Everything is so beautiful here

Can you introduce yourself?

Hi, I’m Nour El Houda Hellal and I did a degree in architecture in Algeria, I came to Strathclyde university to take a master’s course in architecture and design. Last year I was doing my pre-master, and I started my masters this September. That’s it!

Why Strathclyde?

Well, Strathclyde had the best rank of all the other universities SAG suggested. if I remember correctly it was ranked third in Scotland for its architecture department and it was in the top 20 in all of the United Kingdom.

In the first face-to-face class I was really shocked by the equipment quality, the workshops are High-tech and well maintained, each student is equipped with his own PC and tools. Strathclyde is really developed in the architectural field! It really changed me from the universities in Algeria.

What’s the difference between studying in Strathclyde and Algeria?

More than the quality of the equipment, when they first sent me my class schedule I was very surprised by how light it was. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays I had just one class per day and only studied two Thursdays per month. You’re gonna think it’s funny but the schedule was so light I sent the university an email, thinking they were mistaken, and they told me that no, it wasn’t a mistake! It’s so different from when I was studying in Algeria. Our schedules were so busy back then!

What support does Strathclyde offer to prepare you for your future career?

More than the theoretical aspects that already help a lot, there’s the fact that when we’re doing projects Strathclyde provides us with real clients and real construction sites. discussing projects with real clients and visiting real sites are very valuable working experiences.

What type of architecture would you like to specialize in for your career?

Right now I’m doing a specialty in International Architecture, it’s a general program that involves studying all kinds of architecture all over the world. But I am interested in the olden architectures and how to integrate and merge them with their modern counterpart.

Do you like British architecture? What do you like most about it?

Yes! Everything is so beautiful here. What I like most here is the diversity in architecture, Victorian, antic, and modern, are all cohabiting in harmony here. The older buildings are so well maintained here in Glasgow and Edinburgh, there’s symmetry between old and new. You can say that they respect the history here, that's why everything is so beautiful.

As a photographer, did living in the UK help improve your skills, did you develop any new hobbies?

I always liked taking pictures of buildings and houses, since coming here I feel like my skills are improving a lot. Everything is so photogenic here, everywhere, and from any angle, every photo I take is beautiful. About other hobbies, I don’t know if you can call it a hobby but I enjoy discovering new cities, talking to new people. I have the freedom to go on adventures here, I found peace here

Would you encourage students to go study in the UK?

Yes, without hesitation! It’s an opportunity to experience so many new things. Adding to that the fact that with a UK VISA there are many countries you can visit, like Wales and Scotland, it is also easier to travel the world with a UK VISA, than with an Algerian VISA.

For your studies, the diploma you get is valuable and recognized all over the world. Here, you get the freedom to focus on your professional goals and still enjoy your life.

How did SAG help you with this? 

Well, you guys did everything, if it weren’t for SAG I wouldn’t be here. This journey started with SAG, you made everything so much easier for me. You encouraged me, gave me everything I needed, and I really don’t regret it.

Hearing that from one of our students puts a smile on our faces, team SA is very proud of you. Seeing you enjoying life in the UK is so heartwarming to us. Helping students reach their goals is our motto!