Maria
Kyriakou

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

NTU was my first option when I was applying for universities. I flew all the way from Cyprus just to visit NTU on its open day in March 2022 and it was an amazing experience. The room in Arkwright building, which is for architecture course, is breathtaking and absolutely gorgeous. The most important thing for me is feeling inspired and motivated in a space, otherwise I cannot be productive or creative, and that is exactly what I felt at NTU. NTU provides a variety of tools and equipment, that would help bring my visions and aspirations into life. The campus is also located in the heart of Nottingham which is perfect as everything is near.

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

The course staff is very friendly and helpful. Having such a supportive course staff that is always keen in listening to you, is very important. When I had a problem or an issue I was concerned about, I always discussed it with my tutors as I knew they would give me some good advice and help me to sort it out. I also really like the fact that, they check in on me often to make sure I am on the right track and not falling behind. Architecture course can become very intense, especially when a project deadline is approaching, and many students find it difficult to manage things during this period. Therefore, knowing that you have a great team supporting you and helping you to bring out the best of you is vital at that time.

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?

This year in one module we visited Bluecoat School which was and still is under construction. As visiting a construction site is part of an architect’s job, I’m glad I had the opportunity to be there. It was my first time being in such a place and I absolutely enjoyed it. The project manager was very friendly and he explained to us a lot of details about the construction of the school. I have learned many useful stuff that I’m planning on using on my following projects. This visit helped me to improve my knowledge and have a better understanding on how a construction site actually works.

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

NTU met all my ambitions. Compared to my friend’s experience I feel so lucky being here. It was one of the best choices I have ever made! Firstly, my friend’s university is split all over the place and it is far away from the city centre, whereas NTU is located in the heart of Nottingham with easy access to everything: shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, cinemas etc. Moreover, sometimes my friend complains about the course staff which is not very helpful. Here at NTU I never faced such a problem. Course staff is always around and keen in helping you. Even if you have a question and you think is silly, you shouldn’t be afraid of asking, as they are happy answering all the questions 😉

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

NTU offers a beautiful and inspiring environment with excellent course staff.

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?

During summer 2023, I worked at a studio where architectural 3D rendering services are provided to the clients. My experience there was brilliant. I had different tasks to do such as, making suggestions for the interior arrangement of residential and commercial buildings, preparing mood boards and creating presentations. However, my favourite one was when I had to add textures and materials into some 2D plans. Working there enabled me to gain the most important skill to success: communication. My work experience, helped me to present my ideas more clearly and efficiently, have a better collaboration with the rest of the team and a better understanding of the instructions and the feedback given. I also improved my skills in various software such as, Photoshop and AutoCAD.

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

During my placement I worked in various project. My favourite one was when I had to make improvements on the spatial arrangement of a student apartment and chose the colour palette as well as the materials that will be used. This was a pleasant and easy task for me as by being a student living in a student accommodation, helped me to know exactly what are the students’ needs and how the space should be developed in order to become a comfortable environment which will motivate the students to study and be productive.

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

1. The most important thing when you are in a placement is to 100% understand the task you have been given to do. If you are not sure about something, don’t be afraid to ask. As a student, you probably haven’t fully developed your skills yet and therefore having questions on how to do a specific thing is absolutely normal. Asking questions will give you reassurance, help you to learn faster and become better in what you’re doing.
2. As humans we are not supposed to know everything and no one expects from us to do everything right. Making mistakes is part of the learning process. Therefore, don’t let your mistakes drag you down, but instead they should make you stronger and give you a push to move forward.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

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

Making friends at NTU was quite easy, because everyone was very friendly and talkative. Since we spent most of the time working in the studio in groups, I managed to make friends quickly and I have been together with them since day one. NTU organizes many events too, where you have the chance to meet great people and create strong friendships with them. Settling at NTU was also very easy. The society I was a member in helped me and advise me in that part.

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

When I graduate in 2025, I would like to work in an architecture office for 1 year in order to gain some valuable work experience. After that, I would like to apply for a master in a university in the UK.

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

The employability team is very helpful. Since I’m a second-year student I haven’t started looking for a placement after NTU, but I’m sure when the time comes they will guide and help me.

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

NTU organizes many talks where architects working in practice come and share with us their experiences, their ideas and talk about some projects they have worked on. Attending those talks gives me the opportunity to start making contacts and see how working in the industry actually is. Meeting so many successful people also motivates me to try even harder in order one day to become as successful as them. In addition, through my course I managed to improve my presentation, communication, time management and organization skills, which are all crucial in an architect’s career.

Advice...

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

1. Try not to miss any lecture, seminar or studio day. It is very important to attend everything to ensure that you stay on track.
2. Be prepared that this course is very demanding and therefore be ready to work hard and push yourself to get the best out of you.
3. Time management is a key skill in this course. You need to learn how to manage your time efficiently in order to be productive and able to meet your deadlines.

As an International Student…

Why did you want to study in the UK?

Studying in the UK has always been my primary goal. The most important reason why I chose to study here is that, UK views architecture as an art and students work on design projects which involve practical learning. On the other hand, universities in other countries focus on the more theoretical side of architecture and lack in design. Moreover, UK follows the RIBA system which is recognized globally. Lastly, studying in the UK can provide me with more work opportunities and increases the chances of getting a high paid job in the future.

What experiences have you had as an international student at NTU?

NTU is an excellent environment for international students. There was not a single time that I felt unwelcomed and treated as a foreigner. NTU made me feel part of the community and everyone here treats each other with respect, regardless of where they come from. In my eyes, I see NTU as a big family that will hug and welcome you in the best way possible.

What advice would you give to help new international students get settled in at university?

1. Talk to your peers and try to be as sociable as possible.
2. Make sure you become a member of a society you like. When I was a first-year student, I was part of the Hellenic and Cypriot society which helped me a lot to find new friends and made me feel like home.