William Miles

BSc Food Science and Nutrition

Where are you from?

Bath

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Northumbria University was one of the few universities that offered Food Science and Nutrition. From researching the university on its website the course and course structure looked very appealing to me and seemed to fit what I wanted to get out of the degree. Additionally I was projected to get three Bs at A-Level so the entrance criteria of BBC was in my achievable range. Finally I am quite a keen sportsman so Sport Central attracted me to the university very much.

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

I love Newcastle as a city, it is a great student orientated city with plenty of things to do. There are a huge number of great places to eat out and it also has the benefit of being one of the best places in the UK for nightlife. My favourite things to do in Newcastle are quite specific. I am a keen climber so in the last three years I have made use of 4 great blundering/climbing centres in and around Newcastle. I love the nightlife in Newcastle, even after three years of being here I probably have only skimmed the surface of the clubs and bars that are available to go to in Newcastle.

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

For me as I have travelled so far to university it would probably be the friendliness of people. Everyone is always welcoming and easy to talk to. I also love how vibrant and busy the city centre is and also how cheap everything is. It makes a big difference when you are used to southern prices.

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

Yes very welcoming. I was put into a first year flat with nice flatmates and there were so many social events during the fist year that it was very easy to get to know lots of different people and make friends. Additionally staff were very friendly and helpful when needed.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

For me it has probably been independence. Over the three years I have developed as a person, made many new friends and Northumbria university has changed me as a person into an employable person ready to go into the working world.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

I have been helped by a mixture of friends and staff members. I was very lucky to make two really good course mates and we work together as a team throughout university. I have additionally revived lots of help from staff from meetings about different module contents and assignments towelling me with job interviews and placements.

What is your favourite place on campus?

My favourite place on campus has probably got to be Elision building, over the last year I have spent the majority of my time in that building!

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

In my first year i joined Northumbria universities triathalon team which I enjoyed a lot. It was very tough with lots of training but it made me really fit! I additionally joined Snowstorms Northumbria. These guys were great fun especially in first year where I had time to attend the majority of the social events. I went on two of the organised ski trips and loved them both. Really good and cheap ways to go skiing!

What is the best thing about your course?

I have really enjoyed my course. My course mates were all nice and the course content and structure was well layed out and very interesting. It has given me a great depth of knowledge which I can apply in my future jobs.

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

Organisation is key! A very valuable lesson I learnt at university is that organising time effectively and making the most of your time promoted success with work and also with social activities.

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?

In the future I would like a food industry managerial role. I have actually secured myself on a two year management graduate scheme starting in September so I am well on my way to achieving my goal. I have gained very valuable transferrable skills such as great communication skills, organisational skills, time management as well as Food related skills such as Quality and Safety of foods.

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

In the final semester of my second year I worked for Greggs plc, Gosforth as a Quality Assurance Technician for 5 weeks. This was a very enjoyable and memorable experience. I learnt a great deal on Food Manufacturing practices but also how large companies such as Greggs maintain the quality and safety in all that they produce.

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

My advice would be to make lots of friends and try to be able to work with your course mates. For me working in a group for assignments was much easier than trying to attempt work on your own. Working as a group means you can discus what you have put into assignments and make sure that you are on the right track.

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

For me, Northumbria University has altered how I see the world. Before university I was quite shy and not used to big cities however now I have the mind set that I can go, see or do anything in this world. All you have to do is take the opportunities you're given.