February 9, 2018, by International students

International Student Ambassadors: Asima from India

Our International Student Ambassadors provide campus tours, telephone calls and social media for international students preparing to study at Nottingham. Asima is from India and is studying MSc Cancer Immunology and Biotechnology. Here are her thoughts on life at Nottingham. 

Why did you choose the University of Nottingham?

The University of Nottingham maintains excellent research facilities the neuroimaging centres, flow cytometers, advanced fluorescent microscopy would be to name a few (of the many!) which are crucial in honing skills of any budding researcher. Besides its world-class technological expertise and invaluable research facilities, coupled with the interdisciplinary nature of their course modules, I knew that studying in Nottingham would be a rewarding experience where I would get the chance to live in a vibrant and multicultural environment where both my studies and I will benefit synergistically from different cultures and areas of academic interest.

What is your favourite thing about the University of Nottingham?

Apart from the highly diverse and the all accepting aura of UoN, my favorite thing about UoN is the ease and convenience it strives to provide to all its students and makes sure that the voice of each student is being heard. Feedback, suggestions, concerns and complaints are heard timely and frequently through the Learning Community Forum meetings, Student Service Centers and through Blue Castle Feedback Survey forms. It not only makes me feel empowered but also assured that my university cares about the quality of education it is providing and the student is happiest with the curriculum.

What is the best thing about your course?

A masters course in cancer immunology and biotechnology is the perfect amalgamation of core research in cancer immunotherapy while studying business development and doing case studies. Indeed, it is a very unique course in itself. I love the fact that in spite of having a highly qualified teaching staff, as per the requirement, senior scientists from across UK are invited to deliver a lecture on a particular topic in greater depth and to shed light on current on-going research. Apart from that, the coursework given is highly beneficial in terms of understanding the concepts ourselves.

Did you receive a scholarship?

I am a Developing Solutions Masters scholar which is a highly prestigious and competitive scholarship awarded to students from developing countries across the world. Founded in 2001, Developing Solutions is The University of Nottingham’s flagship international scholarship programme for postgraduate masters courses. A whooping total of 105 scholarships are awarded every year with 30 scholarships waiving 100% of the tuition fees and 75 scholarships waiving 50% of the tuition fee. Being specific for students from developing countries, it is a wonderful opportunity for financially weak students to pursue higher education with world class facilities.

What societies have you got involved with?

UoN boasts of having over 200 societies associated with it consisting of like-minded people organizing some real productive and fun stuff! Being an avid traveller, the UoN Rambling and Hillwalking Society was a blessing for me. It organizes both full day trips to the stunningly beautiful country side and weekend getaways to distant cities. What more to ask for than a group of fun people to hang out with in the best of England! I have also been associated with the Cancer Research Society, owing to the absolutely noble activities being organized by them, raising funds for cancer patients.

What are you planning to do next with your career?

I plan to continue my academic career as a PhD student as I see myself happiest as a cancer research scientist. A doctorate degree will open multiple arenas for me in terms of employment at biotechnological and pharmaceutical companies. I would also have the liberty to continue studying or research as my postdoctoral venture or begin a career as a lecturer at a higher education institute. As stated, a PhD gives me maximum options and UoN’s academic excellence and outstanding research facilities lay a perfect foundation for the same.

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