Anna
Simkins

Tell us your name, where you are from and what course you studied?

My name is Anna Simkins and I'm from Kansas, USA. I studied MSc Psychology and graduated in 2019.

Why did you decide to come to NTU? How did studying in the UK differ from your home country?

I decided I wanted to study in the UK to obtain my postgraduate degree because I had done an exchange semester in the UK as an undergraduate, and really enjoyed studying in the UK. I had heard great things about the NTU’s psychology department prior to applying so I arranged a visit to NTU with a member of staff from the international support services team. Getting to see the campus and all the city and university has to offer made the decision an easy one for me!

The main difference between studying in the US and UK was the coursework. Most of the courses in the UK were lecture-based with marks based primarily on exams and papers, whereas there were a lot more ‘homework assignments’ throughout the term in the US which contributed to overall marks.

What was your first impression of NTU and Nottingham?

I had a really positive first impression of NTU and Nottingham. I liked how the campus was city centre based, because of this it feels like a more tight-knight community. Nottingham is very vibrant and diverse with a lot going on, loads of entertainment and options for food and drink. I’m from a small, rural town in Kansas, so having access to all these things was a great change for me.

What did you enjoy most about your course? 

I had studied Psychology as an undergraduate, but I really enjoyed gaining more specialist knowledge as a postgraduate student. I found the lectures really interesting, particularly the cognitive neuroscience module. It was also interesting to see the differences across US and UK teachings of Psychology. I loved getting to meet new friends on the course, some of which I still keep in close contact with.

The facilities were great – I spent many long nights in Boots library whilst working on my dissertation. Because the City campus is so compact, it was much easier to find my classes and get around.

Were you ever involved in any live projects or work experience?

I took up various odd jobs throughout my studying at NTU – including working on data analysis for a lecturer’s research project, becoming a research assistant on another lecturer’s research project, Unitemps catering in Newton, volunteering for AGE UK at a day centre, working part-time in a care home, and working as a survey assistant for space planning.

What kind of support was available at NTU?

At NTU, there were loads of opportunities to speak with tutors for extra support. There was a wealth of wellbeing resources which I found were easy to access. There was always someone you could approach, no matter what your query or concern was.

What was your favourite memory of being a student at NTU?

Going to Costa on campus for lunch every day with my friends on the course in between our lectures.

You’re now working as an Accommodation Advisor at NTU. Can you tell us more about your role? What does your current day involve?

As an accommodation advisor, I support students through all points of the booking journey, respond to general queries, hold face-to-face meetings with students requiring support, meet with stakeholders, support estranged students and care leavers, assist students with medical and accessible requirements, and just about everything in between! I am currently the advisor responsible for looking after the bookings of students with medical and/or accessible requirements, so I review a lot of medical questionnaires on accommodation applications, discuss requirements with students and their parents/carers, hold multidisciplinary meetings with other departments or stakeholders such as local authorities, respond to queries relating to medical and accessible requirements, and empower students to book their accommodation with NTU/UPP.

How did your NTU degree prepare you for your current role?

The experience I obtained whilst pursuing my NTU degree has helped me gain a better understanding of students’ challenges with mental health and the barriers that may be in place for students accessing accommodation, and how to better support these students.

What have been the highlights and biggest challenges of your work life so far?

Prior to working at NTU, I worked in the mental health and social sector which was challenging work, yet extremely rewarding to see individuals with physical and mental health conditions improve their quality of life. I have been able to use that experience and knowledge to implement positive changes to the services provided by NTU. Upon coming to NTU, the most challenging thing has been trying to remove as many barriers as possible for students to have the opportunity to study and live at NTU – whether those barriers are due to medical and accessible needs, international requirements, or anywhere in between. With that being said, the highlight for me has been being able to implement strategies and adaptations for our students to have a positive experience whilst studying and living at NTU, who may not have had the opportunity to do so otherwise.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to remain working for NTU, whether that’s in SAS or other departments, to build on my experience, knowledge and skillset, and to continue supporting students, whatever that may look like!

What is Nottingham like for international students?

Nottingham is super diverse – just walking down the street, you’ll hear various different languages being spoken. There’s loads of variety for entertainment and food – one of my favourite things about the city is getting to try new foods! No matter your interests, culture or background, it feels like there’s always something for everyone.

What is your advice for new international students?

My advice to incoming international students would be to really make a conscious effort in putting yourself out there to make new friends on your course and in your accommodation, find places around Nottingham that remind you of home (like a restaurant that might have your favourite food from home!), and make use of all of the resources NTU have to offer such as our wellbeing services and international support services teams.