Some of the brightest minds from around the world come to the UK to study.
Alliance Universities are proudly international. We firmly believe our international students make a vital contribution to the collective strength of the UK’s universities and its economy, helping to cement the UK’s position on the world’s stage.
Therefore, it has been hugely concerning to hear recent reports that the Home Secretary is considering imposing restrictions on those from abroad who wish to study here.
Unwelcoming language and policies do nothing to grow the UK economy, research impact, or our cultural diversity.
These are individuals with real lives, with immeasurable talent to offer to our country – we should always welcome them with open arms.
In our latest series of blogs, we are profiling the international students who enrich our Alliance Universities with their talent and generosity.
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Computer Science graduate Romila wants to work in cybersecurity, protecting customers’ data
Computer Science graduate Romila Nilukshi Jeevapalan grew up in Sri Lanka. She has a grade 3 disability (deafness/hearing impairment) and was assisted by a BSL interpreter at university.
Romila knew she wanted to be a software engineer since she was seven and an engineer came to fix her computer, showing her exactly what to do to deal with the problem. She took extra lessons at school and was encouraged by a teacher who “really believed in me” she says. She also credits her mother, who “taught me to work hard and to NEVER give up, especially when there have been difficulties and barriers in life”.
In summer 2022, she graduated with a Distinction from her BSc programme, and she was nominated for a university award, the Dr Ajit Singhvi Prize for Best Women Engineering Student.
Dr Romana Trestian, Senior Lecturer in Computing and Communications Engineering, describes her as “a brilliant student” with “a story that could be an inspiration for many”.
In ten years’ time, Romila hopes to be working for a big organisation – in networks or in cybersecurity, protecting customers’ data.
Romila said of her experience at Middlesex: “I’ve had brilliant opportunities and working experiences with so many different people and great conversations with peers. It’s been such a good learning opportunity”.
She feels strongly about the current gender imbalance in university-level study for some STEM subjects, and took part in an International Day of Women and Girls in Science photographic project in her final year.