I was fascinated by the world of fashion and would spend hours scanning magazines and analysing the latest trends. Gradually, this interest metamorphosed into a desire to pursue for my studies.

I enrolled on a course at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Gandhinagar.

After graduation, I started looking for a Master's course that would extend my knowledge and understanding to enhance it through research-based pedagogy.

Moreover, I wanted to study abroad in order to gain international exposure in design and experience student life overseas. That's when I came across the MA in fashion design programme at the Winchester School of Art — a part of the University of Southampton, UK.

The programme modules were an absolute match for my requirements and the talent scholarship offered by the institute helped me in my decision, which I haven't regretted an ounce.

This enabled me to work across traditional and experimental boundaries, while enhancing my capabilities to critically evaluate my working processes, methodologies and ideas. The simplest of things like taking part in a professional photo shoot, academics, and addressing the tutor by first names have been quite different from what I was used to back home.

The teaching and technical support has helped me to unfurl my potential to its maximum and pushed me to indulge in research and experiment. The process is fun, explorative and has enhanced my knowledge. All the garments here are meant for contemporary women.

The way we are tutored to present our work and our approach will definitely enhance our prospects in the current market and industry.

The option module that I have chosen is Display, which touches aspects of visual display from historic to modern days and makes us think and interpret visuals from a different eye. My experience here so far has been extremely enriching, it has made me a more sensitive and competent designer and has given me an insight in various creative angles. The campus and surroundings are extremely easy to adjust to and I have loved every single day out here.

Apart from academic progress, my accomplishments include being nominated as the class representative. A proud moment was when my garment got featured in a fashion show on International Women's Day at West Quay.

Moreover, I worked for the group installation during Christmas at the Woolly Hat Fair and the experience was simply fantastic.

I would highly recommend this university to all aspiring learners. It is very close knit yet diverse in the most positive way and the environment is flexible with unlimited opportunities to learn and grow. A lot of my classmates and flat mates are Chinese, which makes it an interesting cultural mix. I am the only Indian in both my class and house, so to keep the spirit of my culture alive and feel closer to home I became a part of the University’s India Society and Hindu Society.

I support the Societies’ cause of reviving our culture and bringing people together. I am extremely enthusiastic about our festivals and am an active participant of all the events and celebrations.

Post this course I would like to work in the industry and gain some experience in a corporate design set-up. Eventually, I plan to become an entrepreneur and have my own set up.