“I’m proud to have studied at a university that cares about international students and provides the best learning experience for them.”

2023 MSc User Experience and Interaction Design graduate Ruwanthi Sulanjali Somatilaka shares her insight into life at GCU and life after graduating from university.

I chose to study at GCU because…

GCU offers a dynamic learning environment with cross-disciplinary practices, which I believe is excellent for my interests and my status as an international student. Additionally, it provides a lower course fee compared to other User Experience and Interaction Design MSc courses in the UK.

The most important aspect of my university experience has been…

Lectures are super helpful, and if we get stuck anywhere, they help even during the weekends. Also, they have a well-established module structure. In the first semester, all the modules teach us the basics. Even if students are new to UX, they can easily learn the process. Additionally, all the modules are connected. I applied UX module learnings to HCI, Visuals, and Psychology. Similarly, every module’s learning can be applied to other modules. In the second semester, there were a lot of writings balanced with creative practices, which then directed us to the third-semester dissertation. During the third semester, we didn’t need much guidance because we got everything we needed in the second semester. Additionally, student associations organise trips and events, which are helpful for international students to explore Scotland and its culture.

My biggest lesson learned so far is…

Keep working hard until you reach your goal. Do not depend on other students for help; ask your module leaders for feedback and talk to them to understand it better. They are the ones who give marks to you, not anyone else. Don’t ignore the useful resources the university provides, like the library. The GCU library has lots of helpful books for your assignments, so use them as references. Take breaks from studying and explore the culture. If you feel too stressed with assignments, talk to your module leader for help. Also, do not compete with the person next to you or the person from your country. If you want good results, always compete with yourself and do your best for every project. Always think, ‘Can I show this assignment work to the outside to get the job?’ If not, keep improving until you have the confidence to show your work to get a job.

I’m proud to be part of the University for the Common Good because…

GCU is dedicated to creating a positive environment for the physical and mental well-being of students and staff. They actively support the health of our people and promote a positive atmosphere for learning and working. I’m proud to have studied at a university that cares about international students and provides the best learning experience for them.

I get my inspiration from…

My parents inspire me a lot. My mom couldn’t pursue higher studies due to financial challenges, but she always worked hard to teach me and help me become the best version of myself. She emphasized the importance of learning. My dad, on the other hand, taught me the value of working hard and never giving up on my dreams. From my personal experience, I know that the best views come after the hardest climb. So, I always work hard until I achieve the best.

My next steps look like…

Right after finishing my MSc with Distinction, I had the opportunity to work as a demonstrator at GCU. So, I decided to pursue this path.

You are most likely to bump into me…

I found the 3rd and 4th floors of the library to be very quiet and enjoyed spending time there during my MSc. Now, I continue to stay busy with writing in that same peaceful space. Though, if it’s snowing, I might prefer the garden outside, haha!

Thank you to Ruwanthi for sharing her GCU experience, if you would like to share your #GCUGradStory visit: https://bit.ly/3C4zNqY 

For more information on how to apply to GCU visit: Undergraduate | GCU