Sam
Phillips

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

Was very impressed with the open day and loved all the modern buildings and facilities. Furthermore loved the course, city and standard of the accommodation.

Could you describe your experience of being an NTU student?

Have loved every moment of it, even through especially challenging years in the pandemic. Always been challenged and always fully supported.

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

Throughout all the 4 years I have had here the tutors have kept the course engaging and interesting. Also if you are ever struggling the staff are always there to support you and their doors are always open.

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?

I worked at HMP Lowdham Grange as a prison officer for a year. Was an especially challenging placement due to the nature of the convicts we were dealing with. But gained a wide range of skills most notably communication and problem solving in high pressure situations. Enjoyed most the team I was working with every day as we needed to have each other’s back in all situations meaning it was very tight knit. Also was nice to get a taste of working life while still being supported by the university and earn a wage as well!

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

The most notable moment for me was we had a new inmate who had recently returned from a secure mental unit and did not want to leave his cell for months. But after talking to him for a month or so convinced him to come out of his cell during association and was soon interacting with the other prisoners.

Also went to Fiji for a month at the end of first year doing charity work through the university.

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

Say yes to everything and gain as much of the experience as you can it will prove invaluable when it comes to looking for employment.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Enlightening

Invaluable

Fun!

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

There is something for everyone in terms of music. Personally I loved going out on a Wednesday with all the other societies dressed up in funny costumes and doing a bar crawl around the city and finishing the night in Ocean. There are also a lot of good cocktail bars in the Lace market, best of all Coco Tang. The best places to visit in the city are probably the sports grounds of Meadow Lane (Notts County), the City Ground (Nottingham Forest) and Trent Bridge for the cricket. Also the area around Nottingham Castle and the Arboretum are good for a walk.

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

Was very easy there are so many people at the university. Met the most people in my halls of residence, Fresher repping and through the Cricket Club which was always very social.

The Next Steps…

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

Not as of yet but plan to use them soon.

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

Do it! Has been the best experience of my life and would not change any of it. There are so many different opportunities and things to enjoy!

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

How much fun I was going to have and just be brave at the start you are going to make the more friends the more things you go to.