Joao Ortale

PhD in Architecture

I chose Northumbria...

because I came to the UK a few years ago. I spent most of my time in London but I came up to Newcastle for a weekend and I really liked it as a city. I would describe it as a small city but with a big city feel. There are so many facilities to enjoy, from the international airport to the galleries and museums, as well as being a great city for bars and clubs as well, but it is all within easy reach. If it is too far to walk there then it is only a short trip on a bus or a Metro train.

I’m glad I opted for Northumbria and Newcastle...

because I was really impressed by the help that the supervisors offered me. Long before I even got here they were already giving me advice about the application process and guiding me through it. It’s a really friendly place as well. I struggled with the accent of the local people at first but now I am used to it.

It’s colder than I am used to at home, especially because of the Northern hemisphere seasons, but I like that because it is very different. I am really hoping to see snow this winter as I have never seen snow before!

When I’m not studying I like to...

travel around Europe. I have already been to Barcelona and to Paris, and they were both very easy to get to direct from Newcastle airport, which is itself easy to get to on a Metro from the city centre. I also like to go to the Metro Centre, one of the biggest shopping malls in Europe, which is just on the edge of the city.

If anyone is thinking about coming to Northumbria University or not I would say...

yes, absolutely, come here. It’s a great place, small enough to feel friendly and not impersonal, but big enough to have all of the facilities that you need for studying and relaxing.