Alexandra Hall

Where are you from?

Gateshead

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Because its in my home city, Newcastle.

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

Loads of great activities; bowling, cinemas, gym, gym classes. Newcastle has a great nightlife. You will never get bored in Newcastle. Get great food all styles, China town has some amazing restraunts. Vintage shops are all around Newcastle and they have great high street shops as well. There are always events happening as well it's just a case of looking on Facebook or forum sites to see what is happening.

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

The people in Newcastle, it's a diverse city and everyone is very friendly and welcoming.

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

Yes very easy to fit in, everyone is great, all students are in the same boat and the lecturers make it easy to settle into the course and into university life.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

Making friends then going out with those friends on night outs. I love university and when it's the holidays I actually miss it, although I probably complain when I'm there, it's great, great making friends, great learning about subjects that I'm interested in.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

My guidance tutor. These are people who you come to if you are having trouble you have issues with the course or just questions. I asked my guidance tutor with revision techniques and I changed the way I revise and I feel much more confident in exams and in my assignments!

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

The lecturers, they have a vast amount of knowledge and it's great they just tell it all and don't need notes or anything! They are amazing and need more credit.

What is your favourite place on campus?

I like Habita in the Students' Union, which is a a chilled restaurant/bar. It has booths, tables and sofas so you can chill or sit and have a full meal. It plays all sorts of music and has karoke and live music sometimes too.

What is the best thing about your course?

The topics we cover. I do neuroscience which I find so interesting and I also do biology of disease. I love learning about stuff that happens, so I've learnt about cancers and asthma and this is interesting to me as some of my family members have had these illnesses. It's interesting to know what actually happened on a cellular level; like I have learnt how the body reacts to a spelk. I sometimes get spelks in my fingers at work and I can explain the whole process to my colleagues.

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

Revision techniques. I have changed my technique and am feeling about my upcoming 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 want to work in neuroscience or in research.

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

Have a good time and stick in and you'll go far.

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

I have become a confident young woman. I feel confident presenting to an audience and I feel happy in myself that I am learning and understanding my chosen subject.

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

Friendships, fun,interesting.

Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?

Yes