Isabelle Fawcett

Where are you from?

Brighton

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I chose Northumbria purely for the course. There aren't many fashion courses that cover such a broad spectrum of Fashion.

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

At first Newcastle was a huge culture shock to me, moving so far from home. I didn't do my homework on the city itself and therefor spent first year not making the most of the opportunities surrounding me. I now live in Heaton and love the community. I'm lucky to get to walk through Heaton Park to get to University, which is coincidentally opposite 'The Butterfly Cabinet', which is the best place for food with out a doubt.

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

I'm most impressed by how at home I am in Newcastle now. If I had told my first year self that I wouldn't believe it, but it takes time to discover the little things that make Newcastle a home away from home.

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

I still remember the first impressions I had on my first day. Everybody is in the same boat and therefore it made it really easy to make friends. There isn't one person on my course who I wouldn't feel comfortable working with or talking to. Every body (both staff and students) is approachable and friendly.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

I have enjoyed the experience of throwing myself in at the deep end. Not knowing a city or a single sole who lives there and being able to create a life and good friends that I won't forget.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

The tutors have been really helpful and encouraging of our visions of work.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

Probably my course-mates. Looking at others interests and work is exciting and inspiring. We are all very different individuals and working with someone who approaches work in a different way helps open your eyes to see new possibilities. It's great to hear others opinions on what you are doing and vice versa.

What is your favourite place on campus?

I am aware of how sad this sounds, but the basement and Level 1 of the library and the computer suite downstairs in the design building. I find working in silence really uncomfortable so working on the sofas with friends and food before the approach of deadline week is actually a really good way to get it done with out any stress and panic.

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

Personally I am not really one for sports etc. I have enjoyed the events that our course mates have put together to raise money for our final year. We did a film night in the lecture hall with Bridesmaids and pick'n'mix, which was good fun.

What is the best thing about your course?

The diversity of what we do. I am constantly learning new things about myself that I didn't know. It's been about finding out what you are naturally better at.

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

I have learnt that taking a course that requires many different skills means that you need to try just as hard on the areas you least enjoy, as it will even itself out and force you to discover how you can get results.

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 really enjoy the creative modules that we do and would love to try art direction at some point in the future. I am extremely organised to a fault though, and as a result believe this has helped within the experience I've had so far.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement?  What were your most memorable experiences?

I've been interning for The British Fashion Council on their London Fashion Week, London Fashion Weekend, London Collections: Men, and Newgen selection days for the past two years. I've also interned with showroom and PR agencies over the summer months. I have to say working for London Fashion Week has to be my most memorable experiences, which I look forward to each season. There's something so exciting about the fast paced work and adrenaline of the job! It goes very quickly and is always sad when the week is finally up.

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

Unfortunately not! Many of my course friends went to Berlin, which I am regretful for not doing. They all had an amazing time.

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

Visit the city itself! I love Northumbria and I really enjoy my course, however I was shocked when I moved here, only because it was such a culture shock for me moving so far from my home. I have found that only since second year have I been able to feel more comfortable here and if I had done my research of the city first it wouldn't have taken me so long.

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

I have definitely become more confident as a person and feel I can deal with situations with ease that would have scared me before hand. Presenting to a large group of people being just one of many examples!

If you had 3 words to sum up your time with us what would they be?

Excitement, freedom and serendipitous.

Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?

I would recommend the University but more so the course.

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Instagram : Isabelledaisy, Tumblr : simpleiloveclothes.tumblr.com