also restaurants.

Part-timing: Students usually work part time in restaurants. Some also do retail/supermarkets which pays higher but is harder to get into. The basic pay in the UK is governed by the law and it's £4+/hr IIRC. Don't quote me on this but an average waiting job pays around £5/hr. It's a sizeable amount of side money to earn whilst you're studying. And if your employer doesn't mind, you could work more than 20hrs a week. However, if you keep to the 20hr limit and work say in McDonalds, you'd be looking at an extra £250-300 a month. So YES, it is good pay.

CEng.
1) BEng + Complete Master Level of education (e.g. ECUK exams) + CPD (Continuous professional development, this could be company scheme or self learning + work experience)

2) MEng +  CPD (Continuous professional development, this could be company scheme or self learning + work experience)

Work experience, you are looking at about 4 years.  AFAIK, IMechE doesn't specify a minimum working experience period but the general consensus is you wouldn't get your CEng. if you apply too early.  Therefore, it will be a minimum of 3-4 years before you can acquire CEng. regardless of what your education level is. 

University accommodation
Yes take it.  Usually they are fairly good.  Yes there are studio rooms but it will cost more. 

Working
Yes more than 20 hours would be illegal.  You are a student so you will not be taxed.  I used to work in Hilton during weekends on evening.  Usually about 6-12am and usually I get free dinner as well (left overs). 

There are also shops that would hire you for a few hours per day once or twice every week.  Working student are fairly common so most shops would be flexible with the hours.

Arturia. Referring to your quote on the MAS baggage limit (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/24/nation/20429807&sec=nation), the 32kg is the limit for one piece of luggage.

They are imposing a 32kg limit for each luggage bag. If you have a 35kg bag, you will need to check it in as two bags. And do remember that this doesn't mean that you won't be charged for overweight luggage. The weight allowed on is clearly printed in your ticket. Do double-check this weight with the agents to see if there are any further allowances. The last thing you want is to travel with a 28kg bag thinking you're under this '32kg limit' and getting charged for an excess of 8kg.

And to Criptonox89, if I could add on to what Geminist has said earlier, yes CEng status would be based more on what you do after you graduate, rather than what you graduate with. Typically, you would need to be working under a company with CPD for around 4 years to achieve this status. There are other ways to speed things up. For example, you could take a year out in your studies to do a placement (like I am) and have that year count towards your CEng. If you are looking towards achieving CEng, you would need to commit yourself to staying in the UK for a few years after graduation.

I have a BEng. and I am employed by a leading consultancy, so the answer is not really.  I am also currently doing the ECUK examinations as part of my route to CEng. 

Personally, I would suggest doing a Masters, BEng + MSc. for future proofing if possible.  Although it is not required for the next few years, it would certainly become a more common standard in the future.

Well basically whatever Geminist has said

I myself am doing MEng Mechanical Engineering. My course is really in depth and long as I'm taking a placement year as well. That's a total of 5 years from First year till graduation. And I'm only entering my placement which is literally the halfway point of my course.

As far as job competitiveness goes, I'd say it's pretty even. Though most people who graduate with BEng would at some point go on to do PG (Post Graduate) Masters or even a PhD.

I hope that clears up all the doubt you have about studying in the UK. I would say that the experience of studying in the UK is one not to be missed.

PS: Geminist, if you don't mind me asking, where & when did you graduate from?

It is under the discretion of our "Holy" BEM whether to accept it or not. They will asnwer you this if you ask them.

Btw, even without CEng title you will also able to work in malaysia. >.<

ECUK exams is there basically to just top up your education level.  It's a pass/fail thing.  You expect 4 papers + 1 project.  Exams are held once a year around May. 

I would recommend getting a Masters if possible because it also has other additional benefits.  One important thing is make sure your MSc. is recognised by the professional body you register to.  It's not that difficult to study while working.  It will only be more challenging if you have to work late, i.e. over 5.30pm until 7pm or 8pm. 

I am personally inclined to take MSc instead of MEng as discussed previously.

You are free to take as many subjects as you like within the limit (I recall it's 4).  Your project can go concurrently with your exams. 

Yes you can do that.  The ultimate rule is when you apply for CEng, you will need to have a Master's level of education.

You are free to take as many subjects as you like within the limit (I recall it's 4).  Your project can go concurrently with your exams. 

Yes you can do that.  The ultimate rule is when you apply for CEng, you will need to have a Master's level of education.

---

Added on September 24, 2008, 2:30 amOh and one more thing, I used to thought about continuing my Masters after working when I have the cash. 

However, having worked for two years, I have decided to take ECUK exams or part time studies because I don't find going back to university that much interesting as compared to working (experience + income).

Each paper cost about £100.  Project cost about £300. 

No one really gives a toss when you have CEng.  But having a longer title on your business card always look nice

Sorry, I clicked "edit" on your post by accident.

accommodation including internet and utilities - £350

phone bills - £30 monthly but cashback for £360 after 12 months = absolutely free.

food ~ £200 depending on appetite

i'm in birmingham  my accomodation+internet+electricity & gas bill = average 300 a month...
accomodation varies according to location...i think it's the same with every city...i dont really use my phone often..sometimes 10 pounds credit and last for 2-3 months...

food...if i dont buy junk food and cook at home...20-30 pounds a week will do...but of course..sometimes we eat out then gotta spend more...

i from coventry but normally once in two weeks went to birmingham to shopping or window shopping.
accomodation = uni halls
food = i cook around 5pound-10pound/week
internet = uni
phone = less than 15pound/month

---

Added on October 27, 2008, 2:02 am

off campus.

i highly suggest you to stay in uni accommodation for at least the first year  for various reasons:

1. you will definitely make more friends and attend more university/society's functions.

2. this the best chance for you to experience different culture and lifestyle.

3. it is way less hassle for uni to arrange everything for you, rather than hunting room and sorting out all the stuff (utilities) by yourself. too much hassle for a newcomer to UK.