Lucas
Connolly

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I was initially interested in architecture courses, but IAD appealed more to me as it is a multidisciplinary study of both architecture and interior design. The idea of working within historical buildings to transform their function is a highly sustainable building practice that I believe to be the future of design.

Regarding NTU, I really enjoyed the busyness of the city campus and how close it was to everything.

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

There is a great network of support throughout NTU in general, and I’ve found the staff to be really helpful in making us aware of who we can connect to. This covers both inside and outside of the course, stuff like finance and wellbeing support are also offered to us.

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?

We regularly work on live projects as part of the course, and have gotten the opportunity to visit these to properly understand the context of each project. For example, at the end Year 1 we visited ‘Woolsthorpe Manor’ in Lincolonshire, but typically our projects are based around Nottingham so you can visit them regularly.

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

I found many other universities to have quite isolated campuses in the middle of nowhere. One of my favourite things about NTU is the fact that our city campus is within walking distance of just about everything, and so it always feels very busy and active.

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

NTU has a great ‘city feel’ and is extremely walkable.

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?

I undertook a summer internship at the end of my first year, to strengthen my CV for placement applications in my sandwich year (year 3). It was an amazing opportunity to gain a better understanding of how the working world functions, and I would definitely recommend it to first year students to start building strong experience for your CV.

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

I tried self-sourcing my placement at first by emailing design practices, but I was connected to the company I ended up working for through one of my first year tutors. If you are interested in summer internships or placement opportunities I’d recommend sharing your aspirations with people who may have connections in the design industry, for example tutors.

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

My favourite project was an installation for Mini in Westfield, London, as it was a live project that involved frequent collaboration with the client. It also involved communicating with various professionals in the design industry, including manufacturers, project management, accounting etc.

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

Try to enjoy your time there as best you can, they aren’t really expecting the world from you as you are still in study. Overall it is a great opportunity to meet people in the industry, build connections and learn how to sell yourself, your ideas and your abilities to all sorts of people.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

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

Living in halls was a great way to make friends– all of my current housemates are from my student accommodation in first year. The course is also a great way to meet people, due to the nature of it being a creative subject, you end up spending a lot of time with course mates during your studies.

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

I am hoping to find a position in the industry after I graduate, using my placement experience during the sandwich year to support this.

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

There is a job vacancy network set up by the NTU employability team that helps find placements for students.

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

As part of the course, we have had CV and portfolio sessions to support our professional goals, and in my experience the tutors seem really keen to understand what they are and help us get there. This is something you develop throughout your studies however, so don’t be too worried if you have no idea about life after university yet.

Advice...

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

You definitely have to enjoy being creative and designing, as the course does require a lot of time and dedication compared to others. At the same time, because so much time is spent designing rather than being lectured to, it is an incredibly sociable course and amazing for building connections.