Soo Ling

LLB (Hons) / M Law (Exempting)

Where are you from?

Malaysia

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Great student accommodation, student help and support, excellent teaching quality, conducive environment for studying. Newcastle is a great place to live in.

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

Walking around in town, or at the Quayside, chilling in coffee shops and dining.

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

I like how friendly this city is. The people here are quite nice. Also, I love this place. Everything is easily accessible. Town is of walking distance from the school.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

Being a student, and living a student life. I like the system of the school, and mostly enjoyed and benefitted from the teaching, in seminar and in lecture.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

Esap lecturer, other than teaching study skills, she did help to make us feel more at home, by always telling us many things about how things actually go here, sometimes we do discuss the cultural differences and things like these during classes. Personal tutor, once when I had an appointment with him, asking bout the degree and adjusting the study methods to the system in the UK. Some tutors in certain modules are helpful, take the time to explain things clearly. And are approachable.

What is your favourite place on campus?

I like the whole campus actually. But the library is where I visit the most. I enjoy walking into town, passing by the other buildings on the campus.

What is the best thing about your course?

I like how learning is so progressive here, opens up minds and ideas, and makes us think beyond how we were adapted to learning back in Malaysia. Being able to listen to the other peoples opinions and to learn from mistakes made by ourselves.

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

Being able to communicate clearly and precisely to the other people. Asking questions when in doubt, discussing topics and engage in opinionated conversations. Self confidence, and don't be too timid to ask and talk. It's a part of learning anyways of exchanging ideas.

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 would like to be a barrister so I hope all these skills would help equip me better in preparing for the bptc and for practice. Communication skills, analytical skills teamwork, be self reliant, and independent in many aspects that require us to do so. Self learning, and research skills.

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

It's a fantastic experience, not only you will meet new people, and settle into a new place, getting adapted to a new culture, whether it is easy or difficult throughout the time that you're here, it will be a memorable, once in a lifetime experience. Most I would say, are good experiences. Being able to study here as well, opens up your ideas and makes you develop in many ways.

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

Much more confident than before. Speaking up is one thing, debating, but also improving on social skills, since the cultural differences usually hinder ones ability and confidence to talk and communicate with the others. Not being shy or timid to speak your mind, well obviously there is a limit as to what is considered to be ideas that are reasonable and acceptable - not sound offensive and be respectful. Learning about them will make you understand them better, thus it does help developing self confidence. Being independent as well, and know when to ask for help when it's needed.