Hoi Kiu
Tam

Could you tell us about your experience of studying at NTIC, then progressing to NTU?

I began my studies at Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), where I completed a Foundation Certificate in Art, Design and Media, before progressing to study BA (Hons) Fashion Design at NTU. I met a wonderful teacher at NTIC who was very kind and helpful, offering many different ideas. This allowed me to express my thoughts and create my own designs smoothly, even though it was my first time truly engaging with fashion design. During my year at NTIC, I also met several other students from Hong Kong who also progressed to NTU, making my first year at NTU less lonely.

What would your advice be to a student that is feeling hesitant about studying a Foundation course?

Listen to different opinions but also follow your own heart! When I was in Hong Kong, I decided to go to UK for a foundation course after completing Form 5, without taking the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (DSE). At the time, my father thought I should take the DSE first before studying in the UK, because he believed that would be more secure. But I was very sure that I wanted to study fashion design and promised that I would manage my time to balance my studies and other extracurricular activities, so in the end I got my parents' support.

If you're unsure what you want to study, perhaps you could first discuss your thoughts with close friends or elders and get their opinions. But if you already know what you want to do and what you want to study, then why not give it a try!

What has been the highlight of your studies so far?

What impressed me most was my personal project in the second semester of my second year of university. Using the theme of a red thread, I explored the knots in the human heart and how to untie them, ultimately designing a Japanese kimono-style coat and skirt, decorated with many bows. This is my favourite theme so far. This project also made me realize that I like and am good at expressing my own design language by exploring human emotions and psychology.

Our future students love to know about life outside of the classroom too – please can you tell us about the social side of NTU? Has it been easy to make friends?

During my three years at university, I participated in the activities of the NTU K-pop Society and competed with their dance team every year. At first, I was a bit shy and didn't dare to speak, but the other members of the dance team were very enthusiastic and chatted with me. They would also help me when I forgot to bring water or had difficulties with practice. Even though my English wasn't very good at first, they were very patient and listened to me slowly.

I also took Japanese language courses during my first year of university. Although I stopped studying afterward due to time constraints, I kept in touch with my Japanese teacher. He would invite us to various Japanese-related activities, which allowed me to meet more classmates who shared my love for Japanese culture and learning Japanese.

What do you like most about the city of Nottingham? Is there a favourite place you like to visit?

I love watching the sunset along the River Trent in Nottingham! I also occasionally go for a run along the river in the mornings, so I often run into people walking their dogs. They chat with me and let me pet their dogs.

I met many friendly people in Nottingham, and my tutor at NTU was very helpful in guiding me through my studies. I think these kind and friendly people are what I love most about Nottingham.

What are your career aspirations, after you graduate? How do you think your time at NTU has helped prepare you for this?

I might first intern in different parts of the UK or Europe, getting to know different people and things, and understanding how the fashion industry works. After that, I might join some companies as a design assistant, or work in different countries, because I want to see the world.

Starting in my second year of NTU, my tutors constantly sent us emails offering internship opportunities from different companies, and the university also had its own website where I could check if any companies were hiring interns. I found both of these methods very helpful in finding or reviewing the requirements or opportunities for fashion design-related internships.

You’ll be graduating soon – how do you feel about your studies coming to an end? What will you miss most about NTU and your life in Nottingham?

I feel a little reluctant to leave. Although I still miss home occasionally, I've gotten used to living alone and making my own decisions about my life during these years in Nottingham.

What I'll miss the most are probably the people I met on the dance team in the NTU Kpop Society. I participated in the dance team and competitions in different places during my three years of university. Although it was tough, I think I'll miss the time when we supported and encouraged each other in our practice.