Anastasia
Klimova

Quickfire questions...

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I have studied design in my home country before and the Product Design curriculum at NTU (technical and industry-centred) looked exactly like what I needed to improve my skill set.

What is the best thing about your course?

The in-depth technical training, industry ties and realism are definitely my favourites.

Have you been involved in any live projects or exciting briefs? What has stood out to you?

I have participated in several live projects with charities, design agencies and businesses. It has been great to work with experts to solve real-world challenges, but still have freedom to express ideas that are original and a bit out there – since that is what expected of students. This exposure to industry also led to several internship offers, which is always welcome.

Have you completed any work placements on your course?

I have completed two placements for my course, one at Logitech headquarters in Silicon Valley and second one at design consultancy LAYER in London.

Placement experience took my 3D modelling and technical theory skill to an entirely new level. Plus, working as a part of a larger team of some incredibly talented individuals has boosted my teamwork and time management skills.

How did you source your placement? Did you get support from the NTU Employability Team?

I sourced my first placement myself with a huge help from employability team who helped me immensely with CV and cover letter writing, interview questions and everything in-between. I am extremely grateful for their expertise. Second placement fell on me from the sky from a recent graduate who found me through university contacts, so inter-course networking was invaluable as well!

What marks out of 10 would you give for course facilities and why?

10/10! Our workshop has everything a design student might need to make a perfect model, from materials to machines. Our technicians are the most knowledgeable team and can help make your idea real, no matter how crazy it is. Also, our PC’s are fast making them perfect for 3D modelling and rendering if the computer at home is not up for the job.

Does the “real” NTU match what you’d imagined? How does it compare with your friends’ experience at other universities?

At NTU we receive strong technical training that other art-centered universities don’t provide. We also have younger design professionals teaching us, while other universities sometimes have more older theorists, so we get realistic and up-to-date teaching combined with open-minded staff who welcome new trends and experimentation.

What do you think makes NTU a top university?

The wide variety of courses and extracurricular activities that it offers and an ability to engage with all of them really puts NTU to the top above other schools for me. As a design student, I was able to engage with Business and Law programmes, as well with other design programmes. This was absolutely invaluable and gave me a truly comprehensive set of skills.

What would you say to someone thinking of applying to NTU?

Go for it, this University’s design programme is an undiscovered gem.

How would you promote NTU to potential students in 10 words  or fewer?

At NTU you can make your university experience your own.

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Evolving, diverse and dynamic.

Nottingham is the UK’s best student city. Agree or disagree?

Nottingham is UK’s best city, hands down.

Where would you recommend visiting in Nottingham?

Start your day at the Market Square, venture into Lace Market for some great shopping and head to Sneinton Market for a coffee under the sun. The Park area has some stunning views over Trent river, and Wollaton Hall is a great place to hang out in nature.

Where is the best place to eat, go to a gig or buy clothes?

There are plenty of incredible restaurants opening around the city, such as Japanese Kushi-ya or Spanish ViDa by Lorentes. If you make it to old favourites like Sexy Mama Love Spaghetti or Mowgli, consider yourself very lucky! As for gigs, Rock City on Saturdays and Mojo are great places for lovers of heavier music. As for clothes, the Lace Market second hand stores are second to none - Cow and White Rose are your best friends.

What’s next for you after NTU?

That’s a great question! Our cohort will participate in series of national and international exhibitions with our final design projects, and after that I plan to do more internships in industry to get a taste of different sides of our profession.

Why did you want to study in the UK?

UK is well-known for its quality education, so it was on the top of my list as a country to get a degree in. I was also excited about improving my spoken English in everyday conversations with locals.

How is NTU for international students?

It is very exciting! I really enjoy the diversity we have here at NTU, getting to know people from all over the world and their cultures have been one of the highlights of my student experience.

What’s the biggest difference compared with a university back home?

From the get-go, we are prepared for working in the industry. University projects are close to real-world projects and we often work with established design agencies and businesses. When I got to my placement, I felt prepared. In my country, education is often detached from the realities of the industry and graduates feel unprepared and disillusioned. I don’t see this happening to me with NTU degree.

Find out more about Anastasia's work experience by reading her Placement Diary on her website.

Discover more about our BA (Hons) Product Design course on the NTU website.