Will Morrison

Criminology and Forensic Science

Where are you from?

Newcastle upon Tyne

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I decided to apply for Northumbria University due to advice from college tutors and after speaking to various academics I was impressed by Northumbria University's strong background and support for Life Sciences.

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

As a local to Newcastle upon Tyne I was already very familiar with the region when I started my first year at Northumbria; the City Campus is a great location as it is a stones throw away from the main city centre; I mainly enjoy just being on campus and being a part of the wider student community within University. A few favourite things that I enjoy include: playing guitar, online gaming and archery shooting (which I discovered a love for archery shooting by joining the University's archery club).

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

The diversity around campus is as amazing as it is surprising; the single most impressive thing around campus is the spirit of students connected together; through charity collecting (Raise and Give week) to the run up to assessments, everyone goes through it all together.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

I've loved the atmosphere of the campus but the centre point has to be the enthusiasm of the lecturers; they not only want to teach, they want their students to take part and learn. As a student of Life Science, I've thoroughly enjoyed the practical side of learning, the academics don't just teach within the lectures, they get students to gain practical experience by using scientific equipment and passing on their experience from their careers in the field.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

That's a tough one as the lecturers have helped most of all with additional support outside of the lectures and seminars however the Student Union has also been amazing with support and opportunities.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

The academics have been a huge inspiration as they have all been active practitioners within the field; personally for me I found that the advice and experience passed on through the teaching has been invaluable; one of the amazing things is one of my lecturers has worked as a Blood Spatter Analyst (the career I hope to pursue).

What is your favourite place on campus?

My favourite place on campus has to be the Ellison Building lab; it feels amazing to be in the science setting; as for non-course specific places I enjoy kicking back and relaxing in the students union.

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

I was part of the archery club while studying in my first year; archery was something I wanted to try for quite a long time and finally had the opportunity through Northumbria.

What is the best thing about your course?

The practical lab lessons and being able to try the techniques used in the field.

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

The most valuable lessons I've learnt are that there is diversity out there, the importance of individuals working together.

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 love to be able to become a blood stain analyst and the advice from academics have helped so much in combination with the experience learnt through the studying and practical experience gained.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?

Through an academic, I was introduced to the STEM ambassador programme and I've now been a STEM Ambassador for 3 years. The most memorable experience while supporting a STEM activity was a school student telling me that, after visiting the campus and participating in the STEM activity, they wanted to go to University when they grow up; its passing on that inspiration which is a great feeling.

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

I would say be confident, find out the information for each course that you're interested in and it is extremely valuable to speak to academic staff and lecturers.

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

I feel a lot more confident, I've gained valuable experience by being a student and by taking up the opportunities (charity volunteering and employment by Northumbria).