Yash
Sureshbhai Shah

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

As a student in the UK, I wanted to transition into my new surroundings, adjust to the local nuances and embrace everyday challenges. This was best offered by the city of Nottingham and the NTU.

Practical learning approaches for students of NTU set it apart and offer opportunities for International students to network with Professional Architects working in the Industry. Seeing the contributions of alumni to the field of Construction made me want to study at NTU whose core values and objectives synced with my professional goals.

Tell us about your background and what you studied prior to continuing into postgraduate studies.

Having always been inclined to Architecture and Design; in 2015 I started pursuing my undergraduate studies in Architecture. In 2020, I graduated with a ‘First Class Distinction’ in Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) from Institute of Architecture and Planning, Nirma University.

I worked with a leading architecture firm - Ensamble Studio, Madrid, Spain for 18 weeks as an Intern Architect whilst studying. After graduating in Mid-2020, I formed my own start up Studio BeFinitive catering to architecture, interior and construction projects before joining in the master’s course at NTU in Jan-2021.

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

The real NTU goes way beyond the expectations especially in the COVID times. I never imagined I would be able to access all the resources and the campus facilities whilst in lockdown in the UK; but NTU did a commendable job in catering for its students in all manners possible even in the toughest period with its blended learning approaches. It also provided in-house jobs for mentorship and COVID compliance, and fortunately I worked part time for NTU as a Student Compliance Ambassador.

What’s next for you after NTU?

I was always very keen on teaching, because of which my research areas have also focused on the pedagogy and learning aspects. I would be working for a few years after graduating to gain industrial experience and then I am willing to pursue a PHD at NTU to kickstart my career in teaching.

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

Yes we have had multiple sessions with the Employability team where we learned how to use the Employability resources and develop our CV’s and applications to apply for Internships and jobs after graduation. The Team also elaborated and highlighted us with various career options and the overall construction market in the UK. I have also personally been connected to the Team and they have helped me improve my cover letter for job applications.

How is NTU for international students?

NTU is surely one of the best for International students because of a global-cosmic student ratio; incredible campus facilities; huge city campus merging perfectly with the city centre; a student hub due to Nottingham being one of the most famous student cities in UK.

I personally love the NTU Global Lounge that houses and caters to 6000+ International students with a variety of activities like that of the Language Café and City Tours. Not to mention it provides free coffee to all of its students and a perfect place to chill out and increase fellowship with your fellow colleagues and a variety of people from different culture.