Ghazaleh Rahimi

Why did you choose Northumbria School of Design, and what did you know about us before you applied?

I knew that the School of Design had a very good reputation for its fashion courses and Northumbria University was one of few universities that offered a course in Fashion Communication, which is what I wanted to study.  The tutors were also very encouraging when spoken to during one of the university open days.

What do you most like about Newcastle, and how do you find the city?

Newcastle is very vibrant, lively and friendly. It has a great nightlife, as well as great architecture. The people are really friendly and welcoming. The transport system is great, and very cheap and affordable for students, making it easy to get around and see what the city has to offer. It also offers a great shopping experience with a variety of retail shops.

How do you find the cost of living in Newcastle?

I think it's very reasonable. Compared to other cities of the same size it's fairly cheap, making student life enjoyable.

Did you find the Design School welcoming? 

Yes very welcoming, we are very lucky to have had the opportunity to be taught in a modern environment. What I love most about the building is the vast amount of space that we have in the studios and the open plan layout, which allows for a great deal of light to come in through the windows. The architecture of the building is very post modern and appealing, as well as being eco friendly.

How do you find your tutors and the staff within the School?

Extremely friendly and helpful and very easy to approach on both a professional and personal level. My tutors have all been extremely helpful and encouraging; they’re very passionate about their subjects and ensure that all students are looked after. The classes are fairly small which allows us to have individual time with our tutors.

What are the facilities like?

Great, and this goes for both in the School of Design and the University library. The technical staff on the fourth floor in the Design School work very hard, and are always at hand if we need any help. Again, they are a great team of people who are very friendly and welcoming. The university also has great gym facilities at Sports Central, it is a recently built building with up to date equipment. There are plenty places to eat and drink while on the campus, as well as the Students’ Union which offers a great opportunity for students to meet up for a drink.

What do you like most about the School of Design? 

Its open space and lots of lighting. It's an attractive building and as a student one feels proud to say they studied there.

Tell me a bit about your course? 

Fashion Communication is an exciting new course, which focuses on how fashion is communicated through various arenas. I personally think it's going to become one of the most applied for courses in the Fashion industry.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date during your time with us?

The value of working with people, sharing ideas and working as a team. I have developed my communication skills with different types of people, as well as gaining great time management skills.

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

Challenging, Empowering, Exciting

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

Look forward to 3 years of fun, hard work and personal growth.

What are your plans now and for the future?

I’m hoping to go travelling after my final year, but for the long term I would like to either set up my own communications company or go on to work in media and TV production. I have a keen interest in TV production and presenting.