London was nice!

Buckingham palace.......

Buckingham garden gate

Fountain in front of the palace

Protecting the queen! Hard work??

Buckingham palace

Let me in, mate! 

Buckingham palace

Meeee

You shouldn't be looking at me, mate!

 Westminister.....

London eye....

 South bank end...

 St Paul's Cathedral.....

Airport Welcome 2011

The University’s welcome week 2011 was a nice experience and most importantly, being part of the Airport welcome/transfer team was particularly interesting. It is my belief that the airport welcome is the most impressionable component of the University’s welcome week activities. This is because the airport welcome/transfer is the first picture of the university seen by the international students on their arrival and this sets the trend of what to expect when they get to the university.

Although this year’s airport welcome/transfer wasn’t without a few hiccups but it was all resolved smoothly, thanks to the immaculate planning of Misbah Haque and was a good improvement over last year. I should know because I was actually part of the new students received last year by the airport welcome team.

I would say this year’s airport welcome/transfer was a success thanks to planning, teamwork and discipline exhibited by the team and the two best bus drivers in the world; Steve and Kenny.

Its was all worth it

September is here, my colleagues and I have only one thing on our minds "dissertation deadline". Its been a long and tasking year, but it all ends with this dissertation and we are almost there. Most of us are already thinking about what comes up next, knowing the prospects has to be worth all the effort that has been put into the last one year. Now when I look back at the beginning, I thank God and tell myself the last one year has been nice to me, really nice.
And as i look forward to being awarded my master's degree in Structural Engineering, I can't help but think of the new students gearing and packing up to face a "nice year" in the University of Salford.  But believe me, even now before being awarded my master's degree, I look back and know, it was all worth it.

Its almost over (1)

Just a few more weeks to go and mission accomplished. This week saw the end of my 50 weeks stay in the university accommodation; John Lester court, I have to move into an alternative accommodation to spend the last few weeks of my master's programme. It was hard saying goodbye to my wonderful hostel-mates, especially my flatmates and the reception desk. I am going to miss my flatmates a lot and the memories of our stay together will linger on.

My stay at the university accomodation was a wonderful and memorable experience, it provided a conducive and hospitable environment and made settling down into the university a lot more easier. I guess we have to leave to make room for new students resuming mid-September.

To all new students, hope your bags are packed.

August Ends Soon

August seems to run fast, this month ends too soon and it feels like there wasn't enough days in the month. Maybe its because there's still a lot of work to be done on my dissertation. I should be printing out results data from my computer simulated model any day now, but this only means am just half way into my dissertation. Gathering information on foundation appraisal of temporary buildings (disaster/relief shelters) for my dissertation is harder than it sounds and I still spend a lot of my time in the school library. The University Clifford Library opens during non-term time (for dissertation students like me). Thanks to my course-mates, its not as boring as you would expect, as we still have group discussions and share ideas on our diverse dissertation topics.

My course-mate Haydar F. Hameed in the library

Well, August ends soon and my dissertation is just half way, but am getting there.

Application approved

Funny, how time flies. Its been exactly a year now that I secured my student visa to study at the University of Salford. This time last year, I was on my way to the visa application office to find out if my visa application was approved, having applied two weeks earlier. I could still remember how anxious I felt and knowing that the decision was going to make a huge difference in my life and a step towards greater things.

Application approved and a year later, I cannot over-stress how much things has changed for me and how much I appreciate the opportunity I was given and the prospects ahead.

And to prospective students just applying for their visas or waiting for the results, I wish you all goodluck.

London on my mind

After spending almost all summer in school working on my dissertation and so much time in Manchester, I think spending a fews days in London won't do any damage. I am planning to take three days off and visit some interesting places in London. Places like Buckingham palace (yep!), Westminister Abbey, London eye and Emirates Stadium. Maybe even No.10, Downing Street! It will be a wonderful time off all my studying.

Congrats to graduating students

Hi all, I want to congratulate all year 2011 graduating students of the University of Salford and wish them greater achievements in their future endeavours. Congrats also to Mr Daniel Oni as he bags a MSc degree in Managing Information Technology. Thanks to him, I was privilege to witness this year's graduation ceremony. It was really nice watching graduating students being called to receive their degrees, coming out one after the other, I can only imagine how much they pondered on how this day will be for them and the expectations ahead.

This makes me look forward to my own graduation ceremony. And I wonder how I will feel when i hear my name "Taofik Lawal, Master's Degree in Structural Engineering" and the subsequent applause.

Old Trafford Stadium

Recently took sometime off to visit the "theatre of dreams", all work and no play, makes jack a...

The Manchester United Stadium in Old Trafford is just 10 mins (by bus) from Salford. 

Old Trafford Stadium

Manchester United Football Museum

Best seats in the house

Great view

Stretford end

I had an interesting tour of the stadium, wonderful memories i will always treasure.

Dissertation Chapter Two

Dissertation!, dissertation!, dissertation!!, that's the new song in my head. Few weeks has passed, yet am still stuck in chapter two. A lot of work has been done but a lot more is still required and I have been told I will be the one to do it all (lol!). Well, looking at the positives, I must say I have a very good supervisor in Mr Neil Currie and now I have established a scope of work for my analysis and report.

Carrying out critical analysis

Just to remind readers, my dissertation topic is "Foundation design and appraisal for temporary buildings", I will focus mainly on analyzing existing foundation designs for emergency relief and disaster structures and propose improvement in design, durability, transportability and sustainability. I am to model suitable computer simulations using ANSYS software to generate sufficient data to be used in determining their interaction and failure modes. Now that's a mouth full. I tried explaining it like this to a friend recently, and his reaction was "Ehhh?", funny thing, that was the same thing i said the first time i heard the topic.

Glad to see Summer

Hi all, its a little sad for me that i'll be spending my summer in Salford, instead of taking sometime off to relax and unwind. but that's the sacrifice i have to make, so i can start my dissertation early. In Salford, the weather is much better in Summer, with some really lovely warm days (folks here call it "Heat wave"), i call it the "Normal days" since that's the normal temperature in my country, Nigeria. So you see why calling it Heat wave might be a little awkward for me!

I can't start to tell you how bad i miss the weather at home, but Summer makes it a lot easier for me.

Summer time is fun time, so trust me, even with my dissertation holding me up, am still going to squeeze out time to have some fun!.

Manchester Wheel

Taking a ride on the Manchester Wheel is one of many fun things you can do in Manchester. My visit was particularly fascinating since it was my first time of riding on such.

The wheel is about a height 60 metres at the heart of Manchester and offers splendid views of the city.

It was really fun looking at Manchester from the top.

When you come to Salford, don't forget to visit the Manchester Wheel in the Manchester city centre which is just 12 minutes away from the University of Salford..

Dear June......

May is over and finally, i can breathe a sigh of relief, i am through with my exams. The sleepless nights, library overtime and excessive reading is all over now (although for me, it was more like read - eat - sleep - eat -read -  eat - sleep - read, lol). The May battle has been won but the war is not yet over.

Now its June, dissertation time. Right now, am in the process of gathering all information relevant to my dissertation topic, that means am in renaissance mode. And i am happy to tell you all that the topic this genius (me!) will be working on is "Foundation Review and Appraisal for Temporary Buildings". Do you know what it means??? well, i can't explain right now, it will take me a few blogs to explain it to non-structural engineers, so stay tuned to subsequent blogs and find out.

Dear June, I am almost there. I can hardly wait for the day when in front of my family and hundreds of colleagues, my name will be called out and i will be awarded a master's degree in structural engineering by the University of Salford.

Best of luck

Am wishing my classmates and all students of the University of Salford, success in their forthcoming exams.

Goodluck folks!

A lil prayer for Exams

I pray all the determination and
 effort of the last few months 
don't go to waste and
 i excel in my much anticipated examination. 
As i reluctantly close my eyes this night,
 i hope tomorrow brings an easy day. 
Indeed, i have come a long way.


But Taofik just a few more days,
God shall be your strength.


Just a few more days...


...wake up tomorrow and
show the world you have come this far.

Lesson 2 (TLCCAUS 101.2): Next step

Welcome back class.


Lesson 2; Know what you need


Viewing the web page of each course, you will be able to determine if you are qualified for the course and outline all necessary application requirements. The course webpage will also enlighten you on course modules to be taken and graduate prospects, so you will know exactly what to expect (No surprises!). An example is, the MSc in Structural Engineering webpage 
Once you meet the qualification requirements and you are able to provide all necessary documents, you can proceed to the apply online. More importantly, check the fees and tuition page to find out how much you need to pay for the course and what options are available for funding.


Lesson 3; Apply NOW!


You can apply online here 
Enter all details on the online application page as required, attached all necessary documents and submit.


Now that doesn't sound difficult, does it? NO! YES! NO! Can't make up your mind?
If you can't make up your mind, then Sorry! you just failed my class.


Hey people, have a go at it, its not rocket science. I will love to see more international students get the type of opportunity i got to study at the University of Salford (Although i think we already have enough, lol).

Getting to Salford 2: Good news!

Hello all,
Its a new month and am getting closer to my second semester exams. I can hardly believe that in a few weeks time, i will be in the last stage of my MSc, my dissertation. 
The month of May bring such memories of how it (my MSc programme) all started. This time last year, i already secured a conditional offer to study at the University of Salford and i was in the process of paying my tuition fee deposit as was the main requirement to secure an unconditional offer.


Good news! for all those out there who would like to study in the University of Salford.

Maxwell Building, University of Salford

Its note too late to apply. APPLY NOW!


And even more good news, i can put you through the easy steps to apply. 
I call it the "Taofik Lawal Crash Course on applying to the University of Salford" a.k.a. TLCCAUS 101.


Now relax folks, Sit back and lets start TLCCAUS 101.


Lesson 1 (TLCCAUS 101.1): Choose a course that suits you
You will find choosing a course to study at the University of Salford quite easy, all you have to do is to go to the school's website course finder or check out the online prospectus for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This will guide you adequately on each course or programme requirements, subjects or modules involved and the next steps you need to take to apply for each.


Lesson 2 (TLCCAUS 101.2): Next step
Like i said in the end of lesson 1, the next steps you need to take to apply for each course are on each course page. (Lol)


I just had a good laugh, let me get back to reading for my exams.......... watch out for Lesson 2 in my next blog.

Busy times!

Busy times indeed, i have been a little busy. Friday was the last week for classes, and what a hectic week it was. Had to put in a lot of effort to submit two "mega" course works, but i survived. My secret was READ, EAT, READ, EAT, READ, maybe sleep (but just a little) and EAT again.

yeap! am going to read it all

Now school is on a 3 weeks Easter break from Friday 15th April to Monday 9th May, and guess what?? Exams starts immediately for me after the break. So no time to have any mega fun this Easter break, its me and my books in the library(and yea! my food too). 

But don't worry, i'll still have time to blog.

So far, So good

Last Friday, I got an email from my course coordinator requesting that i pick my dissertation topic from a long list of available topics. Then i realized, I have come so far. I couldn't believe it, I've been in Salford for 7 months now already and my masters study will soon be coming to an end. It all seem quite fast.

I can remember not too long ago, how it all started, choosing a masters course to study on the University of Salford website and sending in the documents required. At that time, i could never have pictured myself months later, sitting on a chair in my room blogging about my experience in the University of Salford.


I guess its true that a long journey starts with the foremost step.

And 7 months down the line, so much has happened, i met different types of people; interesting people, weird people, funny people and some remarkably wonderful people. I have been to places and experienced different types of culture. 


There's a bigger story in here, somewhere! but the story cannot be told yet.


So far, all has been good. God has been good. AA

Winter was cold

Last November i experienced my very first winter and it was really amusing and enlightening. Back in Nigeria, we have only two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season, this means i only get to see the sun come up and rain come down. 

Coming to the UK, i was anxious to see and compare their different seasons; autumn, winter, spring and summer and was even more exacted by my anticipation of seeing my very first snowfall. And i wasn't disappointed, it was a lovely sight to behold (for a first timer i guess) and the only thing that felt more amusing was the sub-degree temperature that followed. 


YES! Winter was cold, very very cold.

Obviously, it was a lot more colder than i was use to. And while the winter cold took sometime to get use to, i was enjoying my first winter experience, especially building my very own snowman (sounds like a lot fun but believe me, building one is actually hard and time consuming). 


Now months later, reminiscing on how much i didn't like the winter cold, i think i miss the snow.

I want to be a Structural Engineer

Steel building design, Concrete building design, Seismic engineering, Finite Element Analysis, Timber and Masonry design, Bridge engineering and Durability of structures……. Any of these sound familiar?

No! right? my guess is, you’re not a Structural Engineer. These are some of my course modules for MSc in Structural Engineering. It sounds difficult and cumbersome, and believe me it is. 

Choosing to study MSc in structural engineering in the University of Salford, I knew I had an uphill task ahead. But half way through, I now believe I made the right choice. This is because the University offers a range of undergraduate and taught post-graduate courses with a strong practical content which is in demand from modern employers and their staffs maintain links with the civil engineering industry and Institutions to ensure Salford graduates are well placed to enjoy a productive career.

Course module presentation in my classes also provides a simplified approach for students to better understand what is being taught. So far, classes have been interesting and enjoyable, rather than boring (as i expected) and my once seemingly uphill task now feels easier. 

And now i count down the days to when i can finally call myself a 'Structural Engineer'. 76 days, 22 hours, 50 minutes and 10 seconds (plus dissertation) to go! Yayyyyyyy!!!

I love to eat

Yes, we all love to eat, don’t we? 

So it’s good to know that the city of Manchester plays host to a large variety of restaurants and bars for the international community, you can find almost any type of food in Salford and Manchester, whether you are Indian, Chinese, Italian, or African etc. That means you won’t miss your favourite foods while in Salford and you can also decide to try something entirely new and different (I haven’t done that yet!).

On my way to Manchester Food Court, Arndale

And if you like it FAST! You can drop in at your favourite fast food shops like KFC, Burger king, McDonalds etc. I find it relaxing to take out leisure time and drop in at (My) KFC for a finger licking chicken meal with friends during the week. Well, I already told you I love to eat!.

Are you a vegetarian? 

Do you like curry? 

Do you like fish, beef, bacon or chicken? 

Then you will feel at home in Salford, because whatever your taste is, you will find the right place to eat from the variety of eateries and food outlets here.

As for some of us out there, who will like to be a little prudent and not spend all your funds on eating (lol), cooking at home can also so be a lot of fun as all University of Salford campus accommodation have shared kitchen facilities. So you can decide to go into Salford, get your necessary ingredients and literally make a meal out of it. You will find most ingredients for any type of meal, even the ones you least expect. As a Nigerian, I was amazed to find all our locally made ingredients here in Salford e.g. Palm oil, Ogbono seeds, Egusi seeds, Stock fish, Brown beans and even Indomie. So on weekends, when am less busy, I take time to prepare my favourite Nigerian delicacy, Pounded Yam with Egusi soup.

So no worries, be happy and eat all you can.

Did i tell you about Chinatown?