Cameron Giles

Where are you from?

Redcar, North Yorkshire

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

My Law degree focuses on clinical real world application of law, it's much more interesting than just dry theory, it also gives me the opportunity to get professionally qualified.

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

Newcastle is fantastic, whatever your interests - there'll be opportunities, I love going to the local cinema, the Tyneside, which shows art house films as well as big named studio films.

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

It has surprised me how easy it is to get about the area, transport links are really good and you can get to the beach in less than an hour.

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

Northumbria has been fantastically welcoming, from moving in on the first day of Welcome Week, there was loads to be getting on with, provided for by both the University and the Students' Union.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

The Students' Union has become a big part of my time at Northumbria, there's absolutely hundreds of ways to get involved, whether you want to help clean up local beaches, to setting up your own society.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

I'd say the most helpful people I've encountered are 3rd and 4th years on my degree, when it came to deciding what programs to apply for in later years there was nobody I'd rather have helped me, everyone was so willing to share their experiences and help me decide.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

I'd say one of the most inspiring people I've come across whilst at University was last year's Union President, Jo Rhodes, she did my degree and really showed what you could do with it.

What is your favourite place on campus?

I love the mock court room on the 3rd floor of the law building, it's so realistic and it was really exciting to take part in the mock trial society there giving me a taste of what I could be doing in the future.

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

In my first year I was on the Men's fencing team which was a big change for me after not being particularly sporty at school, it was really enjoyable to go to away matches at Univerisities around the UK. Similarly, I've become involved in the Students' Union, last year I was the Finance Co-ordinator for the Union's environmental volunteers and this year I've sat on student council.

What is the best thing about your course?

The best thing about my course is the choice, if you want to gain practical professional skills the opportunities are there which will aid with finding employment after graduation, but equally if you're more academic there are loads of chances to do research and build your portfolio that way.

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

The most valuable lessons I've learned since coming to University is working to get the most from the opportunities provided to me, I've learned so much from my degree, but just as much from all of the other ventures Ive been involved 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?

I plan to go to the Bar to become a barrister, Northumbria is fantastic for this because most of my tutors have worked in the profession themselves and are more than willing to share their experience.

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

Thanks to arrangements by the Law School I was able to attend a dinner at the Honorable Society of Lincoln's Inn, one of the four inns of court which barrister affiliate to, this was a real privilege as not many students are able to do so, it was really eye opening to my desired future profession.

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

Northumbria is a fantastic university for a whole host of reasons, come up and see it for yourself and get a feel for if it's right for you, I'm sure it will be.

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

I've gained so much confidence since coming to Northumbria, indeed this allowed me to become involved in national student politics, this year I spoke at the National conference of NUS, that's certainly because of my time at Northumbria.

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

Ever Expanding Opportunities.

Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?

Certainly!