Saafwan
Noor Waid

What made you choose to study in the UK and at NTU?

My name is Saafwan Noor Walid. I am from Dhaka, Bangladesh. I am studying BSc (Hons) Esports Production. Esports is my passion, and I am a professional Esports gamer. Gin Rai - Esports Course Leader - is my idol, leading me to choose my course, along with the UK being the main hub for Esports enthusiasts.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

What I enjoy the most about my course is how practical it is and how it prepares us for the real world. Production and content creation are the future and learning this highly skilled work will be very helpful for all of us studying these courses.

What do you think about the course/support staff?

The Esports course is very interesting and has exceeded my expectations. Our facilities are very useful and the Student Services team, especially Ed - Student Services Officer - has always been there for us no matter what help we needed. Lenny Whitehall - Content Creation Course Leader - always makes sure whether we are doing well or not, whether we are being able to give our best or not. This is what pushes us and brings out the best in us.

Have you been involved in any projects or exciting briefs?

I am the course representative for the Esports Production course and I have also worked on making our Twitch logo. I will also be working with my tutors on the delivery of taster sessions on the upcoming open day.

How does studying in the UK differ from your home country?

In Bangladesh, the education system primarily focuses on theoretical lectures, leaving students unprepared for the practical demands of the job sector upon graduation. Conversely, in the UK, universities prioritise preparing students for real-world scenarios and practical application of knowledge. The emphasis here is on developing tangible skills that directly translate to the workplace. In contrast, the education system in my country places greater emphasis on achieving high exam scores and grades rather than on practical skill development.

What is London like for international students? Where do you usually go during your free time?

London is pure magic, but it can be very costly for us international students sometimes. In my free time, I love to explore London, be it Tower Bridge, Borough Market, or the British Museum. I also spend my time visiting the Red Bull Gaming Sphere in Shoreditch.

How was your experience living by yourself? And what is your advice for new international students?

The first few months were very challenging. I had to find a house and also a part-time job. But I have settled in well now. For the new international students, my advice would be to hang in there. Do not give up no matter how hard it gets and eventually you will succeed. Back home I had my parents taking care of me but here I do everything myself - like everything, this is like a huge change which I had to adapt to but now it has made me a way better person. As a human, I believe in taking up responsibilities and I am now more confident than ever.

What’s it like making new friends/acquaintances?

My classmates and I got connected instantly. From the very first day till today, we hang out together, have lunch together during break time and also have shared social media groups. Me, Tahir, and Omar are all international students but we have never felt different and always felt at home. I'd say if you can make good friends, university life instantly becomes a whole lot easier.

What’s next for you after your degree?

After my course, my goal is to get a job in the esports sector as an analyst here or back in Bangladesh. I want to do what I love, and I believe NTU will help me reach my goal.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us that you've been involved with whilst studying in London?

While studying I am also participating in all the FIFA competitions like the NSPCC’s EA FC tournament that took place recently. I love competing and apart from studying I have competed in these events.