Alexandros Nathanailidis

Where are you from?

Cyprus

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Very nice city, very nice University and very nice weather.

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

Personally, for me travelling and exploring new places in the region is the most favourite thing to do. However, the Newcastle has also excellent night life. Also the majority of days in Newcastle are sunny, and that's make it probably one of the best cities to study and/or live.

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

The most impressive was the politeness of people who live here. Everybody is ready to help and explain you, no matter how difficult the problem is.

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

It was very easy to fit in. Especially, during the Welcome Week. When you come in the new city without friend or relatives, support is required, during the assimilation period. All the staff were extremely kind, and had an answer on all of the queries you have.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

The weather, the internationality of the locals and the friendliness.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

My tutors.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

My new tutors. They are very clever, and have a lot of job and life experience. So, during the lectures and seminars they were talking about the real world practice, and not just theory.

What is your favourite place on campus?

The Library. Probably the best place to have personal studying, or collective studying with unlimited sources of supporting materials!!!

What is the best thing about your course?

The best thing probably is that connects the practice with theory.

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

The most important thing that I have learned is to be proactive! In fact, when you change your living environment and when you are far away from your Mother and Father, you need to be more concentrated on what is happening in your life. You need to supervise all the aspects of your life. Nobody will cook for you, will go to the shop for you, and nobody will study for you. This is probably one of the most important lessons that you learn when you live your comfortable home. You learn to be responsible for your life, and you learn to resolve, or prevent, problems (any life problems) before they occur.

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 have learned to be more communicative, to understand different people with different cultural backgrounds. I have learned to be more responsible. I have learned how to work in the group on some group projects. I have also learned how to take leadership responsibilities, and how to be more creative in my everyday routine.

Have you taken up any opportunities to travel with your current course/undertake field trips? If so, please tell us about them.

I have visited many places in UK such as the Lake District, Manchester, London, Bath, Glasgow, Edinburgh. And it  was fantastic. UK is the combination of ancient and modern world. On one street you can see a building from 17th century, and on the next a modern business centre. Also, British nature which is magnanimous. Many beautiful parks, where you can have a nice walk, or picnic with your friends, or just study under an 200 old tree, in a sunny day.

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

Definitely to come. It is an opportunity, which costs more than all the tuition fees combined. It is an experience which will move you forward on a next level in your life. You will have the ability to understand what is so called independence. You will find new friends, and learn different cultures. You will have the ability to travel and visit different places in UK and Europe. You will have chance to visit all the nightclubs in the city and attend all the student parties. You will learn how to live independently, and will realize all the drawbacks and benefits of being student. This will be probably the most crazy, nice, difficult, and enjoyable life of your live!

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

I have became more responsible, more confident, and more communicative.

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

Challenging. Excellent. Valuable.

Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?

Definitely YES!