Jake Boarder

BA (Hons) History

Where are you from?

Hartlepool

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

In comparison to my other offers, Northumbria's History Department provided the best variety in what I could study in history.

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

Being from the North East myself I thought Newcastle would be very familiar to me, but it seems to be the city i'm still discovering after living hear for nearly three years. I enjoy the vast amount of bars and activities I can do with my friends. Took me until my 3rd year to realise there was a bowling alley not to far away,

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

I didn't believe that i would want to live here after university, the city itself is beautiful and is full of friendly people.

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

My first year accommodation was very welcoming and I got on very well with my flatmates. Northumbria was easy for me to fit in but i was very shy during my first year. I did make quite a few friends and made many more in my 2nd and 3rd year from my course. During our 3rd year we've all ended up in the library together often which can help when you want someone to read part of your dissertation and essays.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

I didn't think i'd have a love for History that I do now. I thoroughly enjoy the course and studying History myself.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

I was always quite shy about talking to tutors in first year about essays and advice, but I opened up more in my 2nd and 3rd years and felt I could easily chat to my module tutors. All of them have been really helpful when planning and writing essays, to ensure I would perform as best as I could.

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

During my 2nd year many of us were asked to help set up the American Studies Society in partnership with the new course at university and the SU. We had great fun setting up the society and the events.

What is the best thing about your course?

The best things about my course has got to be the variety and the lecturer's. It's great that some things you wouldn't normally associate with History being discussed and debated by students and staff together. I've really enjoyed looking at music in different areas of history, mainly in activism and the sixites.

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

Email the department you want to study in and ask questions about the course. What will I learn, what can I study, where can this degree take me whilst studying? Make sure it is the degree you want to study and that you can get the best out of it.