Phei Wen Lee

The Course

I chose to study BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising as I have a passion for fashion but also knew I was good at elements of business. I enjoy the programme because it gives a deep insight into the managing supply chain and manufacturing processes from the perspective of the fashion industry.

So far, my favourite project I have completed on the programme has been the Business Project unit, where we had to come up with a business proposal and buy in products/manufacture products that we could sell at a Trade Fair in the University. It was great, as we also got to create a stand and ensure it was appealing to our consumer by using our visual merchandising skills. It was really fun and challenging but it gave us great real-world experience.

Facilities

Manchester Fashion Institute is equipped with all the facilities you need to excel with your assignments. There is a fabric laboratory, 3D printer, sublimation printer, a resource centre, a body scanner and so much more! The staff are also very friendly and helpful, and are always there to assist you when you have doubts regarding the facilities and how they work.

There is also plenty of organised field trips and study trips to get involved with, which help to enhance your studies. I recently went on a field trip to the boohoo distribution centre. We also regularly have guest lectures from industry representatives, from companies such as boohoo, Missguided, Arcadia, Pretty Little Thing and so on. It really helps to give your education depth and real-world insight.

Friends of mine have also been on a trip to China where they attended a number of factory visits and learnt about how manufacturing processes work in China, one of the leading countries in manufacturing garments.

The Future

Once I complete my undergraduate degree I really want to go into further study, hopefully this will be a Masters in logistics and supply chain management, where I can enhance my knowledge in these areas.

When I am done with my study, I would love to work for a fashion company and I aspire to be a Buyer, so that I can deal with suppliers, quantities and distribution. My ultimate goal in the future is to improve sustainability and ethical issues associated with clothing manufacturing.

The City

Manchester is so diverse that studying here gives you a valuable opportunity to meet people from around the world and learn about their cultures, this helps to open your eyes to a world you’ve never seen before. I have met many good friends from all around the world, who I would never have met if I had stayed in my comfort zone and in my home country of Malaysia.

I found it really easy to settle in to live in Manchester, mainly because of the food! Chinatown in the City Centre has all the cuisine you could ever ask for, from Vietnamese to Thai! There are also so many different restaurants and fast foods available in the city – it’s literally ‘you name it, we have it!’

Top tips for potential international students

Don’t fret! Manchester has the friendliest and kindest people. It is fast-paced but still quite calm, you can find yourself working busily and yet still get time to relax.

So many international students come here from all over the world to study. Wherever you come from you will find a home her in Manchester.