Heather Grant

Applied Sport Science with Coaching

Where are you from?

Middlesbrough

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I had been aware of the sporting standards of Northumbria for a while and that helped in the decision but the main reason was the facilities and the members of staff which I spoke to on Open Days who were all really positive and friendly.

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

Newcastle is an amazing city with plenty to do! The nightlife is obviously a massive thing and there's always somewhere to go but there are some lovely parks and the Metro Centre is not too far away!

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

How friendly people are, because there are two universities in the city, students are everywhere. Because it's quite a big city there was lots of job opportunities and I wasn't expecting to be able to get a job as easily as I did.

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

Everyone when I first arrived were amazing, the students who helped me move in were fantastic and were asking questions about what I was looking forward too and what I was most nervous about then they put those worries straight to ease. Fitting in wasn't an issue, everyone is in the same boat so you can pretty much chat to anyone.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

The freedom away from home. Living in student accommodation was definitely one of the things that I've enjoyed the most.

What is your favourite place on campus?

Sport Central.

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

I play in the 2nds volleyball which has been amazing. Getting promotion last year was pretty awesome but beating Newcastle in Stan Calvert has to be the highlight so far as a university achievement.

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?

Hopefully go do a PGCE or something similar and become a PE teacher. Time management is so important - I've learnt that but still needs improving on. Other skills are the ability to talk to groups, doing presentations, coaching skills have improved massively aswell with the course that I'm doing.

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

Make the most of it but remember you're there to study, you're paying a lot of money so make sure you don't leave with regrets that you wish you'd tried harder or put that little bit more work in.

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

I think I've probably matured more as a person and am able to do things a lot more independently without having to rely on the parents. They are still needed at times though!