From the Philippines to NTU: Inspiring two weeks of MA Graphic Communication student
By Hannah Chelsea May Duran, June 2026
Hello and mabuhay!
I’m Hannah Chelsea May Duran, I'm 26 years old and I decided to move from the Philippines to the UK to study MA Graphic Communication.
Moving to the UK felt exciting, overwhelming, and honestly a little surreal at first. Before coming to Nottingham, I worked as a Senior Art Director at TBWA Philippines, so I was already used to fast-paced creative environments, tight deadlines, and brainstorming big ideas. But studying again in a completely different country pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible.
I didn’t want a course that boxed me into one tiny corner of design - I wanted to explore branding, storytelling, interactive experiences, strategy, and even emerging media all at once. NTU felt like the kind of place where you can experiment, collaborate, and actually build things that matter. The whole course feels collaborative, experiential and connected to the industry. Which was exactly what I was looking for.
My visit in London and getting inspired by creative industry
Now that I’ve settled into student life in Nottingham, my weeks feel like a mix of creative projects, deadlines, and spontaneous coffee runs. I’m trying to find that balance between being productive and actually enjoying what it means to live abroad - enjoying it all in while still keeping up with everything.
In the past two weeks, and one of my highlights was attending both the D&AD Festival in London and Northern Design Festival in Lancaster.
Being surrounded by creatives, agencies, designers, and people actually working in the advertising industry was incredibly inspiring. The talk I enjoyed the most was the ‘President’s Lectures’ at D&AD, where I learned how different creatives approach storytelling and problem‑solving in their own ways.
The whole theme, Creativity is Alive really hit me. Listening to the speakers talk about their work, their process, and what made their ideas award‑winning genuinely made me feel alive. I walked out feeling energised, motivated, and reminded of why I love this field.
After going to these events, I really started to appreciate just how connected NTU is to the industry. Experiences like these make learning feel so much bigger than lectures and assignments.
How I balance my busy course and still having fun
One thing that’s really helped me stay balanced lately is joining NTU Swimming.
Since I don’t have classes on Mondays, the 8–9 PM training from 8–9 PM actually fits perfectly into my schedule.
I realised pretty quickly that studying a creative course can get mentally exhausting if you’re always behind a screen or constantly pushing through projects. Swimming gives me a proper reset. It clears my head and keeps me active. Even one session a week makes a huge difference after hours of brainstorming, designing, and refining presentations.
It’s also been such a good way to meet people outside my course. As an international student, joining a sports club made uni life feel way more social and a lot less intimidating. Everyone has been so welcoming, and it’s nice having something in my routine that isn’t tied to deadlines or coursework.
Where I go to reset, recharge and get inspired
One thing I’ve really learned as a master’s student is that productivity isn’t just about constantly working. Rest matters too. Especially in creative courses where your ideas, energy, and mindset are just as important as your technical skills.
Outside university, I’ve slowly started building small routines around Nottingham that make the city feel more like home.
What I have been enjoying recently is exploring all the cafés around the city, - especially Dispatch Coffee! I love a good Spanish latte with some pastries and a nic vibe.
Sometimes I go there to work on my projects or catch up with friends, but other times I just need a change of scenery after being on campus for quite a while. I’ve found that even small things like getting a drink, walking around the city, or finding a quiet corner to sit make busy weeks feel so much more manageable.
I write my own music on the side, so I also spend time around the Arboretum or Wollaton Park. It's where I go to rela, listen to music, enjoy the sunshine, and write down any ideas that pop in my head. On days when everything feels overwhelming, sitting in the park for a bit helps me reset mentally and find inspiration just by observing what’s around me.
Those places have become some of my favourites in Nottingham because they stay calm even when uni life gets hectic.
What studying abroad at NTU really feels like
The past two weeks reminded me that student life at NTU goes far beyond the classroom. It’s a mix of industry experiences, creative challenges, personal growth, and learning how to build a life for yourself in a new country.
Adjusting to Nottingham definitely came with its challenges, but it's also been incredibly rewarding. I’ve become more independent, more open to new experiences, and more confident in my creativity.
If I could give one piece of advice to future Graphic Communication students, it would be to embrace everything outside your coursework too. Go to the talks, join societies, explore the city, and make the most of your time here. Let yourself experience student life beyond deadlines and projects.
Because sometimes the most memorable parts of studying abroad are the small moments you never really planned for.