Alex Robson

English Language Studies

Where are you from?

Doncaster

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I wanted to be in Newcastle as it seemed like an amazing city to be in, and I was right it is. So I came to an Open Day and was really impressed with the facilities and rooms etc. All in all it seemed like a great University to apply for, and again, I was right it has been the best three years of my life.

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

It is really nice place to live. My favourite thing to do is go to the football, go to Jesmond Dene which is really nice area and check out Eldon Square, that's also awesome!

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

It was very welcoming! I thought it was really easy to fit in because the staffing teams and welcome parties were so friendly and then I met my room mates in halls and we all got on so well. Fitting in was fun!

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

The experience as a whole is fantastic, you learn unbelievable amounts of knowledge which you did not expect beforehand. The lectures and seminars have been great, them in themselves make it easy to keep your attendance up!

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

As said, the teams who welcome you make it easy to start off, and then the rest of the staff lecturers and whoever else you come across are amazing people who do nothing but try and help you in any they can.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

The lecturers are really inspiring, they are so passionate about what they do and passing on what they know. This is what makes it so easy to learn, they project such good vibes when learning which makes it flow so well for all learners.

What is your favourite place on campus?

For chilling with the friends you meet up on the Union which is amazing, seating inside, bar and seating outside and grassy area's for when the summer comes and you want to relax in the sunshine. However, anyone who tells you University is not stressful is lying, there are times where you want to pull your hair out with stress but the university library provides a calm place with outstanding amounts and varieties of resources to get you through any academic crisis you have. For this reason the University Library is definitely up there with my favourite places on campus.

What is the best thing about your course?

I loved the subject of English Language before I came here and it has blossomed even more. As said the lecturers were great and have such passion their knowledge is passed down to you so easily. However, my course lead me to some of the best people I have ever met. Some of my now best friends were met on the course and this is something which will stay with me for many years.

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

I loved the subject of English Language before I came here and it has blossomed even more. As said the lecturers were great and have such passion their knowledge is passed down to you so easily. However, my course lead me to some of the best people I have ever met. Some of my now best friends were met on the course and this is something which will stay with me for many years.

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?

My long term goal is to become a primary school teacher. The University have given me lots of information how to do this and their career service is amazing, extremely helpful people. I did a TESOL module on my course, this taught me a lot about teaching and I have taken many transferable skills from the course.

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

Times get rough sometimes, take three deep breathes and take a step back. Look at what is on your plate and things are never as bad as they seem. The three years or so you will have at Northumbria will be the best years of your life, so persevere with the bad times because the good times come far more often and will give unforgettable memories. The University experience is the most amazing thing to happen to me and Northumbria in itself has been a big part of making that happen.

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

I have grown a lot. I have learnt how to manage my money and prioritise bills and rent over things which seem more important at the time. My confidence as a person has certainly grown, there are so many people to meet and if you don't go out there and meet them you only deprive yourself.