Life at Brackenhurst: my student experience and how I overcame challenges

Choosing the right university was a big decision for me. I was looking for a place where I would feel welcomed and supported, and that offered high-quality education to ensure a fulfilling student experience. NTU stood out for all the right reasons. I was drawn to its strong reputation for academic excellence and exceptional student support. The combination of hands-on learning, modern facilities, and practical experience aligned perfectly with my career goals. Its high rankings also caught my attention, whether it was being ranked 1st in the UK for employability, placed 8th nationally in BUCS for sport, or being recognised as a top 100 global university in the THE Impact Rankings.

This course has helped me gain valuable skills and experience that will support my career in conservation, and even beyond. We have been taught by professionals through lectures, lab sessions, and fieldwork. One of my favourite modules was Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which I might even pursue further in my career. I also had the opportunity to learn coding through the Research Methods and Data Analysis module, which is something I had always wanted to try!

Another standout was NTU’s strong connections with leading organisations, like the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. Our course included a field trip to Jersey Island, which honestly was the highlight of my year. It was very affordable, well-organised, and packed with learning opportunities. We spent a week there, visited the zoo, learned from conservation professionals, and even had fun evenings with games and movie nights.  It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I loved every second of it.

I would say my biggest challenge was adapting to the UK education system. At master’s level, there is a strong emphasis on independent work and English academic writing, which was quite different from the exam and practical-based system I was used to back home. Thankfully, I received incredible support from NTU. I booked library sessions that helped me understand everything from academic writing to referencing styles. The staff were always happy to answer my questions, and I always walked away with new tips. They also guided me through using the NOW platform, where I found resources like the NTU Harvard referencing guide and support for writing systematic literature reviews. I took everything step by step and asked for help when I needed it.

NTU’s support for international students is outstanding. The International Support Team helped with everything, from visa guidance to accommodation booking. When it came to planning my career, the Employability Team offered amazing support. I booked a few sessions, got tailored CV advice, and was encouraged to volunteer to gain experience in the UK. That led me to a fantastic volunteering opportunity at NTU’s Animal Unit on the Brackenhurst campus, which was an experience I am so proud of! NTU also offers scholarships for international students, which I applied for and thankfully ended up getting along with the NTU excellence scholarship!