MA Illustration

Nottingham Trent University

I love my course eand have been really enjoying it so far! Our main building (waverly) is one of my favourites on campus as I think it is so beautiful on the outside. The insides however feels like it is a little neglected compared to other buildings near by. The kitchen is small and old, ( and we have since been told it is technically staff only, even though the other buildings have student dedication kitchen spaces.) the water machine breaks often and it all just feels a little tired and neglected (compared to Dryden or Newton for example). I also feel that the technology facilities are not always great, we are often told things need to be used for them to stay but when trying to use them ( for example dragon fram in the animation room, the kiln for pottery etc.) They are either out of order or we are made to feel like we shouldn't be there using it unless it directly relates to a current project/ we have a workshop for it. The staff are all absolutely brilliant, they are all clearly so passionate about their subject and are always friendly and willing to help. Some go absolutely above and beyond and everyone has helped kindle my passion for illustration. The cafes and the area around the uni have a brilliant atmosphere and there is always something to do. The student union has so much to offer. The "give it a go" week and other events the union holds are always brilliant and you are never far away from some sort of event.

As a mature student ( 36 ) i have found it challenging. I havnt met anyone my own age or close. This has been quite daunting at times but also extremely interesting. I love learning from the young people around me and am often blown away by their talents skills and academic abilities. I didn't do A levels i had lets say , took the scenic route to get to where i am now. There have been moments i wanted to give up , didn't feel i belonged at university, and felt like I'd snook in through the back door and was an impostor. However over the last couple of months i have completely fell in love with life and absolutely love being at university. Of course there are days where i feel doubtful and insecure but thoses feeling do not last long. We were recently given a new brief. I went to the libary and took out a book titled " the search for meaning " the author wrote that his wife didn't get her degree until she was 50. I know there are many people who do not go to university or get degrees until later in life and many successful people do not become " successful " until after their 40s and 50s ... I have come to realise that everyones path is different , that we are all on a jorney and it is the jorney that matters, not the destination. The only thing i would ask to improve at the university is to make people aware that not everyone starts their jorney at 19 and 21 . There have been several times i have been asked if i work there ( which i take as a compliment) then feel silly saying no im a student. And once was told i couldn't be apart of a support group because i wasn't a student. When i asked what they meant they said " we don't have support groups for parents of students " the person had misinterpreted what I'd said and had assumed because i was a parent i was a parent of a student not a student parent looking for support. But overall i am very happy with the university, all the tutors are lovely and have always been more than happy to help me with problems I've faced.

The study environment is very supportive. I can open my mind and try new things which are very useful for my future career. My tutor encourages me so much and always is so nice to help me. I reckon that the public restroom in Waverly building where I study my course should be cleaned up more frequently. I used others in Boots Library and Newton Building and find they are cleaner.

Overall, I have great experience here at NTU. The university is at the city centre so it's very convenient. My course tutors are all very supportive and communicative. I see that there are a lot of events for both home and international students, for example Global week, etc. One thing that need to be improved is the timetable. Sometimes the time is set a bit confused.

Amazing teachers who engage and help when asked Friendly learning environment Personally more industry practice would be nice Or a lecture about freelancing as that's the direction I want to go in.

If you're an international student, NTU is the best university for you. They have all the support you would need to get settled and prioritizes student mental health and wellbeing. The tutors and professors are really friendly and open to help you with anything you need help with. The campus provides you with top notch facilities that helps you with your course. The best thing you could do for yourself and your future is joining NTU!