Ellyn Ng Lui Leng

What appealed to you about Northumbria University / studying with the University in your home country?

I am a Malaysian who has a degree transfer programme with Northumbria University so I came over here to continue my second year in Food Science and Nutrition BSc (Hons). Northumbria appealed to me because of its reputation and student life.

What was it about the course that particularly appealed?

It was thanks to this sentence ‘what you eat, what you are...’ it encouraged me to choose Food Science and Nutrition to study because I believe that you should eat well and stay healthy.

What qualifications did you have?

I’m a graduate from the Canadian International Matriculation Program (CIMP) before I joined USCI, Malaysia and Northumbria University as well.

How did you feel during your first week on the course?

Well, the first thing that inspired me in Northumbria was that everyone in Northumbria was friendly – I felt peaceful and safe; the feeling was just exactly the same as when I was studying in Malaysia. 

What do you like most about the course?

I like my course the most during my practical session. It really gives an opportunity to apply the knowledge to real experiments.

Can you give an example of a piece of work you’ve been involved with recently?

Currently, I have to start planning a three day meal for a female who decides to lose weight for my applied nutrition subject. This involves a preparation of a one day meal and using Microdiet software to analysis it.

How do you get on with your tutors?

We are very close to them. They always give us support and encourage us to ask more during the class.

Do you have the opportunity for any work placements during your course?

I am looking forward to having my industry training in Newcastle.

What do you do when you’re not studying?

In my spare time, I enjoy listening to songs while reading some novels. I love watching documentary series as well such as Animal Planet and National Geographic, it provides me with another opportunity to gain some knowledge that I am able to apply during my studies. Some weekends I will go on a university trip, for example, Alnwick Castle, Durham and Edinburgh.

I also take part in the netball competition that is organised by Northumbria. Now I am having some hard training with my team mates. Even though it makes me feels tired, my team believe in ‘no pain no gain’ and we believe the outcome will make us feel it is worthwhile.

What’s your accommodation like?

Currently I live in private accommodation which is really nice and comfortable.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I hope I’ll be a nutritionist who helps people to pick the correct and better food and beverages. These will be food and drink that contain more nutrition and do not bring negative impact to the body.  

Have you used Student Services during your course?

The Careers Service in Student Services guided me on how to find a part time job. Involving yourself in a part time job will help to gain some work experience and overcome problems that you might need to face.

Do you have any advice for anyone applying for your course, or for university in general?

Facilities, lecturers and others staff at Northumbria are very nice and friendly, they like to help students who are in trouble. So I believe there is no negative advice for students who are still hesitating on applying for my course and Northumbria University.

What three words would you use to describe your time at Northumbria?

Peaceful, amazing, unforgettable.