Rachael Bollands

Why did you choose Northumbria University?

I wanted to move away from home without being at the other end of the country and Northumbria had the right course for me.

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

I love Newcastle, there are so many things to do and the nightlife is great!

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming?

I found it really welcoming and made a good group of friends straight away, both in my halls and on my course.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

The people I've met and having the opportunity to undergo a placement year.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

My course leader Chris Connor.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

The other students on my course.

What is your favourite place on campus?

Sport Central.

What is the best thing about your course?

The opportunity to work on projects set by external clients and the opportunity to have a year in industry.

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

To keep in contact with people.

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 hope to be an applications engineer. Presentation and communication skills as well as a young enterprise module will help me in my career development.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement?

I did a year-long placement as an applications support engineer at a tier 1 automotive supplier. I got to work with OEM's such as Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin which meant I got to see some cars before they'd been released.

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

Go for it! Even if you feel nervous about moving away from home you'll love it once you get here and will make so many friends for life.

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

I am more confident and outgoing.

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

Fun, interesting, and memorable.

Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?

Yes.