Nico Amalfitano

Where are you from?

Napoli in Italy.

Why did you choose Northumbria, and what did you know about us before you applied?

I did not know that much before I applied, but by asking around and gathering information from the web, I soon learnt that attending a course at Northumbria would be a great experience and I was fascinated by the facilities.

What do you most like about Newcastle, and how do you find the city?

Although the weather is not encouraging, especially for an Italian, the city is very welcoming. Public transport allows you to move easily around the city and surrounding areas. The Geordies are very friendly and, although being small, I consider Newcastle as a very fervent place where I could find interesting events and initiatives related to my artistic interests.

How do you find the cost of living in Newcastle?

The cost of living is more than affordable.

Did you find Northumbria welcoming?

Yes, I did find the school very welcoming, especially during the application process. The friendly approach of tutors I spoke with before deciding which university to choose, helped my decision a lot.

How do you find your tutors and the staff within Northumbria?

The tutors and members of the staff are always available in providing help.

What are the facilities like?

The facilities are great and give you the chance to transform your ideas in real projects, if you want.

What do you like most about Northumbria?

I am really enjoying the Northumbria environment. The friendly atmosphere, allows me to spend time at the university in an easier way than it could be.

Tell me a bit about your course?

I found my course great. Every brief I go through is very relevant and well structured. Everything we study is oriented to understand how the professional world works.

If you had to pick an object to represent your course, what would it be and why?

If it had a precise shape, I would pick creativity...that is the key.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date during your time with us?

I learnt that as long as you have got a strong idea, every result is achievable.

If you had 3 words to sum up your time with us what would they be?

Exciting, new...and tiring

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

I would recommend student to engage in the course seriously from the start.

What are your plans now and for the future?

I am not sure yet. I would like to produce animated films, but it would be nice to pursue the academic career path too.

What skills would you say you have gained/improved since the start of your course?

Technical skills of course, but mostly the attention to details.

What new knowledge of your subject area have you learnt so far on your course?

The whole process necessary for producing a project, from the storyboard to post production works.

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria?

I am fairly confident by nature, however, before I started the course I was not sure that high technical and quality goals could be reachable for me.