Hi! I'm Ashrafi Amin, an Architectural Engineering student at Drexel University. Choosing the right college is a big decision, and I know how helpful it is to hear directly from someone who's experienced campus life firsthand. I'd love to give you an honest and welcoming look at what it's like to be a Drexel student. During our tour, I'll share my experiences with academics, co-op opportunities, student organizations, campus resources, housing, dining, and everyday life at Drexel. Whether you're interested in engineering, want to learn about student life, or have questions as an international or out-of-state student, I'm happy to provide honest insights and answer all of your questions. My goal is to help you feel confident and informed as you explore Drexel and decide whether it's the right fit for you. I look forward to meeting you and showing you around campus!

Hometown

Dhaka, Bangladesh (currently living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, while studying at Drexel University)

Major(s)

Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering

Minor(s)

Environmental Engineering

Clubs, organizations & involvement

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) – Active Member Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI) at Drexel – Active Member American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Drexel Chapter – Active Member Muslim Student Association (MSA) at Drexel – Active member, participating in community service, cultural, and social events.

Describe your college experience

Moving from Bangladesh to Philadelphia to study at Drexel University has been both exciting and rewarding. Adjusting to a new country, culture, and academic system was challenging at first, but it helped me become more independent and confident. I've enjoyed meeting students from diverse backgrounds, joining student organizations, and gaining hands-on experience through research, engineering projects, and co-op opportunities. Drexel's experiential learning approach has allowed me to apply what I learn in the classroom to real-world engineering challenges, making my college experience both meaningful and inspiring.

Tip for future students

Get involved as early as you can! Join student organizations, attend networking events, visit professors during office hours, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Drexel offers incredible opportunities through co-op, research, and student clubs, but it's up to you to take advantage of them. As an international student, I also recommend exploring Philadelphia, making friends from different cultures, and maintaining a healthy balance between academics and your personal life.

Favorite class

My favorite class at Drexel has been English with Dr. Keunah Han. The course helped me become a stronger writer, communicator, and critical thinker. As an international student, I especially appreciated Dr. Han's supportive teaching style and constructive feedback, which gave me more confidence in expressing my ideas through writing and discussion. The class has improved my communication skills, which are valuable not only in academics but also in engineering and professional settings.

Career goals

After graduating, I hope to become a licensed Structural Engineer specializing in sustainable buildings and infrastructure. I plan to gain experience through engineering design and consulting before pursuing a Professional Engineer (PE) license. In the long term, I hope to lead multidisciplinary projects that combine architectural design, structural engineering, and sustainable construction to create resilient communities. I'm also interested in mentoring future engineers and contributing to innovative research in the built environment.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I enjoy spending my free evenings exploring Philadelphia with friends, trying new restaurants, or taking a walk around the city. I also like reading, working on personal design projects, learning new software skills, and relaxing with a good movie or a game of badminton. It's a great balance between staying productive and taking time to recharge.

High school or secondary school

BIAM Model School & College Dhaka, Bangladesh

Previous college

NA