Stella Nicolaou
International student
- Course
- Marketing BSc
- Subject area
- Business, Management and Marketing
I originally come from Cyprus and moved to the UK just for university. When I was applying, I looked at top business schools and chose Loughborough because of its ranking, it was actually my insurance choice, but looking back now, I feel really grateful that I ended up here. The campus has such a homely feel, and the Business School environment is incredibly welcoming, which made settling in much easier.
Overall, I’ve really enjoyed my experience. Everyone is friendly and there’s always something going on, especially with the strong sports culture, which makes it easy to meet new people. Moving to a new country without knowing anyone can feel daunting, but Loughborough is such a good place to put yourself out there. Being in halls also played a big role in helping me settle in quickly, and I think that shared experience brings people together.
One of the things I’ve appreciated most is the level of support from the Business School, particularly when it comes to placements. Applying wasn’t necessarily easy, but it felt much more manageable because of the guidance and resources available, especially from the placement office. That support made a big difference to my confidence during the process.
I completed my placement at Ralph Lauren and I really enjoyed it. It gave me a much clearer idea of the kind of company culture and values I want in the future. They allowed me to explore different departments, including marketing, which was something I had specifically asked about in my interview. That opportunity to learn about different areas of the business was really valuable to me.
The company culture also challenged my expectations. I had this idea that corporate environments would be extremely intense and fast-paced, but that wasn’t the case. There were lots of opportunities to get involved in activities outside of day-to-day work, like sports groups, book clubs and company events. I also had the chance to attend store visits, travel abroad and take part in philanthropic initiatives. It made the experience feel well-rounded and enjoyable rather than just a typical desk job.
My placement year had a huge impact on me, especially in terms of life skills. Before starting, I had a very clear idea of what I thought my life would look like over the next five years, but that’s completely changed now. It helped me realise what I value, not just in a career, but in everyday life. I also learned how important work-life balance is and how to manage my time effectively. Figuring out how to structure my time outside of work, where to live, and how to maintain a routine were all things I hadn’t really considered before but now recognise as essential.
Coming back to university for my final year, I’ve noticed a big difference in how I approach my work. I’m much better at managing my time and creating a routine.
Placement taught me to take my personal time more seriously, whether that’s through sport, reading or other forms of self-care. It’s also helped me deal with stress during busy periods like deadlines, as I can relate it to high-pressure times I experienced during placement.
Sport has been a big part of my time at Loughborough. I used to be involved in AU dance and even coached until my second year, but more recently I switched to gymnastics. I also picked up running during my placement, although I haven’t kept that up as much since returning. I still go to the gym and occasionally do Pilates classes.
If I could give advice to someone starting university, it would be to put yourself out there as much as possible. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but everyone is in the same position. Even something as simple as sitting with someone new in the dining hall or talking to people in lectures can lead to lasting friendships, I still live with people I met in my first week.