What appealed to you about Northumbria University / studying in Newcastle?
I transferred from Sunderland University after realising Newcastle was the place which was most like my home. The busy night life, range of things to do night and day, and the diverse mixture of people seemed a fascinating world away from my home town of Doncaster. The range of courses that branched off from Psychology that the University had to offer meant that when making my choices I had a wider range of options to choose.
What was it about the course / subject area that particularly appealed?
The course is accredited by British Psychological Society, which is necessary if you want to go into a field of psychology as a career. The University is up-to-date with necessary equipment and technology to help get rich results for further research. The range of topics available to study also opens many career prospects.
What qualifications did you have?
I transferred from Sunderland University after only landing a place there through clearing. My first choice was Newcastle but I realised it wasn’t necessarily the University that made my student years, it was the people. I personally felt like Northumbria had a friendlier more laid back atmosphere but with a good teaching regime.
How did you feel during your first week at Northumbria?
I felt nervous in my first week but that was to be expected. Although I knew not everyone was in my position and that the majority of people would already be in their friendship groups I still felt at ease when starting. The staff were friendly and helpful, and I even met people who were transfer students like myself. I feel settled and more at home here.
What do you like most about the course?
I enjoy the range of topics this subject has to offer. I chose two module choices this year of crime and parapsychology. I also take two extra language classes: Spanish and Chinese, which I could have taken as part of my course. As a naturally inquisitive person, the range of topics allows me to broaden my horizons.
Can you give an example of a piece of work you’ve been involved with recently?
I have recently been given a couple of reports to complete revolving around stress and another about individual differences. Although you have to do a lot of research in your own time, there is a substantial amount of information given to you on paper and on blackboard. There is also a discussion board where everyone posts questions and replies to help.
How do you get on with your tutors?
The tutors are very friendly and down to earth. They have helped with, not only my subject, but helping me fit in and even personal problems. If you don’t know who to go to they help to point you in the right direction.
What do you do when you’re not studying?
I work at SoHo cocktail bar whilst completing my studies. I also enjoy keeping fit and going out with my friends.
What’s your accommodation like?
I live in a maisonette in West Jesmond with five other people. For my first away-from-home accommodation (apart from student accommodation) it has everything I need and the estate agents are only a phone call away.
What would you like to do when you graduate?
As yet I have no immediate plans for a future career. I think I would like to stay an extra year and complete a one year post graduate Business Psychology course. Alongside my languages I hope this will open my career prospects more widely.
Do you have any advice for anyone applying for your course, or for university in general?
I wish I had researched my university choices better and I would have selected Northumbria as my first choice on UCAS when applying. For anyone who wishes to apply and does have questions I would definitely recommend visiting a University open day. They answer any questions you may have at the time and having a tour of the University beforehand makes your first day feel that little bit easier.
What three words would you use to describe your time at Northumbria?
Friendly, rewarding, enjoyable.
