Harry
Barnsley

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

Interior Architecture stood out to me as the best course for many reasons. I’ve always been creative, initially with fine art skills such as drawing and painting. As I grew older I started to get more interested in design, constantly coming up with projects and inventions, including a tiny house I built out of scrap as a teenager. I took Art and Design A-Level and loved the course, focusing on architecture and interior design.

I first heard about Interior Architecture during some work experience with AtkinsRealis, and the idea of a more creative, sustainable way of working with buildings appealed to me. They also said that NTU was the best university for the course, and after visiting and talking to current students I was able to easily make my decision.

What do you think about the course staff? How do they support your learning and university experience?

The course staff are excellent – a vast majority currently work in industry, so they are up to date and very knowledgeable. Most tutors are invested in our projects, and I’ve gotten great advice and guidance along the way – not just with the course but also with what happens after.

Have you been involved in any live projects of briefs on your course and if so, can you talk a bit about one you really enjoyed?

Last year we worked at Woolsthorpe Manor (Isaac Newton’s Birthplace) and were tasked with designing a new science centre and exhibition space. I got really into this project and found myself having a lot of fun developing ideas and creating an exciting design. It was great to visit the site and see the spaces we would be working with in person.

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

Having stayed with a few different friends at their Universities I am happy with my experience at NTU. The student culture is unmatched, and the university is much more up to date than others I’ve seen. One thing I would say is that it feels like most of the students here are studying academic courses – and whilst there is still an artistic presence, I assumed NTU would be a more creative focused university.

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

Good Student culture in a modern city University.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

Whilst I did make a lot of friends in first year through my flatmates and societies, apart from a select few I didn’t find many people with similar interests until later in the year. After freshers had finished and university life started to calm down, I found a great group of people with lots in common that I now count among my closest friends. As fun as going out and drinking is at university, I’m glad we I have people to do more interesting things with – for example camping in the Peak District or going on hikes. I also got a lot closer with my course mates as we have similar work ethics and can bounce ideas off each other.

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

I hope to find a creative and innovative practice and to get a good foothold in the industry. I would also like to do a lot more travelling and plan on spending a year or more exploring new cultures and having more experiences before settling into a full on career.

Advice...

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

Be passionate about and make sure you get stuck in to the course and university life. Getting involved in projects and being creative with them is the best way to handle the intense workload with this course. Prepare to spend a lot of time on this course!