Isabella López García

The Course

I chose to study BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising at Manchester Fashion Institute because the programme looked interesting and it was related to what I wanted to do in the future. Also because, before I applied I did a little research about which universities/places were the best in the fashion area that I wanted and I found out that MFI was one of those.  I really like the teaching on my course and the help that I receive from my lecturers. They do not only care about my academic development but my personal well-being, this shows where they have supported me. That is very motivating because it helps me to engage even more with the course and the work that has to be completed. Maybe not as much as other students, but all my tutors are always happy to help me with whatever I ask help for. In addition to that, once a month I have a meeting with one of my tutors, where I can talk with her about anything and she will help me.

The Future

So far, my plans for the future are to finish my studies at Manchester Fashion Institute, I would love to do a placement year – then, work at a fashion company as a merchandiser either here in Manchester or in other places around Europe. After that, go back to Colombia and set up my own company.

The City

One of the best things about studying and living in Manchester is that there are many international students all around the city making it very cosmopolitan. I have been able to meet people from India, China, Ecuador and many other countries and I love it. It is like meeting new cultures in just one place. Also, I like studying, especially fashion, in Manchester because of all the free museums and art galleries around the city. In those places, I find inspiration and learn different things that are not taught during classes.

I found it easy to adjust to live in Manchester because of all the help that was given to me by the University and the international society. At the beginning, we had a week for only international students, so it was helpful to meet other people that were in my same position of being new to Manchester and with the desire to know the city.

Top Tips for potential international students

The international office at the university has helped me in the way that they have sent me useful information about international events I should attend. My first advice to future international students would be to come with a very optimist attitude and prepared to meet all kinds of people. To be open-minded without losing what they have learned in their home countries: always being respectful with the differences that they may have with the others. Also, to not be afraid to discover what they are capable of (designing, learning new languages, etc.) and to take the risk to do new things.