Maria
Bottiroli

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

My name is Maria, I’m from Italy and I’m studying BA (Hons) Education.

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

Amazing, Unforgettable and Life-changing.

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

I have always been interested in learning about different cultures. In secondary school, I chose to study languages for 5 years (English, French and German). I came to the UK a few times on trips organised by my school, and I absolutely fell in love with the country. I visited Nottingham for the first time in 2019 and I knew it would be a perfect city for me. I started researching university courses and NTU was my first choice from the start. I was amazed by the facilities and services the university provided and I soon found a course that would suit my interests.

What were your first impressions during your first few days here?

I arrived on campus quite late, so I struggled to settle in at the start of my course. However, my tutors were really supportive and my classmates were very friendly, which helped me to get used to the new environment fast. I soon started feeling like I could build a new life and find a new home in Nottingham.

What do you enjoy most about studying at NTU?

I think everything is organised in a way that motivates and supports students to become the best version of themselves. The course content is engaging, the teaching standards are outstanding and every module has allowed me to develop useful skills. Outside of the course, there are also countless opportunities to take part in extracurricular activities, which have positively contributed to my university experience. I believe NTU is an amazing learning community where you can feel a strong sense of belonging.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

I really like the way the teaching and learning are structured. I always attend seminars and take part in discussions. These sessions have definitely enhanced my learning experience, as they are designed to improve critical thinking skills and promote collaborative learning.

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

The support I have received during my time at NTU has been amazing. My lecturers and tutors have always been so helpful with every aspect of the course. I also found the library services very useful during my first year to get started with academic writing. The Employability Team has also helped me to find a placement in my second year and are currently supporting me with my future career choices. Being able to reach out and receive support has allowed me to stay motivated, produce my best work, and feel welcomed throughout my educational journey.

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

Yes. During my second year I undertook a 6-week-long placement: I worked as a teaching assistant in a primary school. It was one of the best experiences of my life. During my time on placement, I was able to reflect on my future career choices and develop core skills I will need to undertake a career in teaching.

Have you been involved in any live projects or exciting briefs?

Yes. This course has given me a general overview on education systems in the UK and abroad, which is a great starting point for a career in teaching. This course also guarantees an interview for a postgraduate teacher training at NTU, which is an amazing opportunity to advance into a teaching career.

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

Yes. Throughout my course I have been able to develop skills which are fundamental to enter the labour market. Holding a degree from a British institutions with high teaching standards will also open more job prospects in my home country or in other countries around the world. The next step for me would be to gain QTS (qualified teacher status), in order to boost my employability.

How has your experience living by yourself in a new city been? 

Living by myself has completely changed me as an individual. My personal growth since I moved here has been huge and I am now able to live independently as a mature adult. My advice would be: don’t be scared. Even though living alone in a new environment might feel a bit overwhelming at the start, it is a challenge that will have a long-term positive impact on your personal development.

What is Nottingham like for international students?

I think Nottingham is a great student city. It’s not too big and the transport links are very effective so it’s quite easy to travel around. There are a lot of places to go during your free time both in the day and in the night. I love the fact that there are many green spaces and parks in this city, because I like to spend time outdoors. I also think Nottingham a very diverse city where you will be able to meet people and taste foods from lots of different cultures. You will definitely be able to find restaurants or shops that sell the food and ingredients you are used to at home. I live in a quiet area outside of the city centre and I have always felt safe and at home here.

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

I suppose I would tell my younger self to be more sociable. At the beginning of my first year I struggled to make new friendships because I did not get involved in many initiatives the university and the student union provide. If I could go back in time, I would probably join more societies and attend social events more often.

How does studying at NTU differ from your home country?

I found a major difference in the way learning takes place. In Italy, education is based mostly on frontal teaching methods and rote learning, whereas here at NTU I was able to engage in active, experiential and collaborative learning. Here I found extremely supportive lecturers, amazing facilities and a lovely sense of community. I also believe studying at NTU has provided me with so many opportunities to nurture my interests and passions outside of my course, which I would have probably missed if I had undertaken a degree in my home country.

Have you joined any societies or clubs while at NTU?

Yes. This year I joined the Italian Society and Enactus NTU. It has been great to meet people from my home country and people who are interested in the Italian culture. I have made amazing friends which I am sure will last beyond my time at university. Taking part in projects organised by Enactus NTU has also been fantastic. We are now working on an initiative to teach young children in schools about the Sustainable Development Goals. This project will not only give me the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community, but it will also improve my teaching skills for my future career.

What do you think of the Global Lounge?

The Global Lounge is a great place to meet people from all over the world. It’s a friendly space to socialise, relax, study or grab a free coffee. They organise lots of different events you can go to. For example, you can learn a new language or teach your own at the language café, or you can have a lovely free meal while you chat with your friends at the global community lounge.

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

I like to take long walks in nature, read books, cook some nice Italian food, go to the gym and spend time with the people I love. At the weekend, I usually go for a long walk with my dog, have a workout at the gym, spend some time with my boyfriend and cook a nice meal to have in the evening. I sometimes go out for a drink or  a meal with my Italian friends. I also try to call my relatives and friends back in Italy for a catch up quite often. When I have a long break from university, I usually travel back home to spend some time with my parents, or they come to visit me here in Nottingham.

How would you describe the student experience at NTU?

I think being a student at NTU is an unforgettable experience. Studying here has not only contributed to my academic development, but also to my personal growth. I have had so many opportunities to pursue my passions, improve my competences and simply be myself. I believe NTU is a diverse learning community where holistic forms of learning take place, where everyone is welcomed and supported throughout their journey.