Alice told us that her decision to study abroad was driven by two passions: design and travel. When she applied for university, she saw the Industrial Design - International degree at QUT and knew it was the right choice. Initially, Loughborough wasn’t on her radar, but after speaking with Associate Professor Rafael Gomez and asking where he’d recommend overseas for strong design and sport opportunities, he immediately said, “Loughborough.” From there, Alice did her research and spoke to industry designers back home, who all spoke highly of Loughborough’s reputation and the calibre of its graduates. The feedback was consistently positive, and knowing how highly regarded the University was made the decision feel like a no-brainer.
Her first impressions of campus were unforgettable. Alice was struck by the scale of the sports facilities, so many pitches, a stadium, and an incredible gym. It was her first real experience of seeing sport and academics treated equally as career opportunities. Walking into the design school was another highlight. She kept texting her dad about the different rooms and couldn’t believe the range of facilities available. Some of the spaces were things she’d never even thought about, and having that exposure as a student really opened her mind to future possibilities.
Settling into life at Loughborough has been both challenging and rewarding. Academically, Alice has pushed herself out of her comfort zone to explore the technology side of product design. It’s been demanding, but she loves how it connects everything she’s previously learned together. Personally, balancing sport and design has been key. Preseason was tough mentally, but once classes started, she began to enjoy it a lot more. Having that balance gives her a break from each area and keeps her motivated.
Alice noticed some big differences between studying at QUT and Loughborough. Back home, students often study a dual degree with separate engineering classes, whereas here, technology is integrated with product design in one course. She finds it fascinating to experience a programme that combines both areas and relates specifically to product design. She’s currently enjoying a module called Introduction to Digital Fabrication, which has been great fun, and she’s excited to use photogrammetry technology and explore augmented reality and electronics next semester.
Reflecting on the impact of her exchange, Alice says it has expanded the way she thinks about design. Being in a different environment with different expectations has pushed her to adapt quickly and explore areas she wouldn’t have back home. Career-wise, she sees global opportunities more clearly now. Learning from staff and students with industry experience in Europe and the UK helps her understand the international nature of design. The facilities here give her hands-on experience with technology employers look for, and the network she’s building, both in design and football, opens up new pathways she hadn’t imagined before.
Football has always been a big part of Alice’s life, and continuing to play was non-negotiable when choosing where to go on exchange. She’s a goalkeeper in the Women’s League and has been impressed by the professionalism of Loughborough’s sports environment. Her goal while here is to keep improving technically and physically, learn from the coaches, and throw herself fully into the BUCS and League seasons.
Her advice for anyone considering an exchange is simple: if you’re even slightly thinking about studying abroad, just go for it. It’s challenging at times, but the personal growth you gain from being in a new environment is worth everything. For those considering Loughborough specifically, Alice recommends being open to everything. The campus has so many opportunities, whether you’re into sport, design, or something else entirely. Make the most of the facilities, talk to people, and don’t be afraid to try something new. And one final tip, pack more than one jumper!
Alice’s experience shows how an exchange programme can transform your academic and personal journey. If you’re inspired by her story and want to explore your own opportunities, visit our website to learn more here.