Mako
Kawada

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Hi! My name is Mako, I'm from Japan but I live in Hong Kong and I currently study BA (Hons) Fashion Design.

What was your first impression of NTU?

My first impression of NTU and Nottingham is that it feels like a community. Nottingham is a small city and this is what immediately attracted me because I like smaller cities where everyone kind of knows everyone.

Why did you decide to come to NTU?

I decided to come to NTU because of the standards of their Art and Design school. When I was initially researching the school, the curriculum seemed to be really well structured and the staff all seem to be very capable of their jobs and practices. I wanted to come to university to further develop my skills for the future so I felt like NTU was the right place for me.

Where do you usually go during your free time?

I usually like to spend time with my friends who I met through my society. Since I'm an extrovert I really love seeing my friends no matter where we are so usually we walk around the city, go to some restaurants and then afterwards we just hang out at someone's place. As Nottingham is a small city it allows us to reach where we want to within 10 minutes so it's really easy to get around.

Can you describe the support you get from NTU?

From the initial application process I feel like NTU gave me a lot of support. They helped me throughout the whole application process and when I had questions about my visa, they helped me out. When I arrived the staff gave a lot of guidance and the staff at the School of Art and Design did weekly check-ups on us. We also have personal tutors who guide us through not only what we're learning but also asking how our personal life is and if they can help with anything.

What was your experience like living by yourself and do you have any advice?

I've lived with my family my whole life so as an international student who suddenly had to live alone, it was very difficult at first. I'm not used to doing things like chores and especially cooking which I hate. As an international student I'd say definitely bring a rice cooker which is really helpful. Groceries are very easily accessible here so you can find something easy to cook. The first month or two is tough because you're surrounded by other people who are also starting to live alone, but what’s nice is you can support each other and you'll soon find your way.

What was your experience like applying for a scholarship?

Apply for a scholarship at NTU was challenging in some ways because it forces you to reflect on yourself. At my previous High School in Hong Kong, I was also an academic scholar so the application process was really similar in the sense that we had to answer our questions and then write about how the school would help us cultivate our passions and interests. The overall application process was really simple and easy. It might take some time to think about your answers but in the end, you will find yourself really reflecting on what you’ve done and your future so it is a very fun process in some way.

What was your reaction when you found out that you received a scholarship?

When I found out that I got a scholarship from NTU I was really surprised at first because I wasn't expecting anything. I think it gave me some sort of pride and confidence and it felt like I was supposed to come here; I was still deciding between which schools to go to and this solidified my choice. I think that obtaining a scholarship is a way of the school investing in you and your future so this gives me confidence that I'm supported by not only my family and friends but also by NTU.

What do you like most about studying at NTU?

What I love most about studying at NTU is how futuristic their perspective and views are, especially in the School of Art and Design. We do a lot of collaborations not just within our own course but also across other courses. It prepares you well for your future because you get to experience collaborating with people from other backgrounds and other skills and techniques, so this is what I love most about NTU. We are not only treated as University students but as the future of the industry.

What are your three top tips for international students applying to NTU?

Number one - Go into student halls instead of private Halls if you have the option. This will really allow you to get the whole university experience and make friends from not just your own demographic but also from other countries.

Number two – Join societies and if you're from Japan or Hong Kong definitely join the Oriental Society. The majority of students in the Oriental Society are from similar backgrounds so you'll definitely feel instantly engaged in the community and you'll feel really at home.

Number three – Push yourself outside your comfort zone, especially in the first month of university because this is where most people make friends and learn new skills. If you don't push yourself out your comfort zone in the first month you won't want to do so in the next few month. So just forget about being shy, try and make friends, meet new people and just try a lot of new things.

How would you describe NTU in three words?

Community, progressive and inspiring.