Emmanuella
Taiwo

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

To be honest, NTU and my course were not my first choice when I was applying for universities but, when I didn’t get into my first choice universities I started searching around and found NTU through clearing. Initially, I planned to give NTU just a year then later transfer to another university. However, as I started spending time at the NTU, going to the lectures and making use of the various support networks, I knew this place was for me, so I decided to stay.

Could you describe your experience of being an NTU student?

My time at NTU has been great. While being here, I’ve been able to push myself and continuously grow both academically and personally. The teaching style and academic content have enabled and encouraged me to independently explore a vast amount of topics and subject areas that aren’t usually talked about in depth in everyday life. It is also place that cares about building up its students, not only in the academic sense but, career wise. For example, I’ve been able to take on multiple roles during my time here like First Year Course Rep, Student Forum Executive and CERT Student Mentor. As well as start projects on my own like the School of Social Sciences Culture Community. NTU really became a place of comfort for me and I can say it is where I found myself both intellectually and personally.

How would you describe the support from your tutors, university staff and student services?

The support at NTU for me has been the highlight of my experience. From the beginning I arrived at NTU, I felt that everyone wanted to help me and support my wellbeing. During my first year, I was able to get support with my dyslexia and learn essay writing techniques from the library student mentors; all of which guided my work through out my three years at NTU. Unfortunately, during my second year I went through quite a tough time due to covid, and when I gained the confidence to share what I was going through with one of my lectures, they were extremely understanding and supportive. They were able to refer me to the right team who dealt with such issues like the NEC team which enabled me to finish my year with a sound mind.

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?

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to physically in person take on a work placement during my second year, due to covid. However, my course was great as they able to create a UN Simulation placement for us online. I worked in a group as a permanent member on a model UN Security Council Simulation. Our aim was to try to find a solution to the conflict within the region of Nagorno Karabakh without giving away the most important preferences of the country we represented. This involved us taking part in various document drafting such as, drafting a situation assessment, resolution draft and speech. We also took part in regular online information sessions, 4 hour negotiation sessions and team meetings.

Taking part in the placement thought me a lot about the complex nature of how the UN deals with conflicts for example; when states can’t agree on a resolution members are allowed to introduce friendly and unfriendly resolutions in order to resolve the issue. I was also able gain new knowledge and skills that further improved my overall learning and development. For example; I’ve gain knowledge on how government and policy documents are drafted, improved my negotiation, bargaining and speech technique through the negotiation sessions.  In addition, I was able to build on my leadership, team-working, time management and organisational skills.

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

The negotiation sessions were really fun because we all tried to outbid each other. I’m quite competitive and loved those moments.

Do you have any advice for future students going on placement?

Be open to anything, no knowledge is wasted.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Comfortable, Community and Interesting.

Where is a good place to eat, drink or visit in the city?

For breakfast or brunch Copper and the Pudding Pantry is a most go, their breakfast and pancakes are amazing.

For lunch or dinner I’d say Miss Korea for great Korean barbecue, Cosmo World buffet for a nice buffet and student discounts, Solo Grano for authentic Italian food and Fat Hippo for great burgers.

Nottingham has soo many local restaurants with great food, my personal favourite is Oscar and Rosie’s, they have amazing pizza.

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

At first it was a bit hard but I was lucky enough to find friends within my course.

Also, I was already living in Nottingham for about a year with family before I came to NTU so settling in wasn’t too difficult.

The Next Steps…

Has the employability team helped you plan for life beyond NTU?

I’d say yes, the HEAR Employability award encouraged me to take on various personal development roles like ENRICH. As well as their CV services helped me improve my CV presentation and writing skills.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying to NTU?

Give NTU a go, it will pleasantly surprise you.

What is one thing you wish you knew before starting at NTU?

That the university actually cares and is academically stimulating.