Eirini
Tsakouridou

What inspired you to study your subject?

“From a young age, I though the human mind was a fascinating thing when it came to crime and delinquency. I was interested in what drives people to commit heinous crimes and the factors that shape those individuals. I knew this is what I wanted to pursue in my life as a career.”

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

“I chose my course because I wanted to understand and get in the mind of those who commit unspeakable crimes and I chose NTU because it has an excellent Forensic Psychology programme. My interests aligned with what NTU had to offer so my decision was easy to make.”

What’s your experience been like of your course so far? Can you pick out any highlights?

“My overall experience with my course has been complicated but nonetheless very interesting. At first, I was a bit hesitant to start a course in a new language, but slowly and surely, I fell in love with it. I really enjoyed being in the lecture theatres surrounded by students who had the same goals as me. That gave me motivation to engage with the material and to learn as much as I could.”

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

“Yes, I have taken advantage of the endless opportunities NTU provides. Firstly, I enrolled in the NTU gym, where I go to decompress and take care of my mind and my body. In addition, I took part in several focus groups organised by the university, outside class hours. I would say this was the highlight of my final year as I saw how focus groups and interviews are conducted in real-life settings. Lastly, I attended a life-changing lecture during PACE week. We were given the opportunity to come into contact and hear the stories of an ex-inmate who changed his life around after the unspeakable things he had gone through.”

What does Social Sciences mean to you? e.g. working with people, transforming lives, frontline services

“I am proud to be part of the School of Social Sciences. Understanding and helping people improve their lives and be fulfilled is what brings me happiness, so being a part of a community that prioritize that, motivates me even more.”

Can you tell us about the Scholarship you’ve been awarded and how that will help you in your studies?

“Winning the scholarship was a huge goal of mine, in order to come study at NTU. Recognizing that I was given such an amazing chance, I did not take it for granted and I tried to utilise all the unique opportunities NTU and my studies had to offer.”

On Placement...

Have you completed any work placements on your course? If so, tell us about your experience – where did you go, what did you do, what skills have you gained and what have you enjoyed the most?

“Yes, I have. For one of my modules in Year 2, I had to do work experience in a sector of psychology. I chose to do mine in a centre for children with speech and movement impairments as well as learning difficulties. Working alongside children, psychologists, speech and occupational therapists, I gained incredible insight on what working as a psychologist in the real world looks and feels like. I managed teams of children during personal and group play, I attended one on one psychological sessions and observed the process of feeding therapy. I really enjoyed being part of such team where everyone is working towards bettering the lived of children in need.”

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

“My most memorable moment was when the kids felt comfortable around me and started inviting me to their circles where they were playing. They wanted to get to know me, draw and make bracelets with me. I think that is the most wholesome and memorable thing a psychology work experience student can be part of.”

Support...

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

“The student support at NTU is very good overall. All departments aim to help the students with any enquiries that they might need, and they strive to provide details and accommodate you very quickly.”

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

“For me, it was easier to make long lasting friends outside of university (e.g. accommodation, socials). I joined societies and attended classes where I met a few people that I would hang out with, but it was difficult sustaining those friendships. As of settling in at NTU, I found very easy. The city campus is easy to navigate and with time you’ll know exactly where the different buildings, the library and the SU is.”

Next Steps...

What’s next for you after NTU? 

“After I graduate from NTU, I will most probably work, to gain experience in my chosen field of Psychology. I am eager to see how it is to be part of a team, working alongside other professionals and exchanging ideas to make a difference in the world with psychology.”

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals? 

“NTU has several departments that dedicate their time to help students figure out their personal and career aspirations. In addition, the modules cover a big range of different fields in psychology which helps students decide where they want to focus their career on after graduating. Lastly, NTU offers a huge number of extracurricular opportunities that are very beneficial for career and placement ideas.”

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

“I would say to take advantage of as many extracurricular activities as possible during PACE week and throughout the year, as that is a great opportunity to understand what you do like and what you do not particularly enjoy. I would also recommend coming to classes prepared from the day before, as that will give you a head start during the lectures and seminars, focusing on the details of what the lecturer is saying rather than copying down what’s already on the slides. Finally, I would encourage you to have fun and to say yes to new opportunities. Build a routine around studying but ultimately enjoy your time with your friends and yourself.”

As an International Student...

Why did you want to study in the UK?

“I learnt that the UK had some of the best and strongest universities for Forensic Psychology. After I saw NTU’s curriculum I knew I wanted to study there as it covered a lot of what I wanted to learn and was interested in.”

What experiences have you had as an international student at NTU?

“Most of my experiences as an international student have been positive. I have been treated with the same respect and understanding as students who were born in England.”

What advice would you give to help new international students get settled in at university?

“The first and most important thing that I would say is to read your visa requirements for studying in the UK and attend all your classes. Secondly, I would recommend joining your country’s society, as most nations have their own one here. It is a great way to gain some sense of belonging in a new, unknown environment, meet people from the same culture who can be your support and socialize outside of university. Finally, be open to new opportunities that come your way, because you never know the beautiful places that they can take you.”