Toni Pilling

Where are you from?

Bolton

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Northumbria Univeristy is one of the best for the course I am studying.

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

I love the town centre for shopping, walking along the Quayside is lovely and the nightlife is amazing.

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

I was surprised at how welcoming everyone was, everyone is so friendly and inviting.

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

Everyone was welcoming, my class are friendly and I have made loads of friends in halls so yes I have found it easy to fit in.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

Meeting new people, doing fun things on my course.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

My tutors have been very helpful, I was very ill for a week and they were helpful with sorting my deadlines out and giving me extensions, they were very understanding.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

One of the talks we had where a visitor came in talking about how he started his business was very inspiring and has motivated me to work harder at university.

What is your favourite place on campus?

The Students' Union.

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

No I haven't but I am planning on joining a society next year as I have heard so many good things about them.

What is the best thing about your course?

The best thing is the variety of things we do, not just drawing, we do practical things as well.

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

To keep up with my deadlines, timekeeping and that I don't need to go out every night.

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 want to start in a small design firm, save my money up then pitch my ideas to a bigger company, hopefully making  a lot of money to start my own design business. I have learnt business skills and different ways of coming up with ideas on my course.

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

If you are ever worried about anything, talk to staff at the University as they are very understanding and there to help.

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

I have definitely gained confidence, meeting new people has boosted my confidence and I now feel more comfortable speaking in front of large groups of people.

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

Fun, exciting and eye-opening.

Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?

Yes, I would.