SHREYA ANAND

How and why did you choose your university?​

As an international student, the UK was the best option for me compared to other popular countries like the US, Australia, and Canada, as it is closer to home. The University of Nottingham offered the exact course structure I was looking for, specifically a Product Design program as an engineering degree, which is rare in the UK. The course is highly ranked and accredited, which adds to its appeal.

Nottingham itself is a vibrant student city, just 30 minutes away from the university by bus or tram. The city center is beautiful, with a vibrant nightlife and a variety of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. It is well connected to major cities in the UK, making travel easy. As an international student without a vehicle, getting around Nottingham by tram is very convenient.

Safety was another important factor for me. Nottingham is relatively safe compared to larger cities like London. The University of Nottingham has three beautiful, green campuses. The Highfields Lake on campus is stunning and a great place to relax.

The university is also known for its excellent sports facilities, offering almost every sport imaginable. Nottingham has a diverse community of students from all around the world, providing a great opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds.

The University of Nottingham stood out to me not only for its unique and highly-ranked Product Design program but also for its beautiful campuses, vibrant student life, and diverse community, making it the perfect choice for my studies.

 

What did you major in, and what did you think of the program?​

I am studying BEng(Hons) in Product Design and Manufacture. It is a perfect fit for me as it combines traditional engineering subjects such as mathematics and physics with creative modules like drawing for design and industrial design. 

A unique aspect of my course is its focus on manufacturing. Many BSc and BA product/industrial design programs focus only on aesthetics and not the technical aspects of product design. This focus gives me an added advantage compared to students graduating from other universities. The combination of exams and practical design and engineering projects makes my course enjoyable.

All of my professors are extremely knowledgeable and have a lot of industry experience. They are always willing to help and provide feedback on assignments. I have also chosen to do a year in industry, which is a great way to make industry connections, gain work experience before graduating, and explore which sector I would like to work in the future.

My course is quite small, so we receive a lot of individual attention and personal interaction with the professors. This creates a supportive learning environment and a tight-knit community.

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How did you find your career path?​

I loved mathematics and physics in high school but did not want to pursue a traditional engineering course. I was a creative child and enjoyed building Legos, painting, and drawing. I didn't want to choose between art and science, and it turns out product design was the perfect balance of both my interests.

My first exposure to product design came during a STEM workshop in school, where we were tasked with designing and 3D printing our own toothpaste dispensers. This hands-on experience was transformative and solidified my desire to become a Product Designer. It was the perfect fusion of creativity, engineering, and technology, and I was impressed by its potential to make a difference in people’s lives.

Another pivotal moment was visiting the Daimler-Benz car museum during a student exchange program in Germany. Witnessing the evolution of design there sparked my interest in pursuing a career in product design.

Since I did not have the option to study design in high school, I explored this field on my own by completing courses in 3D modeling and teaching myself digital sketching. I also watched YouTube videos to understand what a career as an industrial designer involves as well as its scope in the future. I discovered I really enjoyed designing products and could envision myself working as a designer in a design consultancy in the long run.

Product/industrial design is not the most common career path. I stumbled upon it completely by accident. It took a lot of research and exploration to find the right course for me. You don't really know what career options you have unless you actively seek them out. There are many unconventional career paths that might be the perfect fit for you.

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What was your favorite class?​

My favorite class at university has been Drawing for Design. It provides a refreshing creative break from technically intensive subjects like Mathematics and Physics. Although it was initially intimidating with a steep learning curve, constant practice quickly made it my favorite module.

We started with traditional techniques using pen and paper, then transitioned to digital drawing once we had a solid grasp of the fundamentals. Digital drawing is where my designs truly came to life. I thoroughly enjoyed adding color and exploring light and shade in my three-dimensional drawings. We also had a weekly drawing-level test, which was quite stressful at times. However, in hindsight, these tests were the most important part of the class, as they rapidly honed my design drawing skills in a short period.

The skills I developed in this class were not only crucial for design projects but also became an excellent way to effectively communicate my ideas in any setting. It has been truly rewarding to see how my drawing skills have evolved over the past year.

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Was it easy to build relationships with your professors, or they weren’t approachable?​

My course is relatively small, with about 50 students, which makes it quite easy to build good relationships with all my professors. They are extremely approachable and knowledgeable. However, getting one-on-one interaction with them can be challenging if you don’t attend classes regularly.

I make it a point to attend all of my design classes and seek feedback from the professors on all my assignments. This not only helps in achieving good grades but also allows the professors to get to know you better.

In larger courses, it might be more difficult to build individual relationships with professors, but they are always available via email and willing to help.

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How did you get involved on campus?​

One of the best ways to get involved on campus is by joining societies. There is a wide variety of societies to cater to any interest, ranging from Taylor Swift fan clubs to building cars as part of the Formula Student team. There are also many course-related societies, which are great for getting to know your peers and developing practical skills and knowledge outside a classroom environment. Societies offer excellent opportunities to socialize with people who share similar interests. Many organize socials outside the university at pubs, restaurants, mini-golf courses, bowling alleys, and more. These events are a great break from the regular routine of university life and are always quite fun.

Many universities also organize summer school experiences abroad. This is an amazing way to travel, learn about a new culture, explore your interests, and develop language skills. There are numerous volunteering opportunities and outreach schemes organized by the university. These are excellent for gaining experience and developing skills that are invaluable for your CV.

Another popular option is to become a student ambassador. This role allows you to give back to the university while exploring the campus by giving guided tours to potential students. Being part of the student union is another fantastic way to effect change within the university while addressing the concerns of its students.

Overall, getting involved on campus has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to make new friends, develop important skills, and make the most of my university experience.

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What did you gain outside of the college classroom?​

Choosing to study in another country has been one of the best decisions I've made. It has been amazing to meet new people and immerse myself in a different culture. I've learned to be self-reliant, quickly adapt to a new environment, and push myself out of my comfort zone. This experience has challenged me and allowed me to travel and see the world.

I have also met people from all over the globe and discovered that, despite our different backgrounds, we can bond over shared experiences and learn about each other’s food and culture. Although moving to a new country can be scary and homesickness is inevitable at times, it has been a truly rewarding experience.

 

What is your favorite memory of college?​

My favorite memory of college was trying salsa dancing for the first time. It was a beginner's class with a group of strangers. We were taught a basic routine and then paired up with partners to practice all the steps. Despite numerous missteps and a lot of laughter, completing the final routine was immensely satisfying. I enjoyed getting to know a little bit about everyone in the class and making new connections with people who had different interests from mine.

This experience was significant for me because I am not naturally a dancer. Trying something I wasn't good at and not worrying about whether I was doing it perfectly allowed me to fully enjoy the moment. I was proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new challenges.

To me, this is what the college experience is all about trying new things without fear of judgment and enjoying the experience for what it is.

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What advice do you have for someone attending this university?​

The most important advice I have for incoming students is to thoroughly research the university and its resources before you start. Many students do not make full use of the resources available to them. The university has a careers team that offers help with internship and job applications, as well as a support and well-being team for mental health assistance.

I also recommend applying for the summer and spring internship scheme, which is something many students are unaware of. Going through the university website and familiarizing yourself with these resources can greatly enhance your experience.

Another piece of advice is to stay in university accommodation during your first year. It's a great way to meet people and make friends and it saves you the hassle of managing tasks like cooking while adjusting to university life. Living on campus means you're within walking distance to classes and you also get to spend time exploring the campus grounds.

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What advice would you give to current college students?​​

College can get quite stressful at times. You might be juggling multiple things at once, and it can feel overwhelming. It’s crucial to take a breather once in a while. Go out for a meal with your friends, watch a movie, play an instrument, or go for a run. Doing things you love is extremely important for your mental health. The happier you are, the more motivated you’ll feel to do your work. Taking care of your mental and physical health is essential.

Imposter syndrome is something many students face in college. It’s important to remind yourself that you are good enough and deserve to be there just as much as everyone else. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and there’s no need to compare yourself to others. Give it your best, and remember that your best is more than enough.

Another vital aspect of college life is networking and building professional relationships. The best way to do this is by being active on LinkedIn and reaching out to alumni, professors, and people working in companies you’re interested in. You might be surprised at how helpful and willing people are to support you on your career journey. Attend as many career fairs as you can, and make an effort to go to alumni speaker events and meet-and-greets. These efforts will pay off in the long run. You never know—a random person you met at a networking event might help you get your first internship.

College is about more than just attending lectures and getting good grades. While these are important, meeting new people, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and trying new things are equally, if not more, significant. Embrace the full spectrum of experiences that college has to offer.

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