Jess Hall

Where are you from?

Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I chose Northumbria because as soon as I attended the applicant day, I was made to feel incredibly welcome and I just knew that I would really enjoy my time here. The lecturers all had experience in industry as well, which means I would get a good education which I could use to heighten my chances of getting the jobs I want.

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

I love Newcastle, I have lived here all my life and I never get bored of it. The people are very friendly and the city itself if very safe. I'm a very laid back person, as are my friends, so we love just going to a Pool club and playing a few frames. During the day we can go out for lunch at any of the great restaurants or go see the sights on the Quayside. As always, the student night life is the best! With student discount nights all over the city, you won't be out of pocket and you'll definitely have a good time.

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

I was most surprised at how Newcastle accommodates for students, there are student discounts everywhere which means your student loan won't disappear within freshers week.

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

Yes, definitely! As soon as I started coming to Northumbria for open days to actually starting, they were more than welcoming. It was even the small touches like Good Luck cards from the Uni, to the freshers week social where I was introduced to lecturers and course-mates (with pizza). I found it easy to fit in by joining the Musical Theatre society where I met my housemates for this year and many of my closest friends, and because I shared interests with most on my course I have also made some of my best friends there.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

My course, it's challenging but I get a great sense of achievement when I complete an assignment and get good grades. The lecturers are really friendly and helpful, and my friends make the whole thing fun, even when you leave an assignment too late and you end up in Pandon at 11pm

What is your favourite place on campus?

Habita! I love Habita in the Students' Union, I spent practically every night there in first Semester! Every day we got lunch there for really good prices then on the night we always attended karaoke on Thursdays and on the other nights it's a great place to hang out.

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

I joined Northumbria Musical Theatre society in freshers week. The highlight would be the Showcase we performed in November, we performed various numbers from different musicals including, Wicked, Matilda, Little Shop of Horrors and RENT. It was a great time and we raised a lot of money for the society.

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 within UK security like GCHQ or within anti-virus companies as my biggest interest is in malware.

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

I have greatly changed in self- confidence as my final years in High School were rocky. But now, I have the confidence to speak up in lectures, audition for Musical Theatre productions, and move out from home in September. By meeting my current group of close friends, I've greatly matured and grown as a person.

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

Life-changing, fun and challenging.

Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?

Yes.