Alice
Corti

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

My name is Alice and I am an international student studying at Nottingham Trent University. I am originally from Milan, Italy.  After spending my gap year in Bristol, I decided to move to Nottingham to study at NTU and I loved it ever since! My course is BA (Hons) Marketing and I am in my second year.

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

My original plan was to study in the UK for a couple of months in Bristol to improve my English level. However, once I got to experience a new life in a new country, I ended up wanting to settle in the UK and continue my studies here. I chose NTU among all the universities I had the chance to visit because NTU showed its support even before the application process. One day I got a call from an NTU student and she asked me if I had any questions about NTU, the student life or if I had any doubts and that call made me understand that at this university they care about their students. That is why I decided to apply, not only for the beautiful city campus and all the opportunities the university offers, but for the constant support provided.

What do you enjoy most about studying at NTU?

The thing I enjoy the most about studying at NTU is the strong sense of community I have felt since I have been studying here. The great number of international students and people from different backgrounds makes me feel at home every day. It is always nice to see so many students around Nottingham and it makes me feel safe and confident. I also love studying in the city campus as it is only a 10 minute walk from my accommodation and it is close to the main shops and restaurants.

Tell us about the facilities you use for your course.

All my lectures and seminars are usually held in Newton Building. I really enjoy going to the Boots Library after my classes or during exams season as it is such a stimulating environment and it is opened 24/7.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

I really enjoy the modules, I find them interesting and practical. The lecturers have experience in the industry and they often teach us things that are going to prepare us for the real world. Thanks to my course and Nottingham Business School, I was sponsored by NTU to spend a month in Paris last summer attending a summer school.  It was such an exciting experience and I learned a lot about marketing and brand management.

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

The support I received from NTU is incredible. Firstly, I love how the seminars are structured because it allows me to receive individual support from my seminar tutors when I need it. Having a personal tutor was something I never got the chance to have in my previous academic experiences, and especially in my second year my seminar tutor helped to improve my engagement with the course. I also had the chance to get support from the employability team as I was struggling to find a part-time job and they checked my CV and gave me advice on where to find job opportunities.

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

I believe I will be more employable after doing this course because some of the modules I have taken focused on personal and academic development. For example, in first year I had to set up my LinkedIn account and one of my assignments involved creating a recorded presentation, aimed at improving my public speaking skills.  My course hosted many networking events throughout the year which allowed me to meet more people, and talk with people in the marketing industry. For this term, I need to get 40 hours of work experience for one module and this highlights even more how my course gives great importance to employability.

What is Nottingham like for international students?

In my opinion, Nottingham is the best city for international students. Having lived in Bristol and visited many cities across the UK, I feel like Nottingham is the most welcoming one. It is such a vibrant and multicultural city, which made me feel at home from the first day I moved here. The city centre is not too big and there is everything a student would need from shops to bars at a walking distance. Also, many student accommodations are based in the city centre and this always made me feel like the majority of people walking around are students and it makes me feel safer.

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

To all the students who are thinking about coming to NTU, do not think twice about doing it, just do it. I know that living abroad without your support system and studying a whole degree in a different language might sound scary but it is completely worth it and NTU is always there to support you through every step. Also, my advice is to try to make the most of the uni experience. Going to NTU changed my life because it has not been just an academic journey but also a process of personal growth. At NTU, there is always something to do and it is important to take time to make friends and explore new hobbies and sports. Join societies, visit the Global Lounge and most importantly, always keep your mind open because it is such an amazing opportunity being able to meet people from all around the world!

What’s it like making new friends at NTU?

Making friends at NTU is easier than I initially thought. I made new friends in my course, at the Global Lounge and through the various society events I attended. Sometimes it can feel lonely moving to a new country and leaving all your home friends behind, but it is important to push yourself out of your comfort zone and join events and societies.

How does studying at NTU differ from your home country?

Before moving to the UK, I studied at a private university in Milan for 2 months but then I decided to drop out as the course I was doing didn’t really meet my expectations. Now, I can say that I prefer the education system in the UK for several reasons. First of all, everything that has been taught in my course didn’t involve only theory but also practice, while in Italy every module was focus on studying from books and learning theories. The teaching method at NTU is much more effective for me as I believe putting into practice what I learn makes me more employable in the future. Another reason for preferring studying at NTU is that going to seminars allows me to clarify any doubts I have directly with my tutor, while in Italy the university didn’t offer seminars but only lectures.

Have you joined any societies or clubs while at NTU?

I wanted to make the most of my experience while at NTU, so I joined several societies and sports clubs. In first year, I joined the ice skating society which helped me make new friends and I also joined the pole dancing club. In second year, I decided to join the climbing society and it’s such a friendly environment for beginners and non-beginners as well.

What do you think of the Global Lounge?

I think it’s the best place to meet new friends and learn more about different cultures. During my first days at NTU, I wanted to socialise more and after visiting the Global Lounge and joining some of the events such as the Global Lunch, I made an amazing group of friends.

How would you describe the student experience at NTU?

I would say that the student experience at NTU is inspiring and rewarding. NTU motivates students through great teaching, innovation, and opportunities while recognising the efforts of students and giving credit to their achievements. The number of opportunities and events provided by the university make the experience very engaging as everyone can feel part of this vibrant community life. I always felt I could ask for help and get support from NTU.

What accommodation are you currently living in? What do you like about it?

I currently live in private student accommodation. I really like the location as it is only a 5-minute walk from Victoria Centre and 10 minutes from the city campus.

What do you do and where do you usually go when you’re not studying?

When I don’t study or work, I enjoy climbing at Depot, which is my favourite climbing centre in Nottingham. I also like taking part in the socials hosted by the different societies I am part of. During springtime, I usually go to the park with my friends and have a picnic.

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

Empowering, Diverse and Memorable.