Sofya Arefyeva
Alumna, International student
- Course
- Marketing BSc
- Subject area
- Business, Management and Marketing
When I was choosing where to study, Loughborough stood out because of its incredible student satisfaction rate. As an international student, feeling part of a community was really important to me, and Loughborough’s reputation for student experience gave me confidence that I’d be supported and included. When I was also offered an international scholarship for my first year, that sealed the deal.
Sport was the other major factor for me, I was a professional tennis player before coming to university, so Loughborough’s sporting prowess was a huge draw. I didn’t make it onto the first team, but sport still played a big role in my experience of university through volunteering and coaching.
I chose Marketing and Management because I wanted something creative but also practical. Honestly, my parents influenced me a lot, they suggested I try marketing, and I decided to give it a go. It turned out to be a great decision, I loved every minute of it.
My first year was unfortunately marked by COVID, so I didn’t get the full experience of using all the facilities, but the way Loughborough handled the pandemic was amazing. The University balanced online and in-person teaching really well, so we still felt part of the community.
Coming to Loughborough as an international student was a bit scary at first, but the halls committee did a great job of creating a sense of community. Later on, I got involved in more events and volunteering, which helped me make lifelong friends.
By my second year, I was keen to make the most of everything on campus, using the library, the Students’ Union, and studying in the Business School. I made great friends and gained a strong academic foundation that I’ve used throughout my career. A real highlight of my time studying was winning the Academic Excellence Award for the best project in our Marketing Communications module.
My advice to anyone starting at Loughborough is simple: say yes. If there’s an event you’re considering, go and check it out. You never know who you’ll meet or what opportunities will come from it.
I also recommend trying new activities. I wish I’d done more of the Coaching and Volunteering Academy (CVA) events, as I loved being part of the tennis coaching team. The Lifestyle tennis sessions I helped organise were a highlight for me. We had a great team who made sure everyone felt welcome, whatever their ability. Our team even won the CVA’s Team of the Year award, which was amazing.
Loughborough gave me a broad perspective on business and marketing. In my third year, I became more strategic about my module choices, focusing on what would help me in my career. Modules like Consumer Behaviour and Marketing Communications were especially useful. The practical projects and discussions prepared me well for the real world.
When I look to the future, my big ambition is to make an impact in the tennis industry, ideally through sports marketing. Sport brings people together, and I want to be part of that. For now, I’m taking it step by step, but that’s the dream.
For me, the idea of ‘Progress with Purpose’ is about shaping the future of marketing. I’m finishing my MBA now, and I’d love to educate marketers on how to use AI effectively. People fear AI will replace them, but I believe the key is learning to work with it. In the age of technology, creativity and authenticity will be the most valuable skills. I want to help people embrace that.