‘The University of Bolton is like a family, where you are always supported and welcomed,’ says VFX student Sara

Visual effects student Sara Soltani says staff and students at the University of Bolton are “like a family”.

The 24-year-old who moved to the UK from Iran in 2011, is studying on the Bsc (Hons) VFX and Animation degree programme and is due to graduate this year.

Sara moved to Bolton from Milton Keynes when she joined the University of Bolton in 2021.

She said Bolton was one her top choices when she saw the high quality of the work from past students on the course.

She said: “When I was applying, they showed me what they work on, what students do and the amount of freedom we have to choose to do what we are passionate about and it was amazing!

“All the tutors have either worked in the industry or have loads of connections which is really great, especially for us who are so close to graduating. They will help us through the whole transition and process to moving into a career.”

Sara said that students get the support they need, unlike some larger universities. “The lecturer doesn’t even know your name sometimes at bigger universities, which to me is so wild!

“Everyone is like a family here - always trying to help you out or direct you along the right path.

“Whether it is your lecturers or the uni staff like in the student centre, everyone is so friendly and nice, it’s amazing!”

Sara, who says she has been inspired by the visual effects in movies such as Interstellar and Gravity, says she wants to get into the VFX industry as creating 3D modelled CGI special effects.

She said: “It's not just a job for me, it's about sculpting a life where every project is a canvas for mind-blowing creations. The idea of bringing that extra touch of magic to the visual effects game is what gets me pumped for building an epic life in this field.

“Art, in its various forms, has been my creative sanctuary. Then, I stumbled into the world of VFX and it was like discovering a whole new universe where my artistic passions could meld with cutting-edge technology.

“Bringing imagination to life through digital magic became my obsession. Now, as a VFX enthusiast, I get to blend my love for traditional art with the dynamic realm of visual effects, creating a canvas where pixels tell stories in ways I never imagined.

“It's a thrilling journey!”