u/berkenam

Hello everyone,
I’m a mechanical engineering graduate currently living in Istanbul, and I’ll be moving to Glasgow this coming September to start my MSc in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.
I have a huge interest in the renewable energy sector, particularly wind energy, and I really want to steer my career in this direction. Back in Turkey, my experience was a bit different—I did an internship in the defense industry working on internal combustion engines. While my ultimate goal is to pivot into renewables, I am also completely open to broader mechanical engineering roles across other sectors.
As the move gets closer, I have a few questions for the locals, expats, or fellow engineers in the area:

1. Job Market & Visa Sponsorship: How tough is the job market in Glasgow (and the wider UK) for mechanical engineering and renewable energy roles right now? Coming from an ICE/defense background, will it be difficult to compete for graduate roles? Do companies in the energy field generally open doors for Graduate Visas / Skilled Worker sponsorships?
2. Cost of Living: What is a realistic monthly budget for a student nowadays? I'm trying to gauge rent (student accommodation vs. private flat shares) and general living expenses in Glasgow.
3. Social Life: What is the social scene like for international postgraduate students? Is it easy to make friends outside of the university circle, or are there specific clubs/societies you’d recommend joining?
   Would love to hear any tips, insights, or reality checks you might have. Thanks in advance!

Hello everyone,

I’m a mechanical engineering graduate currently living in Istanbul, and I’ll be moving to Glasgow this coming September to start my MSc in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.
I have a huge interest in the renewable energy sector, particularly wind energy, and I really want to steer my career in this direction. Back in Turkey, my experience was a bit different—I did an internships in the defense industry working on internal combustion engines. While my ultimate goal is to pivot into renewables, I am also completely open to broader mechanical engineering roles across other sectors.
As the move gets closer, I have a few questions for the locals, expats, or fellow engineers in the area:

1. Job Market & Visa Sponsorship: How tough is the job market in Glasgow (and the wider UK) for mechanical engineering and renewable energy roles right now? Coming from an ICE/defense background, will it be difficult to compete for graduate roles? Do companies in the energy field generally open doors for Graduate Visas / Skilled Worker sponsorships?
2. Cost of Living: What is a realistic monthly budget for a student nowadays? I'm trying to gauge rent (student accommodation vs. private flat shares) and general living expenses in Glasgow.
3. Social Life: What is the social scene like for international postgraduate students? Is it easy to make friends outside of the university circle, or are there specific clubs/societies you’d recommend joining?
   Would love to hear any tips, insights, or reality checks you might have. Thanks in advance!