Marina Renata Oana

Forensic Science

Where are you from?

Galati, Romania

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I chose Northumbria because I could find every piece of information that I needed on the website .The website was very important for me as I could not visit the university itself to convince myself that it where I needed to study.

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

I think that Newcastle is the best city for student life and it has a lot of beautiful things to offer from beautiful touristic places to great shopping centres. What I enjoy doing is taking a long down the Quayside and going to the pool.

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

The most intriguing thing about Newcastle is the arhitecture of the buildings and another impressive thing is the size of the parks like Leazes Park.

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

Yes, it was a warm and welcoming place that offered me the opportunity to make friends from different parts of the world.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

I am studying Forensic Science and the course itself is the most challenging and intriguing.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

Fortunately, I managed to adapt here without any help and everytime that I needed some directions the staff from uni was very helpful.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

My professors are very inspiring because they have or have had the job that I dream about and I can see that they enjoy it and that inspires me.

What is your favourite place on campus?

The hallway from Ellison Building is very relaxing and quiet.

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

I thought about joining the volleyball team but I have not decided yet.

What is the best thing about your course?

The best thing is the fact that we get the chance to practice in laboratories what we learn in lectures.

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

My lecture about fingerprints, footmarks and contamination methods.

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 like to become a Crime Scene Investigator. Every skill that I learned here will be useful in my future like knowing how to package every exhibit depending on their structure and condition.

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

I have not been on a placement yet although I plan to do one after I finish my second year.

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

There were no trips only with people from my course but I would gladly join my coursemates if a trip were to be organised.

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

That it is the best place to study not only because Newcastle is ranked the best city for students but because of the professors who are great, helpful and know what they are doing.

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

I think I have become more mature as I started living on my own. My confidence is higher now than when I started Uni because I learnt that everyone is equal no matter if they study in their home country or in a foreign one.