Jermaine
Tchama

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I chose to study at Nottingham Trent because of the difference in culture in comparison to the neighbouring universities which I thought was a defining attraction. From my older peers, I was told that the support net was good, especially as a fresher at the university. I chose to study sociology because I was already attracted to the course prior. Sociology is a course that makes you think a lot about yourself and the world around you, especially in times like these where there is a lot of political and social turmoil which is one of the reasons, I decided to take it.

Could you describe your experience of being an NTU student?

Being an NTU Student has been great so far, and I am looking forward to completing this degree and then doing my masters after that. The level of support here at Nottingham Trent has been superb, I feel as though the lecturers are personal with you and that is good because it breaks that hierarchical view towards university and invites you to settle in quicker.

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

The support from tutors and staff have been excellent. University is all about learning both academically and personally, and the support given to us students from Nottingham Trent has helped me personally as well as academically for which I am extremely grateful. The staff loves it when a student asks a question, especially at NTU where the staff are enthusiastic when they answer your question.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Diverse, well-populated, friendly

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

If you like going on quiet walks or admiring nature I would recommend The Arboretum. If you are more of an artsy person and like to admire art and/or history, then I would recommend Nottingham Castle.

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

I found it amazingly easy. The jump from further education to higher education, moving to a city I have never been to was an overwhelming task. I thought that making friends would be somewhat difficult, but I settled in quickly and made friends rather swiftly too. Everyone was in the same boat, so it made making friends and getting to know each other a lot easier.

The Next Steps…

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

The employability team has been helpful. At the start of the academic year, I did not know what I wanted to do after university or what field I wanted to work in as sociology is a broad course which streams into a lot of other professions. After speaking to the employability team, they helped me find my career path and my academic path after my undergraduate years. I am extremely grateful for the services the employability team provided.

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

Do it! Nottingham Trent is a diverse and friendly university, and as a community it is also civil. Not just the university, but the city as well caters mostly to students, so you will have an enjoyable time at the university and beyond the city too.

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

I wish I knew how serious the reading is. Your lecturers will know who has done the reading and who has not, and it is really important you apply your knowledge from the reading. I also wish I knew how demanding being a student would be. I like to think of being a student like working in a full-time job. Very overwhelming.