Where are you from?
Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?
I chose to study here because the location is perfect for an undergraduate student, everything is in one place! The campus was is close to the city centre and the night life is amazing. The course also offered a massive difference to the other drama courses throughout the country focusing more around applied theatre and drama.
What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?
My favourite thing about Newcastle has to be the view from the Baltic of the whole city and of the Quayside. The night life is fab, and cinema tuesdays are half price for all! Karaoke thursday's at Habita have been a highlight too!
What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?
What has impressed me the most has to be many opportunities there are to get involved in several things to do with the Students' Union. They also put on so many activities and are so supportive to students within the Union.
Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?
At first I was very home sick, but as soon as I met all of my course friends i settled in. But the most important group that made me feel welcome was Northumbria Drama Society. I've been in it for three years and they are the most loving and welcoming group of people I have ever met, and I am very proud to be on the committee this year.
What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?
I have most enjoyed the performance aspect and the facilities this university offers to do this. Not only on my course but there are several performance societies that allow you to do this also. Additionally the city has many theatres showing fantastic theatre!!
Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?
I have to say my lecturers. We all are able to have a personal relationship with them all with our course being so small and its lovely to know they will be there when you need them, even if it's not work related.
Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?
My course friends. Everyone has done fantastic and rewarding work within the community this year and its inspiring to know such a fantastic group of people.
What is your favourite place on campus?
The Students' Union, it's a place you can chill with your friends, have fun with socities and have a cheap night thanks to Habita!!
Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects? Tells us about the highlights?
I have been in Drama Society since first year, been in many productions, stage managed and become Social Sec this year. We have also massively boosted our society size just this year nearly trippling last years size!
What is the best thing about your course?
The best thing about my course has to be the access it gives you to gaining contacts within the commnuty. We have worked with various groups within the commnuity doing applied work. I have been lucky enough to work at Seven Stories the childrens book centre and created a performance for Benfield School. I have also done two applied projects this year, one working with elderly people and one at a school. So you get to work with a variety of groups within the community and the freedom of the course allows you to chose who you want to work with.
What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?
The most valuable thing I have learnt to do with the course is to work with people who you easily get along with and that has the same work ethic as you, it will be so much less stress for you!
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?
In the future, I hope to be doing a job that helps people. Throughout my time here I have notcied the little things that help people and can give them just a morning of happiness is so rewarding and I would love to do that in the future.
Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?
I have worked on several projects with my course and the most memorable placement I did was working in a carehome with elderly people with dementia. I was only there for four weeks but doing drama and reminiscence with them to help them remember and talk about their past was a fantastic experience and I will never forget some of the heart warming stories I was told.
If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?
Have fun, don't be nervous to join in and get stuck in to whatever interests you! Enjoy and make the most of your time here because three years is such a short time and it will fly by! It only feels like yesterday I was a first year.
How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?
When I went home for the first time in semester one my parents noticed a massive change in me. I had matured so quickly and had become very independent and confident just by adapting to live by myself. I feel prepared to go into the big wide world now!
If you had 3 words to sum up your time with us what would they be?
fantastic, life-changing, memories.
Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?
Without a doubt! I've had a fantastic three years here and would recommend it to anyone!
*BA (Hons) Performance was formerly known as BA (Hons) Drama
