What's it like to study at Northumbria?
Personally, I really enjoy studying at Northumbria - I feel like the staff really value and want to help students as best they can - all you need to do is not be shy and ask for help when you need it. There is no such thing as a silly question! The library facilities are lovely too - I commute to university, and I find that these spaces are great for in between or after classes for me to get my work done before I head home.
Best thing about studying Criminology
I personally really enjoy the modules - I'm in final year now and I have a lot more choice over the modules I do, but the core modules are really interesting too. There are some you are going to enjoy more than others but that's normal! I find that attending and working hard makes these modules much easier to do, and the teaching staff really want to see you do the best you can!
Favourite thing to do on campus / community
I really like to go either alone or with my friends to the library after my classes to get work done, and Northumbria campus in my opinion is very accommodating - there's the library, coffee shops, a food shop, the gym, Habita, the student bar, which has loads of events and food/deals on too! No matter whether you drink, don't drink, enjoy socialising or enjoy your own company there is something for everyone!
Course & career goals / industry links
The course is equipping me with knowledge for future careers - whatever they may be! Opportunities to do placement years as an additional year of study, as well as work experience dissertations help build your profile!
The university often sends out many job and volunteering opportunities, which you can get stuck into too!
I'm also a student representative for my peers on my course - this has also helped develop interpersonal skills, which will always be handy for future careers, interviews etc.
A time you realised you were capable of more
I guess when I first got some assignments back, and I did well on these and I was given really helpful and constructive feedback which helped me improve.
I think everyone should remember that they deserve to be there at university and that it is something to be proud of - you are capable and deserve to be exactly where you are and you just need to remember that and trust in this process.
Support that boosted confidence / ambition
I find that just interacting with the staff and professionals with lots of real world experience has helped a lot!
I'm currently doing a work experience dissertation and I've secured a placement opportunity to volunteer for NEPACS within the prison visitor centres - this is something I never thought I'd have the opportunity to do at this age, and I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in there and learn and enhance my skills!
Advice for someone considering Northumbria
I genuinely think university for me has been a good experience - I personally commute and this is what works for me, as I wasn't as bothered about living in and going out a lot - but it's ok if you want that too, they're both normal experiences. I guess think about what you want and if you have a real interest in the course even if you don't know what career you want to do (I still don't know now!).
Think about what works best for you, and don't let anyone pressure you into doing it one way or another - it has to be what works for you!
But on the whole, Northumbria really does want to see students succeed and reach their full potential and I think that's a lovely thing to see!
