Lauren ONeill

Psychology with Sports Science

What appealed to you about Northumbria University / studying in Newcastle?

I’m originally from Chester and chose to come to Northumbria because Newcastle is a very lively city with a lot of opportunity and I felt I wanted to move away from home. Northumbria seemed the right University as everyone was very welcoming and student led.

What was it about the course / subject area that particularly appealed?

I chose to study Psychology with Sports Science, as they are both courses that I enjoyed at A level, and I intend to do a Masters in this area.

What qualifications did you have?

I applied through UCAS as I was at 6th form college studying Psychology, Sport and ICT.

How did you feel during your first week at Northumbria?

Scared and excited, it was so strange living with friends and not with family and having to think about what shall I cook for dinner and how to use a washing machine! The other students that I lived with were all experiencing the same emotions and so it was a really fun time.

What do you like most about the course?

My course is very small (only about 16 students) - this is because it is a joint degree - and therefore we are all close friends but you also meet lots of other students just doing single honours degrees.

Can you give an example of a piece of work you’ve been involved with recently?

I am just starting my dissertation which is really scary, I still feel like I’m too young to finish university! But we all get assigned a tutor to help us out and give advice. This takes a lot of the initial pressure off, especially with the Careers and Advice Centre available who offer advice on assignment writing and even what to do after university.

How do you get on with your tutors?

Really well they are all very friendly and approachable.

Do you have the opportunity for any work placements during your course?

No although the Careers and Advice Centre can help out with summer placements.

What do you do when you’re not studying?

When I'm not studying I have a part-time job within the University as a student rep, this involves helping out on open days and giving presentations at local schools. It's a really good (and well paid) job which I got from going to a Job-fair at the Students' Union.

What’s your accommodation like?

My accommodation is a two-bedroom flat in the centre of Newcastle and it's really nice but a little bit pricey for a student budget. Most students live in the villages just outside of Newcastle to save money.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I really don’t know, when I started my course I had the intention of becoming a Sports Psychologist but being at Northumbria University has opened up so much more opportunity.

Have you used Student Services during your course?

Yes they have been really helpful with providing information for when my degree is finished and they give regular talks on options available.

Do you have any advice for anyone applying for your course, or for university in general?

Go and visit all the universities that you are considering, they are all so different. Ask questions: for example with Psychology / Psychology with Sports Science degrees, it's best if the degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (Northumbria’s courses are).