Arya
Sali

Tell us your name, where you are from and what course you are studying?

Hi! My name is Arya Sali. I am from India, and I am studying BA (Hons) Fashion Management at Nottingham Trent University.

What made you choose to study in the UK and at NTU?

When I was in my first year of high school my initial plan was to continue my studies in India and move abroad later for masters. However, after one of the student counsellors’ sessions regarding undergraduate studies abroad, I quickly started researching fashion courses online and navigating which country and university was the best with the most resources to offer.

I came across NTU, and the course subjects grabbed my attention. It perfectly combined business acumen and commercial awareness with creativity. I later discovered that my course was in the Top 20 courses for fashion in the UK and therefore Nottingham Trent became my firm choice. I can now say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What do you enjoy most about studying at NTU?

I absolutely love the sense of community and homeliness that NTU has. Everyone is super welcoming and happy to help you with anything you may need. NTU also offers a range of opportunities to get involved in everything from NTSU Societies, Global Week, Careers Fair, Creative Futures Talk, NTU Enterprise Events and so much more!

The holistic approach to education at NTU extends beyond the traditional classroom setting, consisting of a spectrum of experiences that shape well-rounded individuals. It's a place where you don't just acquire knowledge but also build lasting connections, explore diverse interests, and prepare for a dynamic future.

I also got involved in many exciting NTU and Unitemps based roles such as Student Ambassador, Content Creator, Course Representative, Photography Participant, Call Campaigns and a lot more. I have thoroughly enjoyed these experiences!

A little fun fact – I was also called for a short interview in 2^nd year and get my picture taken for one of the NTU lamp post banners in City Campus!

What do you think about the support you’ve received on your course?

Throughout my journey at NTU, I have received exceptional support on my course from my lecturers, personal tutor, and employability.

As international students, it can be overwhelming to face so many different issues and problems which are very specific to us. NTU really takes pride in having a strong international community and therefore, I was easily able to discuss any issues either with my personal tutor or student support services!

I have also had my CV reviewed multiple times with NTU Employability team during my final year and gained some great insights and tips on how I can make my CV more professional and easier to read for recruiters.

NTU provides an assurance that, as a student, I am not just a part of an institution but a community that genuinely cares about my growth and success.

Have you done any work-like experience or work placements as part of your studies?

I have had the incredibly opportunity to work as a Buying Admin Assistant at Ralph Lauren during my placement year. When I first started looking for placement opportunities back in December 2021, I had this relentless desire of working at Ralph Lauren just like my favourite character Rachel from Friends did. The show was incredibly close to my heart and so became Ralph Lauren.

My placement year has not only provided me with invaluable professional skills but also helped me grow as person. Since, my direct team was based in Geneva, Switzerland, I had to learn not only how to work efficiently but also build connections with people all across the world.

This was an incredible opportunity to kickstart my career that I will be forever grateful for, as it has provided me with an exceptional starting point and countless opportunities for growth and to learn invaluable skills.

Do you think you will be more employable after doing this course?

Undoubtedly! I believe that completing this course at NTU will significantly enhance my employability.

The dynamic nature of my course seamlessly combines the business and commercial acumen with the creative side of the fashion industry. For instance, the modules I’ve studied such as Business and Entrepreneurship, Global Sourcing and Sustainability, Buying and Merchandising - didn’t just provide me theoretical knowledge of the fashion industry but they have also quipped me with practical skills, allowing me to approach business situations with a strategic mindset and come up with creative and innovative solutions.

During the last three years, I have worked with multiple groups for coursework which has helped me build my teamworking and collaborative skill. These experiences have prepared me to work efficiently with people of varying backgrounds and perspectives, a crucial skill in today's interconnected and diverse professional environments.

Apart from my placement year experience, I also have an extensive retail experience working for various brands such as M&S, Sweaty Betty, Reiss, Levis and Zara. This exposure to fast-paced retail environments has honed my ability to multitask effectively and manage my time efficiently to deliver the best results.

I am confident that with the modules I have learned and experiences I have gained during my NTU make me more employable after this course.

As an international student, what’s the one piece of advice you wish you had been told before you came to NTU?

Don’t be afraid, you are a lot more capable than you think! You have got this, and you are going to have the best time.

I know it can be overwhelming and scary moving to a whole different country, but it is the best thing you will ever do. You are going to learn so much not only about the world but also yourself. There is a newfound freedom in moving to place where no one knows you – so you can be whatever and whoever you want. So just TRUST YOURSELF.

And in the words of my favourite Taylor Swift - the scary part is you are on your own now... but the cool thing is YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN NOW!

How would you describe the student experience at NTU?

My student experience at NTU has been nothing but memorable! I have met some incredibly inspiring people, created long-lasting relationships and friendships, and so many memories that I will cherish forever.

Nottingham is a very small yet very central city which gave me the opportunity to visit and explore all the nearby places. So far, I have taken both one-day and long trips to London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester, Leeds, Edinburgh, Cambridge, Oxford, Cornwall, Belfast!

I truly loved living in the city centre with everything very accessible from grocery stores, pharmacies, cinemas, and restaurants. Nottingham is known to be a student city with people coming from diverse backgrounds, so you are bound to meet someone from your home country.

My student experience at NTU has been a perfect blend of academic excellence, cultural exploration, and personal growth. The memories created, the friendships forged, and the skills developed have laid a strong foundation for my future endeavours, making my time at NTU truly unforgettable.

NTU has truly been a home away from home!

What 3 words would you use to describe your experience at NTU?

Dynamic, Transformative and Fulfilling.