This is the story of three siblings, Naf, Ilyas, and Ariff, whose journeys each led them to the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM).
Long before any of them arrived in Semenyih, the University of Nottingham was already part of their family's story. Their grandfather had pursued a PhD in Law at the University of Nottingham's UK campus in the late 1940s. Over time, that experience became a quiet reference point—something familiar that often surfaced in conversations about education and opportunity.
Years later, that familiarity found its way into a new chapter. One by one, the siblings chose to study at UNM, drawn by its global reputation, academic pathways, and opportunities to study abroad. There was also a subtle sense of continuity in choosing a place that had long been part of their family's journey.
Finding Independence Close to Home: Naf
Naf was the first to arrive, enrolling in 2010 to pursue a degree in Business and Accounting. Living away from home was a new experience, marked by freedom and adjustment.
"It was my first time living away from home," she recalls, "but I was still close enough that I could head back on weekends. During the weekdays, most of my time was spent with friends, attending classes, studying, or just hanging out after a long day. Those everyday moments were where many of our friendships really grew."
Outside of academics, Naf was active in sports and represented the University in dodgeball. "Being in Semenyih was a blessing," she adds. "It was far enough for me to build independence, but near enough to stay connected with my family."
Reshaping the Experience: Ilyas
When Ilyas enrolled in 2011, he needed an environment that allowed him, a person with disabilities, to move independently and participate fully in student life. The university provided accessible accommodation and facilities, enabling him to navigate campus with ease and confidence. Over time, these changes, which ranged from ramps to accessible rooms, became part of the campus, quietly supporting many students in the years that followed.
During his time at UNM, Ilyas completed his Foundation programme, an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, and a postgraduate degree in Mechatronic Engineering. After graduating with Second Class Upper honours, he faced workplace accessibility challenges and chose to start again in a different direction, teaching himself programming from scratch. Today, he works as a coder at Maybank. Overall, his story is one of resilience and the willingness to keep moving forward even when plans change.
Beyond Borders: Ariff's Journey from Malaysia to the UK
Ariff arrived in 2012, stepping into a campus environment that already felt familiar by way of his siblings. He immersed himself in student life, balancing classes with sports, music, and campus activities.
In 2014, he transferred to the University of Nottingham's UK campus through a 2+2 programme, becoming one of the first students to make that transition from Malaysia. In many ways, it echoed his grandfather's experience decades earlier. At the UK campus, Ariff joined the golf team, eventually becoming Second Team Captain and a First Team player.
"You realise how much there is beyond what you already know," he reflects. "It changes how you see things, not just academically but also personally. It shapes how you approach people, opportunities, and the world around you."
More Than a Degree
While each sibling's path was different, a shared thread runs through their stories: UNM and its Semenyih campus. This was where they built independence close to home, formed friendships through everyday moments, and grew well beyond academics. For their family, Nottingham is more than a university name passed down through generations. It is a series of lived experiences, and while Naf, Ilyas, and Ariff’s grandfather’s journey began this story decades ago, it continues to evolve through each generation’s choices.
Posted on 3rd June 2026