Why did you choose to study at Newcastle University?
I didn't know much about Newcastle University when I accepted my offer! I chose to study here because I was awarded the Vice Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship. I'm very glad I made that decision. I wasn't sure what to expect of the university, but it's exceeded any expectations I could have held.
Has Newcastle University lived up to your expectations?
Yes! The people here have been wonderful. I've loved my degree and everything I've learnt. The Student Union provides great opportunities. Through them I've found things I love that I didn't expect to enjoy. The societies are welcoming and full of fun; I've spent a lot of time this year with the Theatre Society as a technician. There's a society for everything, and Student Media offers you a chance to channel your voice.
I've had some difficult circumstances this year, but the university offers invaluable support. I've never once felt stranded, or like I'm going through hard things alone. Disability services always has my back - they're full of helpful resources. My personal tutor is always ready to help with a solution or a listening ear.
What has most impressed you about the University?
At Newcastle University, you never feel like you don't matter, or that you aren't taken seriously. Staff meet feedback with a listening ear and the readiness to enact change. If something goes wrong, all I need to do is say so, and someone will help me do something about it. Having a lot of physical and mental health difficulties, I worried that I'd lack support. Instead, I've had the support I need to get by, and better yet, succeed.
The University is very proactive at reaching out to make sure you're okay. My friends and I have found that staff give personalised and effective support. Staff look out for you; they're attentive and notice when things aren't right. I'm not scared of making mistakes. I know I won't get in trouble for them. I know that I'll have the support I need to rectify and learn from them instead.
What is your favourite thing about your degree? Do you have any stand-out memories?
My favourite thing about my degree so far has been the field identification course I did at the end of Stage One. We spent a week travelling around the Newcastle/Northumberland area birdwatching. Then we spent a week at the university farm doing insect identification. We learnt how to gather and curate our very own insect collection (which I eagerly took home in a pizza box!)
I loved applying the ecological and physiological material from lectures in the field. It was a great chance to get to know staff members and other students, and I've made friends from that course. It's given me a newfound love of insects too, something I definitely did not expect! I grew up in the city, so I've never had the opportunity to study animals in the wild like that. It's allowed me to develop much needed confidence in my practical and field skills.
How supportive are academic staff on your degree programme?
I would be lost without the support academic staff on my degree offer. My lectures are clear and engaging. I know that my lecturers are always happy to answer any of my questions, even if I think they're silly questions.
Staff have given me a lot of support during lab practicals and field work. This has helped me gain a lot of confidence since I've always struggled with practical work. There's always a lot of postgraduate demonstrators during sessions who I can ask for help. If there's a piece of equipment I can't work, or a method I don't understand, the demonstrators take the time to explain it to me in detail.
I can tell that academic staff have great passion for the content we learn. This means they greet your questions with lot of excellent knowledge and enthusiasm!
What has been your favourite life experience at Newcastle?
Newcastle is a great place to explore who you are as a person. There's no judgement, only kindness and understanding. I've had the chance to experiment and try a lot of new opportunities. There are volunteering opportunities, sports opportunities, society opportunities, and so many wonderful communities. I've found new things that I love - and things that I hate! Both have helped me understand myself better.
It's a safe space and full of support. I'm not scared to try new experiences because I know that there are people to help me every step of the way. It's helped me come to terms with my identity and who I am.
What advice would you give to students thinking about studying your programme?
I have two pieces of advice. The first is to come with an open mind. Zoology is an incredibly diverse field! You'll get the chance to study things you know you love. On top of that, you'll get the chance to study things you didn't realise were an option! If you come to university intent on doing one thing and one thing only, you'll miss out on the chance to fall in love with other parts of the field.
The second is that there is help if you need it. University can feel scary, but the community is here for you. If something goes wrong, all you need to do is ask for help, and help will be given. You aren't running a marathon alone. There are other students running it with you, and staff helping you up whenever you stumble.
What advice would you give to your younger self about university life?
Don't be afraid of making mistakes. When I came to university, I was terrified that I'd be ostracised or punished if I made a mistake. I thought everything I did had to be perfect!
At university, you don't get in trouble for making mistakes. Nobody expects you to get 100% on every assignment. Breaking equipment is embarrassing, but equipment is repairable and replaceable. Misunderstanding something isn't the end of the world. University treats mistakes as a learning opportunity, not a mark of failure. If you do something wrong, it doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. It means that there's something for you, your peers, and your mentors to work on together.
You don't have to be the best at everything you do. You just have to give your best - that's enough!
