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Jacob Paterson

Jacob
Paterson

New Zealand
Nottingham is a real student city so the nightlife is good. NTU is also a part of the city, which is really cool. There’s also lots of societies and things going on for students – you just have to look out for them.

More about Jacob

Jacob came to NTU on an international exchange semester from Massey University in New Zealand.

Why did you choose the UK for your exchange?
“I’ve got lots of family over here that I haven’t seen for ages, “I speak the language and Nottingham looked like a great city with a great university.”

Why did you choose this programme?
“I chose graphic design because I like creating art, adding to our pop culture, and questioning the status quo.”

What’s your best memory from your time at NTU / in the UK?
“The other week it snowed for a full week and dancing in the streets of Nottingham with no one in sight and a blanket of snow on the ground was pretty good. Going sledding was pretty snazzy as well – the snow was cool.”

Jacob Paterson at Global Week
Jacob representing the New Zealand stand at Global Week

What’s your accommodation like?
“I’m in the student accommodation called Blenheim Hall, which is 10 minutes from the City Campus and the city centre. It’s small, but the people are nice.”

What advice would you give to other students who are thinking about studying abroad in the UK?
“The main hassle I had before coming here was the administrative side of things – about the course and accommodation. Nottingham has a renter’s market for flats and student accommodation, which means there’s many places available. Just look for a place that’s right for you and don’t stress too much.”

What do you think you gained from studying abroad?
“I gained a greater understanding of my values and priorities in life, and I also had a fun time.”

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?
“Nottingham is a real student city so the nightlife is good. NTU is also a part of the city, which is really cool. There’s also lots of societies and things going on for students – you just have to look out for them.”

How do you think studying abroad has helped you in terms of future career prospects?
“I think I’ve got more of a grounding in graphic design now – it’s the same in England as it is in New Zealand. Yes, there are some cultural differences but the skills are transferrable so I’m not fazed by how work will translate globally, or working overseas in the future.”

How did you find integrating into the classes here?
“There’s not that much contact time on my course, but the time I spent in tutorials with people was great and I learned from our discussions. I also made friends with other exchange students from my class, including a girl from Slovakia – it was really interesting to see her work and learn about her country.”

How did you find representing the New Zealand stand at Global Week?
“I enjoyed having conversations with people who knew nothing about Kiwi, and in particular, Maori culture. Sharing not just traditional food, but also new ideas and a completely different worldview of Tikanga was rewarding and fascinating from my point of view, and hopefully theirs too. I had a fun day and I also met a whole bunch of new people which was great as I was new in town.”

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