Haj Al-Dhufairi

What's it like to study at Northumbria? 

It's good: not overwhelming or underwhelming, it's just "whelming". I really like it here, I was able to swap courses and start fresh when things were not going well for me and I went through the portal and got help and it was as easy as that. I was not judged, just listened to. Also, it's Newcastle, you are going to have fun here. Northumbria has a good campus and I enjoy the 24 hour library during exam season. I really like Be Part of It, I enjoy doing the hot pod yoga with my flatmates and doing other activities on the campus. Sometimes they even had llamas in the middle of campus! 

Best thing about studying Computer Science 

I was never a creative person, then I started doing computer science and working on websites, code and algorithms and it allowed me to express which sort of area I enjoyed most and get to be creative when making websites, learning CSS, and different aspects of that. I had never done computer science before, so in my first year I would abuse the drop-in sessions with my lecturers to understand more and they were always so kind about it and very thorough. 

Favourite thing to do on campus / community 

I really enjoy getting a coffee with one of my friends then going to the library and when leaving go to Subway and sit on the Students' Union stairs and eat it and giggle away. So yes I would say I do feel a part of a community. I also am in the dance society and enjoy the classes they have and socials. Previous year I was in the darts society where I met some amazing people, learned a bit about darts and had loads of fun on socials. Every society committee ensures that new students or freshers feel welcome and feel included and that really helped me get out of my shell as an anxious fresher. 

Course & career goals / industry links 

I am currently doing a placement year in Marketing which is very different to computer science but it feels like a fresh mind, fresh perspective, more options and more skills. My goal is to go into data analysis, website building/editing. However I think a part of me also is really enjoying this placement and finding fun within the creative, marketing side so I have loads of goals. While all these careers are very different from each other, I am slowly figuring out what part of something I enjoy most especially on a placement year. I am getting good experience while also having fun, learning new things and meeting amazing people. 

A time you realised you were capable of more 

I think getting this placement has made me realise that I can do more than I set myself. If I am being honest, I gave up on placement applications a while ago because I did not feel like I was smart enough in Computer science or anything to ever get one. However, I did get one because I decided to try again. But every day on this placement within the marketing team I have realised how much more I can do. As there is so much I did not know about and different skills and ideas and platforms that never crossed my brain. So I do really appreciate the university having opportunities open for students who study there like this placement year. 

Support that boosted confidence / ambition 

No, I have not. However, getting the opportunity to transfer courses and having the support from both the academics and those working behind the student portal and Ask4Help definitely help me shape my future. Also, having opportunities for placement, internships, many different roles for their students has been very good for me. It has helped me meet different people and get to know what I want to do. Different opportunities such as programme reps, paid open day reps, and many more. 

Advice for someone considering Northumbria 

My advice would be to put yourself out there. Read every email, join as many societies as you would like, pick an active social life, join the open days and take every opportunity that comes your way. Spend time on campus, go to the drop-in sessions and speak to your lecturers. Have regular meetings with your personal tutor, it has a lot more impact than you think and most importantly, enjoy it because it's in the heart of Newcastle and that's the best place to be.