Lauren
Reay

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I chose NTU as when I visited on the open days, everyone I spoke to was so lovely and welcoming, because of this and as I walked around, I could instantly see myself living and studying here, as the thought of moving away from home and studying for a degree suddenly didn’t seem so daunting. I felt that there would always be someone or somewhere I could turn to if needed and that I would easily make new friends.

Interior Architecture and Design appealed to me as it was a good next step fit with my A’ Level subjects, and at NTU more than other universities visited, again due to the course team and students I met on the open day being so welcoming and open. Another aspect which made me chose Interior Architecture and Design at NTU was all the opportunities you have access to, such as placement year, live projects and multiple trips throughout all the years of studying.

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

The tutors are approachable, easy to talk to and push you to achieve the best you can. They do not only want to support you with university work but want you to enjoy the whole experience of being at university as well as to develop a more knowledgeable and confident version of yourself ready for the next chapter in your life.

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

NTU does match what I imagined as well as offering more than I initially thought and expected. I knew people who were current students at NTU when I decided to consider NTU as a possible university at which to study and therefore had heard their stories of it being friendly, welcoming and a with a good night life. These were really helpful to know, but it was only their perspective, yet when arriving at NTU I found it to be true as not only is it very welcoming and friendly, but there is always something going on which you can get involved in, not just nightlife, and anyone will definitely be able to find an outside of study activity they could enjoy.

When speaking to friends back home about university experiences, they can’t believe some of the things I have been up to whilst at NTU and they also like how compact the city campus is, as for them travelling between accommodation and university buildings or university building to university could be quite far, where as for me I would always say everything was confined to ‘Uni Land’ where everything was 5-10 mins walk from each other as well as the city centre.

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

A university which allows you to achieve more than you thought.

On Placement…

Have you completed any work placements on your course? If so, tell us about your experience – where did you go, what did you do, what skills have you gained and what have you enjoyed the most?

Yes, I completed a yearlong placement, after the second year before returning to complete my final year at NTU. I worked at Thirdway which is a design and build company based in London, who are part of a family of companies known for commercial fit-out, architecture, workplace consultancy, furniture, property technology and experiential marketing. During the year I worked within a team of multidiscipline individuals which allowed me to gain an understanding of all the stages of a project from concept to completion. Within this team I worked closely with the other designers, assisting them on projects, whether that be ordering samples, creating material pallets, completing a Test Fit, or a Design Risk Assessment. I also enjoyed the experience of attending site surveys, showroom tours, supplier events and participating in presentational skills workshops.

By working within the design and build industry for a year not only did my software skills greatly improved (due to using them every day as well as learning from those around me), but I also learnt a few new software packages, one being Enscape which I have now been using within my final year projects. The biggest take away for me was gaining confidence in my own ability and knowledge obtain from university and being able to apply it to real life projects, yet also realising you’re not expected to know everything and therefore feeling more comfortable to ask questions so I could continue to learn and broaden my knowledge. Overall, I really enjoyed all that I experienced during my time on placement whether that be site visits, client meetings, daily life in the office or after work social events and it really helped to confirm a career as a designer is what I would like to do in the future.

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

Throughout the process of looking for a placement the tutors on my course would giving me feedback on my C.V. and portfolios, if asked, as well as suggesting companies they thought I may be interested in and suggested I reach out to them via email. In the end I was fortunate enough to source my placement via Inplace, the university’s own website, where they advertise placement and graduate opportunities which is run by the employability team, who also offer support with C.V.’s and interview skills.

What is your favourite project that you’ve worked on during your placement and why?

My favourite project I worked on during my placement year would have to be the first project I saw from start to completion. It was a CAT+ office design across two floors. Thirdway were pitching for against other competitive companies. Alongside another designer, I helped to create test fits, rendered journey detail drawings, material pallet and the presentation document for the pitch. Once the contract was awarded, on site I was able to revisit at different stages of the project development/build and see how an idea comes to life.

What advice would you give to an NTU student about to begin a placement?

I would say within your first few months take any opportunity which is given to you, always be willing to try something new and don’t be afraid to ask when unsure about something as everyone is always willing to help and it also shows you are keen to learn. Throughout your time there, keep pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, as even though it can be scary, that is where I learnt and grew the most during my placement year.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

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

I think I felt settled in to NTU life by the end of term one of the first year, don’t get me wrong, I was excited to go home, but at same time I was looking forward to returning for term 2. Making friends can be hard at first, especially as I joined during 2020 (Covid) where for the first two terms, we were only allowed to socialise within our own household bubbles. For me it was a flat of 8 people, but you will always find people who are like you, if not in your own flat maybe, the flat next door, on your course or through societies. That said, I am still in close contact with a friend from my first year flat who has now graduated (as was on a 3-year course) as well as living with another friend from that same flat during final our final year.

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

After I graduate, I am planning to begin my career as a designer within the industry, but I am not fixed on any specific sector as until I have the opportunity to work within them, I can’t say for sure which one is 100% for me.

Has the employability team helped you plan for life beyond NTU?

I haven’t reached out to the employability team to help me plan life beyond NTU but I am confident that if or when I decided to do so, they will be there to help with any question or concerns I have.

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

By studying at NTU I have gained a foundation of knowledge, a network of people and understanding of what is required of me with in the working environment. These are all things which have set me up to begin my career.

Advice...

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

I would say be prepared to work hard but make sure you enjoy and have fun with each project. Throw yourself into studio life, as during final year having a cohort who our all friends benefit all involved as everyone feels comfortable asking for others opinions on their work, giving advise on how to do something on a certain software and just a general chat about how you are and how everything is going.