Shabnaz Chowdhury

Bar Professional Training Course

Where are you from?

Bangladesh

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Northumbria University's School of Law is one of the best BPTC providers in England and Wales. Apart from the professional teaching faculty and outstanding academic guidance the University has a diverse range of facilities which makes it very convenient for students, specially international students like me to cope up with the pressures of coming all the way to a new country and pursue the chosen course in here.The 24/7 library facilities and the Student support and well being centre has been tremendously supportive. It wasn't at all difficult to find my way around the campus and throughout the course because the University is well equipped with the facilities to make sure that nobody feels lost or on their own. I personally chose Northumbria University because of all the facilities mentioned above as well as the tuition cost and living cost in Newcastle which is much more affordable than any other universities in UK but keeping up with the excellent quality of teaching as well.

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

Newcastle has been a true home to me during my two years of stay in here. I just love the culture the people and everything about it. The city has a lot to offer to students and I believe it's a 'student heaven' specially for all the extra treats you get as a student in Newcastle. I enjoyed the theaters,bars and restaurants, shopping destinations, parks and beaches around the city. The Quayside is very close to my dorm and I loved taking strolls around the Millennium Bridge whenever I need to clear my head off all the stress. The people are very kind and helpful in everywhere around the city. I never felt like I am miles away from home because of the welcoming attitude of the city.

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

I am very impressed and thankful for the way the city is such a student city. Everything that you would want to do while studying in the Newcastle you will find that there is always something special for the students in it. Living costs compared to London/Scotland are very affordable. As a full time student and without engaging myself in any jobs during the term time, my family who supported me financially for my stay here, found it very affordable.

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

Yes, it definitely was.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

The 24/7 library facilities and Sport Central.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

Student Support and Well Being Centre.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

Most of my tutors. They have been very encouraging and inspiring.

What is your favourite place on campus?

The City Campus East Library and bar Habita in the SU.

What is the best thing about your course?

The course as a whole is very prestigious. How the course is conducted at Northumbria, the court room facilities for advocacy sessions, the well equipped classrooms and lecture rooms has made it very enjoyable and exciting as well.

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

Too many to count but one thing I always found it to be true is if you stay focused on something you want, it's never difficult to achieve it.

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 intend to do a PhD in the near future. I really hope I can do that in Newcastle as I love living here. I have developed a lot of skills during my course which will definitely aid me in my career as a lawyer in the future.

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

Yes I have visited some places like London, Scotland, Durham and York. Durham is a ten minutes travel by train and I have been there many times. Durham has a very calm and pleasant atmosphere. I visited the Durham Cathedral and Castle often and enjoyed the river side walks around the Castle. I also visited London a couple of times due to work as well as for pleasure tours. It's a huge place, very crowded but has its own charm and excitements to offer. In York, I went for a adventure tour in the Flamingo Land theme park. It is one of my exciting memories in UK. Last but not the least, my tour in the Scottish Highlands is simply beyond explaination. The Loch Ness boat ride and thrilling sightseeing cannot be put into words to explain the experiences I had there.

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

Northumbria University is definitely a place where the student can achieve success in their pursued courses while enjoying their life as they want to. The support and guidance provided by the University is very assuring and the library facility is a key support system allowing the students to prepare themselves for their academic works and assessments.I will definitely recommend Northumbria University for all that it offers to its students. Also, living in Newcastle will be an experience of a lifetime for any student, because of all the convenience in terms of costs and the facilities the city offers.

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

I have grown very much as a person. I think the way I handled myself in Newcastle without having the physical support of my family and being on my own for the first time miles away from home, I am more confident now. I have learnt so much that I cant list in into words. Life is not easy on your own but those who are ready to face anything without worrying much and keep a 'never give up' attitude can definitely pull themselves through it.