Ben Loft: I wasn’t very academic at school so to finish up with a first and an award is something I’m quite proud of

Award winner Ben Loft with his family

Ben Loft, 22, from Thetford studied on an interactive and immersive technology degree at University Studies at West Suffolk College and gained first class honours.

Ben said: “After school I came to West Suffolk College and did a two year extended diploma then a foundation art course. Now I’ve completed my degree, I’ve been here six years and I’ve recently secured a job here as a technical developer. To say I like it here would be an understatement.

"One highlight of the course was working with other students during 'Games Jams'.

“The other highlight has been working and using the technology in our cutting edge Xtended Reality lab. It gave us all the things we needed and it’s a very cool space to work in.

“In my job, I now create virtual reality content for other courses at the university and college - it’s been going well.

“Looking back now, I’d say my time at university has been an exciting adventure. I chose the local route as I wanted to stay closer to home and be around family and close friends.

“In terms of graduating, I was quite a late learner, I wasn’t very academic at school so to finish up with a first and an award is something I’m quite proud of.

“I’ve also just found out that I’ve got an award for academic excellence so to get an additional pat on the back for your efforts is a big thing. The award is also for my lecturers as the support they gave us throughout the course was excellent. They were always there for you.”