Nicolas Kleanthous

BEng of Mechanical Engineering

Where are you from?

Cyprus

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I wanted to study somewhere that would be away from normality. Newcastle was my best choice even if i didnt have a clue about it. Northumbria university is one of the best uni's in my department. You can do a bunch of stuff. North was always my choice and also life here is much more cheaper than in south. Best place for student life and work experience as well.

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

Newcastle is now by far my favorite place in United Kingdom. I love everything about it i dont know where to start from. We have amazing parks here and also we have an outstanding beautiful river. Tyne and its bridges offers people the most awesome view you can have especially at night. I really love walking along the quey side on my weekends and see th magnificent colorful vibes that reflect through the river.

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

I was surprised by how small and also big is the community here is. I didnt know about all these awesome parks that are located here i had to find out through the websites. were really amazing!! angel of north and alnwick castle would definitely recommend for someone to visit (appart from monument and river tyne)

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

Yeah was pretty easy for me when I first came here in 2013. all those people with that orange hoodie were very welcomed to help you on any of your questions.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

The way how buildings are arranged. its a definitely modern university with modern equipment. I really enjoyed the labs and the zone area where lots of engineers can study and work private. Very smart of the architects to build that.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

A friend of mine who he is cypriot aswell, but he most helped me with some assignments i didnt know even how to start.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

Except from my professors, the events that are being organized and the presentations from many companies and also some banners which are mounted at many walls inside the campus

What is your favourite place on campus?

The Zone

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

Yeah i have been servicing into music society when i was in my foundation year. was really amazing. we were practicing a lot of beloved songs contemporary and classic aswell. i took part in an open mic night at the reds bar as well. i played my guitar couple of songs i really love and also sung with the choir at for the st nicholas cathedral for Christmas carols. im a member of sports cenral fitness center as well. and also i went to american football try out session in the early september this year. was very awesome. Im about to sign up at the tennis social club in few weeks because i really enjoy playing tennis. Whats more i went to kayak sessions in a pool a little far outside from the campus. i was introduced to kayak for my first time and i had awesome time being with different people from different countries there.

What is the best thing about your course?

Its really interesting and keeps me motivated till the end. engineering is by any mean one of the most tough degrees to finish but if you are a positive thinker and always have something to chase in you can do whatever you want. its very interresting i had no idea that would be so amazing. glad i chose that.

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

Very good mathematics. physics and most advance physics about structures. i learnt a lot about many engineering materials and how they been created. and also the best thing i have ever learnt so far according engineering is a computer design program called Solid works. this software would definitely help me find a job in the future. and its really fun as well!

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 finish my degree and be an reliable and creative engineer who can find a good quality job to spend my life with it.

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

students around the world. northumbria is a very good university and has many things to offer to its students. it doesnt matter what you are going to study. the university by its self has very good ranking in the uk list. trust northumbria and more important trust newcastle as its one of the best cities for students in uk!! and cheap also! has many things to do and especially if we are talknig about nightlife. newcastle is one the top 10 best cities for night life.

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

i gained a lot of confidence while studying abroad. i chose to do that because i really wanted to see how is like living on your own and be the master of yourself. was the best choice i made so far according my life's decisions.