Why did you choose to study at Newcastle University?
I chose universities based on expectations of city life, campus life, & teaching quality.
Newcastle is generally a smaller but exciting city. There’s always something going on in town. Regardless of the day or night! We’re so close to beaches and the countryside as well – it seemed like a great balance.
I also enjoyed the fact that we’re a city campus. Everything is within walking distance – shops, cafes, libraries, etc. It’s so easy to bump into people you know as well!
When choosing my course at Newcastle, I learned that it was an industry-related one. Engineering is a practical course. So, we had to be realistic and ask: ‘Will what I’m taught come in handy at my next job?’. Now that I have my graduate position lined up, I’m happy that my answer is a definite ‘yes’.
Has Newcastle University lived up to your expectations?
It certainly has – university life is very underrated!
The campus provides great atmosphere – not only is it beautiful, it’s also functional. We generally have access to any facilities we’d ever need. From quiet to collaborative study spaces; from specialised computer cluster to labs; from outdoor seating to canteen (who does brilliant fish & chips). They're all within walking distance.
Same for how we’re taught. Engineering students stay in university a lot - to study, for projects meetings, practical sessions, and more. Our course is fruitful but indeed intense. I’m prepared to spend long hours, and to be learning constantly. Because good engineers need to be good in team-management; getting our hands dirty; and easy to work with!
The educational experience is worth every minute. The technical, practical, and ‘people’ skills are the highlights! It is fun if done properly!
What has most impressed you about the University?
It’s impressive how much the university invests into equipment and buildings! When I first joined Newcastle, the Urban Sciences Building (USB) was just finished. It had lots of study spaces, research laboratories, state-of-the-art specialised equipment, and more. I’m baffled by it to this date!
This seems to be the theme across faculties. This includes the university farm for agricultural research; subsea research centres for marine technology; and much more! The money and effort put into these facilities is vast. It improves student and research experiences and helps putting us on the map!
It’s also very exciting that Newcastle invested £110m into expanding Stephenson Building (mechanical engineering faculty - where I’m based) on maker-space facilities, study spaces etc.
The amount of specialised machining equipment, microscope, testing rigs… are already impressive – but a newer space for them to live in puts the cherry on top!
How supportive are academic staff on your degree programme?
Very supportive! We get assigned to academics as personal tutors. They’d check on us throughout the year – making sure we’re on top of our studies & job hunts. If we need help for anything, they’d never (and cannot) refuse to assist or direct us.
The best element in staff support is where they make sure we’re coping and balancing our studies. Being in university requires a lot of self-discipline and time management skills.
There were moments where I struggled in that aspect, and I had to turn to our senior tutor, Mr. Rob Davidson for advice. Mr. Davidson had been nothing but inspiring and supportive. He showed that university is all about the people, not only grades on a piece of paper. So, Mr. Davidson ensured the ‘people’ in the faculty are doing well too – something I admire greatly!
What has been your favourite experience at Newcastle?
I enjoyed the fact that Newcastle is a small city but it never felt like one. I like that it’s a slower paced city but still have the flexibility/ convenience of being able to do literally anything you want.
Whether that’s going to the pub for a pint, trying out the new restaurant in town, having a crack at the escape room or mini-golfing place; a relaxing walk down the River Tyne… The list doesn’t end, and the Toon never ceased to surprise!
Having good access to these places/ opportunities to wind down after long study days are important – more so than imagined. Whatever stress or worries you might put yourself up for, taking the night off to do something nice is like an earned escape – it feels rewarding! It also helps to preparing to do more work the next day.
What advice would you give to your younger self about university life?
University life is one of the most unique experiences that you only live once – might as well make the most out of it!
That could mean a few things – got a sport or a hobby wanting to try out? There will be a society for it, so give it a go! Get invited to a house party? Don’t say no and stay at home alone, go make some new friends, have some fun! Something confusing in the last lecture? Go ask the professor, they’re paid to help! Struggling on literally anything? Don’t be scared to ask for help – someone has the answer!
The list goes on and on. The point being there are many aspects of university life you’ve never experienced, and probably never will again. If it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, might as well live life to the full and make some memories!
