Jonathan
Rumball

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

From a young age I have always loved to design. It has been my key subject throughout the entirety of my education and a subject that I never lost my passion for. So doing what I love best I decided to pursue this career choice opting for BSc Product Design, a course that explores design creativity as well as more complex technological backgrounds.

I chose NTU due to its history of positive engineering and design accomplishments, as well as up to date modern facilities and a great city to explore out of university hours.

What is the best thing about your course?

The best part of my course are the course leaders / lecturers and teachers. The organisation behind the design course allows students to be pushed to their maximum potential. They keep the design course relevant to industry standards and current design advancements in the world.

Have you received an award relating to your course (e.g Young Creative Awards)? If so, tell us about your experience.  

My first year of NTU has landed me a CSWA certificate from Solidworks which certifies me as a Solidworks associate. I have also received a certificate winning the Mattii Labs design competition and finally my most recent award was from the Young Creative Awards. The Young Creative Awards placed me first in my category in which I designed a mounting system named SWIVEL. From this I received a cash prize, free software, masterclasses and placement opportunities – along with interviews by Notts TV.

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

Currently I am involved with a live project surrounding an internal NTU design brief partnered with Mattii Labs. After winning the design competition, there has been scope to possibly work with the company further or continue with the product that I designed.

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

10/10. NTU gives you the opportunity to create whatever you need and has the means to do it. From the CAD facilities, to the 3D printers and large workshops – anything is possible.

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

NTU exceeded my expectations in terms of the course and the level of teaching provided. In comparison to friends at other universities, NTU seems to take more consideration in terms of both student support and the construction of its course. NTU portrays itself as a better put together package.

What do you think makes NTU a top university?

The variety of courses available, quality of course content taught, lively and exciting city in which NTU is placedand the standard and availability of workshops.

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

Speaking from a design perspective if you want to push your potential and achieve high levels of professional standard work, NTU is the place to do it. It has the facilities, supportive community and good university life to accommodate it.

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

NTU a place to study, socialise and succeed.

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Lively, busy, exciting.

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

The Fat Cat to eat, Rock City for a gig and vintage stores across Nottingham to shop for unique and one-off clothes.

Where is a good place to live as a student?

Anywhere within the city is a good place to live as it gives fast and quick access to the university campus, nightclubs and other student accommodation.

Did you find it easy to make friends at NTU?

Making friends was easy with Freshers’ week, induction lessons and sports societies.

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

For help with work I would go to any of the module team, course lecturers or friends on the same course.

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

The Health and Wellbeing team at NTU or any course lecturers as anyone is more than approachable.

What’s next for you after NTU?

It’s still early days yet but I am sure with my passion for design I will inevitably end up in a design job. Doing what I love most either in the UK or abroad.