Timothy John Cooper

LLB (Hons) / M Law (Exempting)

Where are you from?

Ellesmere Port

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

The MLaw Exempting Course appeared excellent, I loved the University after the Open Day and it was almost 200 miles from home so I could have a degree of independence from my parents.

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

I love the area, the urban aspects are great and there are all the amenities you could want, plus it's easy to get to Northumberland National Park or the Lakes for a day out. The Karaoke bars are also very good.

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

I think I would have to say that it is the friendliness of the place given the number of people living here.

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

Very, the staff are supportive and the students come from a diverse background, I found it fairly easy to make friends in my faculty and in the SU.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

My third year has been a much nicer year than any other, my course has split so I'm only one of twenty and there's a greater feeling of camaraderie, furthermore despite being much more difficult the year has also been much more enjoyable and rewarding.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

Joanne Clough, she's been my tutor since first year and she is not only an excellent teacher but she is there to answer questions and provide help whenever anyone asks and she is really friendly.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

Joanne Clough, again, she is one of the hardest working people I know, she balanced her job as a solicitor advocate with her work in University, teaching over ten classes a week, without sacrificing any of them whist she was pregnant and remained a kind and freindly person.

What is your favourite place on campus?

Habita in the SU. It has a nice atmosphere, the drinks are cheap, the food isn't that expensive and it's not bad (I have a particular fondness for the Texicana Pizza) The fact it's opposite the library, five minutes from the city centre and from the Law School make it a perfect meeting place, and I love karaoke on a Thursday night.

Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects? Tells us about the highlights?

I am the Secretary of the Debating Society and have been for over two years already, I really enjoy it and I have helped with the schools outreach program which helped us to win NUS Society of the Year 2012/13 and I have judged at several competitions including the European Universities Debating Championship. I am also the President of the Law School Mock Trial Society, and I have been attending since my first week in University and I enjoy it due to the relaxed atmosphere and teaching first years some basic advocacy. Plus we always go to Habita for Karaoke afterwards. I also occasionally take part in the Student Law Think Tanks responses to consultation papers.

What is the best thing about your course?

I find it challenging, the subjects are large and difficult but the exams don't seem impossible, there's a degree of challenge in everything and if we don't work fully we can be penalised so there's an incentive to enjoy the work.

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 become a Barrister, but I would happily take a job that requires research and persuasion as a fundamental constituent part. I have developed substantial research skills, including the ability to measure the relative weights of pieces of information and exclude irrelevancies in addition to time management and persuasion skills on the BPTC. Furthermore throughout my extra curricular activities I have further developed my persuasive abilities and administrative skills.

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

I would recommend Northumbria as they have abolished hidden fees for students on the new student finance system. The city is amazing and the facilities the University provide are excellent, the staff are really friendly and helpful and there will never be a dull moment.

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

I think I have become more able to research and organise myself, although I feel I have grown in confidence a little, I wouldn't say that much (because I didn't exactly lack it before) I have learned better how to get on with people and how to adapt to unfamiliar situations and to different people