Abbie Milburn

Where are you from?

Wakefield, Yorkshire

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I'd heard that Northumbria was a great University before, and after looking into what the Child Nursing nursing course was like here, it made me really want to apply. My main reason for choosing Northumbria was the atmosphere here on one of the open days, the staff and facilities are great, and Newcastle is the perfect student city.

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

I love Newcastle, in my opinion it's the perfect student city. Like any other student, I love going out and enjoying the nightlife, but I also enjoy going down to the River Tyne for a jog or a cocktail when the sun is out!

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

Yes. The staff are so friendly and make you feel like you can go to them whatever the problem is, which has really helped me to settle in. The fact that the students are also so welcoming and friendly has made it so easy to fit in here.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

So far I am absoloutely loving my course and the lecturers in the nursing department. I also love the social aspect of Newcastle and how there is so much you can do, I never get bored!

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

I would say my flatmates have helped me the most far! When you're living with another group of people 24/7 it can seem daunting at first, but we've all bonded really quickly and if any of us are upset about anything, we can talk about it together because we're all in the same boat.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

The lecturers that teach my course. They are all from such different backgrounds in Nursing and have worked so hard to get to where they are today, I really hope I can be like them in the future!

What is your favourite place on campus?

I love the students union. The atmosphere there is great and it's always full of so many students.

What is the best thing about your course?

So far I love the facilities at Coach Lane campus, I think they're going to be great when I am learning to do my practical skills. But I can't wait for placement to start in July, the University offers such great placements so I'm really crossing my fingers for the RVI!

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

How to be organised definitely. Whether it's getting the washing up done in the flat, or organising my folders into subsections, I've definitely learnt that organisation is so important when moving away from home and beginning a degree course.

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 be a registered Children's Nurse in three years time, and then I want to progress up the nursing ladder to be the best nurse that I can be. So far I have learnt how to be organised and work in teams and I've only been here a couple of weeks, and I think these skills already will be transferable to my future career.

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

Do it! It's the best decision I've ever made. The university itself is great, the lecturers and course leaders are so supportive, and Newcastle is such a great city for students.

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

So far I feel a lot more organised, and confident in talking to my peers.

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

I love it!

Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?

100%. I'm so glad I came here, I'm having the time of my life so far. I can't wait to see what the next three years bring.