Jack Bousfield

BSc (Hons) Physical Geography

Where are you from?

York

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

After speaking to a number of people who came from York to Newcastle and advised it. I like the excitement of the city but also that it is not too big in the centre. I also had a tour around the campus and loved the atmosphere and course specifics.

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

Newcastle has loads to do. I enjoy going for food and drinks in Jesmond as well as going down to the riverside near the Tyne Bridge. I frequently jog in Jesmond Dene and around other parts of Jesmond like the Town Moor. The city centre is also great too with lots of shops and places to visit.

What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?

The most surprising thing is the friendliness of the people. It is so much more sociable than being down south, I used to live in London, so this is a definite highlight. The most impressing thing is probably the nightlife in all honesty. There is something going on every single night. Furthermore though I really like the appearance of the city and the architecture, e.g. Grey Street and the surrounding areas.

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?

Really welcoming yes. Obviously you have to make effort yourself but the activities in Freshers Week promote this. The course I study is also perfect for that as Physical Geography has numerous trips to get to know everyone.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

The new friends I have made are life long and I will always been in contact with them. I also thought that university would be a bit of a depressing struggle but it has proved to be very interesting and my lecturers are extremely easy to listen to and understand about their personal research.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

My inspiration specifically has been Dr John Woodward. He conducts research at the North Pole digging down in the ice aiming to collect data from a post glacial lake. His work has been in the news and written about a lot and I find this extremely impressive.

What is your favourite place on campus?

This is the 'quad' outside of the students union. It is the main hub of excitement and especially when its sunny it has been really exciting outside.

Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects? Tells us about the highlights?

I joined the football team but had to stop through injury however this was extremely well set up with a lot of interest from people my age. Other than that my focus has been mainly on my course.

What is the best thing about your course?

The trips are great as they allow actual visual representation of where physical geographical processes occur. I also enjoy the research lectures where you see what the lecturers do themselves.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

Generally, I have learnt to work much harder in life. School shows you that you can breeze your way through but university shows you things must be done properly and in detail. I have also gained confidence and organisation independently here.

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

One of my ideas is to use Geographical Information Systems in a career. This has been used a lot in modules and has therefore increased my interest. I would also like to work in something environmental as I love the natural world.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?

I have done a few day long work experiences looking at what people in GIS work on, e.g. Natural England office in Leeds. This was very useful as it helped me decide whether I would enjoy getting into this or not as a career.

Have you taken up any opportunities to travel with your current course/undertake field trips? If so, please tell us about them.

A week in Berwick, in the Lake District and in Malaga, Spain have all been hugely successful. Educationally, seeing these different types of natural landscapes is fascinating. Socially the trips were very fun and allowed the course to get very close and to help each other with work.

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

A week in Berwick, in the Lake District and in Malaga, Spain have all been hugely successful. Educationally, seeing these different types of natural landscapes is fascinating. Socially the trips were very fun and allowed the course to get very close and to help each other with work.

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?

My independent organisation with work has improved greatly and I have a lot stronger concentration levels when pushed to meet deadlines. My confidence educationally and socially has improved too as I was a lot more reserved at school. Living away from your family helps generate all of these skills.