Jake
Atkinson

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I chose NTU because I loved the city and I saw the passion that academic staff had for their subjects during the open days.

What is the best thing about your course?

The range and diversity of modules stands out to me. Academics apply technical material to real world scenarios well and the varied methods of teaching helps keep the course exciting.

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

The Engineering for People Design Challenge by Engineers without Borders was my favourite project to work on. We were able to work in teams to apply skills developed in our first and second years to find solutions to real world problems.

Have you completed any work placements on your course? If so, tell us about your experience.

Yes, during my placement year I worked in the University’s Estates Department. I was able to develop existing engineering skills and acquire new hard and soft skills that would have been difficult to develop in an academic environment. My employer also provided me with opportunities to grow within my discipline, allowing me to attend the Global Engineering Congress at the ICE HQ in 2018.

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

The Employability Team provided me with a range of support and aided me in sourcing my placement.

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

10/10, the facilities are varied enough.

Does the “real” NTU match what you’d imagined?

Yes, I’ve been provided with a range of opportunities both inside and outside of my course. I studied Italian for two years, took part in the in the European Creative and Smart Cities project and I’m currently enrolled on the Success for All Student Advocacy course in the School of Social Science.

Have you been on any trips with your course? Tell us about one you particularly enjoyed and why.

The surveying trip in my first year to Grange-over-Sands allowed me to better develop my practical and theoretical surveying skills and to get to know my peers.

What do you think makes NTU a top university?

NTU has a strong student body and a passionate academic leadership who are always seeking more.

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

NTU should definitely be a first choice when applying for University. The range of activities and opportunities available to you are vast. You’ll grow as a person and become a better student at NTU.

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

NTU aids students in achieving their best inside and outside of the classroom.

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Lively, emerging and independent.

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

Agree.

Where would you recommend visiting in Nottingham?

The Lace Market and Hockley for independent shopping, good food and a lively night scene.

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

Sexy Mamma Love Spaghetti for the best Italian food outside of Italy (in fact, Sexy Mamma Love Cicchetti and Botti Di Mamma are great too). Coco Tang and Calluna are great bars and the city is full of great clothes shops – independents and well-known brands.

Where is a good place to live as a student?

Byron for student halls. Nottingham’s small, so anywhere is close enough to the City centre that you don’t miss out.

Did you find it easy to make friends at NTU?

Yes, there’s a great range of people here.

Where would you turn for support, advice, or guidance?

The Student Union has great support services and the lecturers are easy to talk to.

If you had a (non-academic) problem. Who would you talk to? What would you do?

I’d go to the Student Union and seek guidance. NTU offers great support to their students.

What’s next for you after NTU?

A Master’s degree, I hope.

Has the Employability Team helped you plan for life beyond NTU?

I’ve sought support several times from Employability regarding life after NTU. They’ve been helpful and I’ll see them a few more times before I leave NTU.