Darren Dixon

Where are you from?

Abbeytown, Cumbria

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I visited on open days and enjoyed the atmosphere and location. Newcastle itself is a great city, even though I had only visited a couple of times it seemed like where I wanted to be. The course at the university was also a major factor, nowhere else offered a course with so much focus on the forensic aspect.

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

Newcastle is an amazing city, my favourite aspect has to be the views and sights as a lover of photography there are so many areas that are interesting. Also the location and accessibility to other areas, the coast, South Shields etc.

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

The most surprising thing is with regards to the people within the city, everyone is polite, nice and easy to get along with. The most impressive thing has to be the transport links around the city and to other areas, not all cities have services as good as the Tyne and Wear Metro.

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

The University itself makes life easy for meeting new people, the Students' Union is a great place to meet new people. Welcome Week as a fresher was a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and also my course itself has helped me to create new friendships.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

There isn't an aspect I haven't enjoyed, the course I've studied is brilliant and the facilities provided by the University provide everything I have needed. Possibly the best thing is the location.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

Friends and my course tutor, these people are essential to getting through the 3 years, friends for time to relax and enjoy myself and my course tutor for guidance throughout the work.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

The people who have provided the most inspiration are friends and other students studying my course but in the years ahead of me. These people have encouraged me to do my best to get to where they are.

What is your favourite place on campus?

My favourite place is the Students' Union; however it should be Pandon Building with the amount of time I've spent in there!

What is the best thing about your course?

The course is hands on, and often involves very real word experiences. Several people working in the digital forensic field have been into the lecture to discuss and lecture us on aspects of the degree.

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

You get out what you put in.

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?

All aspects of my degree will be useful in the career following digital forensics. Other skills such as communication skills and team working will also be helpful. These skills have been gained through assignments and other activities throughout my time at Northumbria.

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

Research the course and visit the University and the city for a day or two.

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

Many aspects of my personality have changed, I've grown in confidence, developed skills in new areas and generally matured as a person. After nearly 3 years at the university my attitude towards the working world has changed and I now feel more prepared to go out there and get a job.