Evelyn
Clarensia

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I chose NTU because of its strong reputation in arts and design and its recognition for graduate employability. The International Fashion Business course stood out to me because it combines creativity with business and marketing and offering a global perspective on how the fashion industry operates.

What’s your favourite thing about your course?

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about the course is the opportunity to learn from guest lecturers who work directly in the fashion industry. Hearing their experiences and insights has been valuable and helped me understand the realities of working in fashion. I also
enjoyed the field trips organised through the course, as they allowed us to see how the industry operates beyond the classroom.

How have you found the course facilities?

The course facilities have been great and provide a supportive environment for both studying and developing creative ideas. The learning spaces are well-equipped and comfortable, which makes it easier to collaborate with classmates and work on projects.

Have you worked on any live briefs or competitions?

I haven’t had the opportunity to work on a live brief or competition yet, but many of our  projects are inspired by real industry challenges. These assignments still help us apply what we learn to practical fashion business scenarios.

Has your course included any guest speakers or industry trips? What have you enjoyed  about this?

Yes, the course has included several guest speakers from the fashion and beauty industry. These sessions were particularly my favourite as it is inspiring because they offered insight into different career paths and provided a better understanding of how the industry works
in practice.

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Creative, vibrant, and welcoming. Although Nottingham is not as big as cities like London,  it has a lively atmosphere and plenty of places to explore. It’s a great environment for students, especially those studying creative subjects.

What do you think of the creative and cultural scene in Nottingham?

Nottingham has a vibrant creative and cultural scene, with galleries, exhibitions, and  creative spaces that are very inspiring for art and design students. The city is quite compact, but it has everything you need, from creative venues to quiet places for research and study. It’s a great environment to develop ideas and stay inspired as a creative student. Nottingham is known for its creative community, with galleries, studios, and events that provide inspiration and opportunities for students to connect with the wider artistic scene.

Where would you recommend visiting in Nottingham?

There are many great places to visit in Nottingham city centre, especially the cafes,  restaurants, and shopping areas. For a quieter atmosphere, I would recommend visiting places like Wollaton Hall or the Arboretum. These places are great for relaxing, exploring
nature, and taking a break from studying.

If you could give new students some advice, what would it be?

My advice would be to enjoy your first semester and take the opportunity to explore the  UK, especially if you are an international student. The workload usually becomes much busier later in the course with summative assignments and dissertation work. Managing
your time well and enjoying the experience will help you make the most of your university life.

What do you think of the course staff?

The course staff are very supportive, approachable, and always willing to help when  students need guidance. They create a welcoming learning environment and encourage  students to develop their ideas and confidence throughout the course.

Have you used any of the student support services or NTU’s Employability team? How have you found this experience?

I haven’t used the services extensively yet, but the employability team regularly shares  internship and job opportunities with students. It’s helpful to receive updates about opportunities both in Nottingham and other cities, which makes it easier to explore potential career paths.

What’s next for you after NTU?

After graduating from NTU, I hope to start my career in the fashion industry, either in the UK or Singapore. I’m particularly interested in roles related to fashion marketing, branding, or business development.

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

Yes, the employability team regularly shares information about job opportunities, internships, and career events. These resources are helpful for students who are preparing to enter the industry and looking for opportunities after graduation.

Why did you want to study in the UK?

Studying in the UK has been a childhood dream of mine, and I wanted the experience of  living and studying in a different country and continent, as I’m originally from Southeast Asia. NTU also offers the International Fashion Business course and the one-year course
duration that I was looking for, which made it the right choice for me.

How is NTU for international students?

NTU is a very welcoming and supportive environment for international students. The university has a diverse community, which makes it easy to meet people from different cultures and feel comfortable studying far from home