Cecil Cherian Lukose

Where are you from?

India

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I chose Northumbria because of availability of a research domain matching to my exact research interest and availability of research fund to support me through my research.

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

I have been here only one week, but I am really loving the feel of it. I love being near to so many castle, and really look forward to visit Durham and Alnwick castle. Newcastle has lot of centers to fuel my taste for adventure as well : like centers for scuba diving, skydiving, rock climbing, and lots more.

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

What surprises me most about living in Newcastle is that it has a small town feel in the sense that it has everything close to you, making you feel relaxed despite the fact that it is a big city.

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

I indeed found Northumbria University very welcoming, and I want to show appreciation to the University for putting together an amazing team! (Meet and Greet), The team helped me with my luggage from Newcastle International Airport transferring me to my accommodation which made my arrival very welcoming making it easier for me to fit in.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

What I have enjoyed most is the fact that my lecturers and peers are very friendly and easy to work with.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

The Student Support and Wellbeing Centre has been of great support to me since I arrived.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

My greatest inspiration comes from my course mates and my lecturers especially Dr Ann Day; She has been a sourse of strength and inspiration throughout my course so far.

What is your favourite place on campus?

My favourite place on campus is the library because it offers me all the best resources for all of my work.  Yet in a relaxed and conductive environment.

What is the best thing about your course?

The best thing about my course is my academic timetable which is graciously spaced out allowing me some time for a little bit of social activity.

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

The most valuable lessons I have learned is getting to know the history fo the United Kingdom.  From the time of the Celts until the day of the last invasion by the Normans.

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?

II ahve learned to make sound judgements on a variety of public health issues.  And I intend to use it to make better contributions to policy matters.

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

My advice would be to quickly finalise their preperations and to Northumbria, and assure them that they would not regret the experience.

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

I ahve improved my confidence and thanks to Maximum Impact Students Association; A leaderships society that provides teachings on confidence and public speaking skills through Northumbria's Students Union.

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

Exciting, rewarding and fulfilling.

Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?

Assuredly, yes!

WHAT SURPRISES ME MOST ABOUT LIVING IN NEWCASTLE IS THAT ITHAS A SMALL TOWN FEEL IN THE SENSE THAT IT HAS EVERYTHING CLOSE TO YOU, MAKING YOU FEEL RELAXED DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT IS A BIG CITY.