Laurie Blower

Where are you from?

Billingham, Teesside

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

The Architecture course is very good and I love Newcastle.

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

I love Newcastle! Being from Teesside, I haven't really been too far away, but everyone is friendly and the city is beautiful. My favourite thing to do is sit in the sun down the Quayside.

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

Yes, Northumbria University was very welcoming, there are many different people, so fitting in is easy!

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

I love the people that I have met.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

My tutors have helped me a lot and not only with University work. They are understanding when you are finding things difficult.

What is your favourite place on campus?

The Students' Union which normally means we have finished a deadline. Other than that, the Architecture studios just because we are all friends and its nice to get your projects done with people who help one another and understand if you get stressed!

What is the best thing about your course?

The feeling after you hand in something after spending months going to university 9am till 10pm every single day.

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?

I want to come back and finish my Part 2  with a Masters in Architecture. The goal is to eventually become a chartered architect. I have probably learnt that it is easier to get up every day and spend the day doing work than leaving it to the all nighters!

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

We went on a field trip to Rome in my second year. It was brilliant. We visited all of the buildings that we had learnt about in our history lectures and enjoyed the city with a few beers in hand too.

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

Definitely! It is such a great university in a great city.

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

I feel like I have grown in confidence and matured. I feel that I am ready for employment in an architectural practice.

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

Tough, Fun, Friends!

Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?

Yes!