Alina

“At the start, coding didn’t make sense to me – but my teachers explained everything so well, I soon learned how to program, build websites and even create animations.”

Studying Computer Science at New City College Tower Hamlets Campus gave Alina more than just qualifications – it gave her a clear pathway to university. She began by gaining the GCSEs she needed, and then progressed step-by-step through her IT and Computer Science courses, building confidence, skills and ambition along the way. Today, she is studying at the University of Greenwich, continuing her journey towards a career in digital technology.

Why did you choose New City College?

One of the main reasons I chose NCC was because it gave me the opportunity to gain the GCSEs I didn’t have before. That was really important to me, because I knew I needed strong foundations if I wanted to keep progressing. After completing my GCSEs, I moved on to a Level 2 IT course and then progressed to Level 3 Computer Science. I liked that there was a clear pathway. Each stage prepared me not just for exams and assignments, but for the next level of study.

On my Computer Science course, I learned programming and how to think logically through problems, website development and even animation, which I was really excited about. What I enjoyed most was how everything connected together. It wasn’t just theory – we were building things, testing them, improving them and understanding how technology works in real life.

What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?

Like many students, I had moments where I found parts of the course challenging. Sometimes I didn’t understand certain topics straight away. The difference at New City College was the support I got. Whenever I was unsure about something, I could ask my teachers and they would take the time to explain it in a way that made sense.

Programming was probably my biggest challenge. At the beginning it honestly felt like learning a completely new language. But the way my teachers taught us to understand the different concepts was amazing. They were so approachable too, and gradually, step-by-step, it all fell into place. Over time, I became much more confident and realised that I was capable of more than I first thought.

What opportunities did you take advantage of while at Tower Hamlets Campus?

One opportunity I’m really glad I took was becoming a Digital Ambassador. In that role, I helped other students with trouble-shooting and other things like accessing Microsoft Teams, logging into Outlook and connecting to the college Wi-Fi. It helped me build confidence and improve my communication skills. It also gave me experience supporting others with technology – which is so valuable in a tech-related career.

I was also a Student Rep, which meant representing my class in meetings. I shared feedback and discussed any concerns from my group. That experience taught me how to listen carefully, speak up professionally and represent others. It made me feel like students genuinely have a voice at NCC and can help shape their learning experience.

What was one of the highlights of being an NCC student?

One of the highlights for me was attending the BETT UK event at ExCeL London. There were so many companies showcasing new technologies and ideas for the future. It was inspiring to see what’s happening in the tech world beyond the classroom. Experiences like that confirmed that Computer Science was the right path for me.

Are you glad you found New City College?

Definitely. Because of New City College, I’m now studying Computer Science at the University of Greenwich and continuing to develop my knowledge and skills.

NCC didn’t just help me gain qualifications – the college gave me belief in myself. It showed me that if I take things step-by-step and ask for support when I need it, I can achieve my goals.

If you’re inspired by Alina’s journey and want to build your own future in tech, why not take the first step? At New City College Tower Hamlets Campus, our Computer Science courses are designed to give you the skills, confidence and qualifications you need to succeed – whether that’s moving up to the next level, securing an apprenticeship or heading to university.

With expert tutors, workplace projects and pathways for progression, you’ll be supported every step of the way. Apply now and start turning your interest in technology into a successful career.