Luca is a hands-on learner, studying Global Design Engineering and exploring the full scope of what engineering can be. After initially planning a more traditional route, he chose a course that allows him to work across disciplines, build practical skills and gain hands-on experience from day one.
Tell us about your educational background
I think a lot of people assume engineering students always knew this was the path for them. For me, it wasn’t that straightforward.
My interest in engineering started in secondary school. I studied Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, along with an AS Level in Further Mathematics. What I liked most was being able to take something quite abstract and actually use it to solve more complex problems. There’s something satisfying about that process when everything starts to make sense and you can apply it properly.
At that point, I had a clear plan. I was aiming to study mechanical engineering at another more traditional institution, and I was pretty set on it. But I didn’t get an offer.
I remember feeling unsure about what to do next. Not just in terms of where to go, but whether studying only mechanical engineering was actually right for me. Up until then, I hadn’t really questioned it. It was just the plan. That’s when I found ASU London.
Why did you choose ASU London?
What stood out straight away was the Global Design Engineering degree. Instead of focusing on one narrow field, it gives you the chance to explore multiple areas of engineering while learning through projects and hands-on experience.
That mattered to me more than I expected.
I realised I didn’t actually want to limit myself too early. I liked the idea of trying different things and figuring out what I enjoyed as I went along, rather than committing to one path before I’d really experienced it.
Looking back now, it felt like a second chance, and it turned out to be a better fit than my original plan.
What’s your take on project-based learning?
I genuinely love it. You’re not just learning theory and hoping you’ll use it later. You’re applying it straight away through projects that can be used in your portfolio as well. That’s probably been the most enjoyable part for me so far.
What’s the ASU London community like?
Starting somewhere new can feel a bit uncomfortable at first. What helped me a lot was definitely the people here.
The other students at ASU London made it easier to settle in. They gladly share advice about the modules and show what they’ve been working on, there’s a sense that everyone is figuring things out together.
It doesn’t feel overly competitive. It’s more like you’re all working through the same challenges, just in slightly different ways.
Seeing what others have achieved has also been motivating. It pushes you to improve, but in a way that feels encouraging rather than overwhelmingly stressful.
“If there’s one thing my journey has shown me, it’s that not getting your original plan doesn’t mean you’re off track. Sometimes it leads you somewhere better. ASU London has given me the opportunity to explore in a way that feels practical, collaborative and flexible.”
Tell us about a memorable project you’ve worked on
Recently, I worked on a project where we built a prototype of a pen plotter. It sounds quite simple at first, but going through the process of designing and fabricating it properly was a lot more involved. When something doesn’t work, you have to figure out why and fix it. That’s where I learn the most.
What do you do in your free time?
Living in London as a student brings its own experience, and for me, my spare time is now a mix of slowing down and staying connected to home.
I often help my parents with baking, which is something I’ve always enjoyed. It’s a completely different kind of problem-solving. Less equations, more trial and error (and occasionally things not going to plan).
Where do you see yourself in the future?
One thing I’ve realised is that it’s fine not to have a fixed plan yet. At the moment, I’m still not completely sure what specific career path I’ll take after graduating. Being on a course that covers different areas of engineering has made me more aware of how many options there are.
I have thought about working towards becoming a Chartered Engineer in the future. I also like the idea of teaching and sharing what I’ve learned across the course.
But I am not in a rush. Right now, I’m keeping my options open, and that feels like the right approach.
What would you tell students thinking of applying to ASU London?
I’d say – go for it! I definitely recommend ASU London. If you like the idea of exploring different disciplines instead of committing to just one from the start, it’s a great place to do that.
It’s also ideal if you enjoy working in teams and learning through real-world problem solving. The project-based learning makes everything feel more relevant and more engaging.
Learn more about studying Global Design Engineering at ASU London.