<p>I was wondering if anyone can think of some hands-on Mechanical Engineering related things that a student can work on in their dorm/apartment? Just something like a project that can give them more experience in their field? I know for EE's it's as easy as buying some circuit boards or circuit board sets and kind of playing around with that but I feel like for Mechanical it's hard unless you have a machine shop, lab, or a lot of money. Any ideas?</p>
<p>I’m kinda in the same boat as you. I’m going into my 2nd year as a MechE major. I think it’s better and easier to work on a design project with other students through the college (like building a robot or designing an engine). My college has all sorts of stuff going on with the students and projects, I just have to make an effort to join and participate in one.</p>
<p>Go for a relevant research job in the meantime. Though I’m not a MechE major, I went to a lab and started working on some mechanical projects my incoming freshman year. I’d think you would be able to find something, especially since your major is relevant.</p>
<p>Probably not what you’re looking for, but computer programming. The more advanced an ME gets with that, the better their job prospects. CAD, FEA, Labview, C+ </p>
<p>I’ve drawn some stuff in CAD that I can make for my car using parts from McMaster-Carr (Google it if you’re not familiar) for not a ton of money. There are cheap way of getting the metal cut (i.e. water jet) and then the most expensive thing would be welding.</p>