Jack Ruck

BA Geography

Where are you from?

Leeds

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

It only took one open day to realise that Newcastle is where I wanted to live and Northumbria is where I wanted to study. I remember being in the lecture hall on the open day and was so interested on what the course had to offer. The university itself was what I loved too! I loved the halls and the campus. I knew it was the right place for me after my first visit.

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

I love Newcastle, more than I love Leeds! The people are friendly, the city is great, and if you want a break, there are loads of places just a short trip away. I would say my favourite things to do in Newcastle are go to gigs; the o2 academy and the Cluny are great venues to see some great bands. Tyneside cinema is the coolest independent cinema I've ever been to and I also love walking down Jesmond dene (when it's warm). And I should mention going out with friends, Newcastle is by far the best place for a night out.

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

I think what has surprised me most is how diverse this city is. There is something for everyone. Newcastle has always been popular for student nightlife, but there's so much more than that, and that's what impressed me. There's so much that Newcastle offers beyond nightlife that you'd struggle to get bored up here. Whether you like food, music, art or history, Newcastle has it al

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

Northumbria University was very welcoming; it's a big step moving away from home but freshers week is full of events that will make you feel at home. There's the opportunity to meet new people, join clubs and get loads of useful advice. On the academic side, the lecturers ensured we were introduced to all the facilities available, they even organised a trip to Edinburgh with in the first month which was a great way to meet new people on the course.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

I think I've enjoyed being part of a university that genuinely takes care in students interests. There is a sense of belonging at Northumbria and it's good to be a part of.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

Cath White, my personal tutor. There have been some pretty tough times at university, and she has always been available to offer advice or support no matter how small or big the issue is. I've also had times where she has challenged me to better myself and to push myself. All this whilst taking an honest interest in my life outside of university.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

I would say Jon Swords. I think university isn't just about learning it's about challenging ideas and looking at them from different perspectives. I think his lectures and seminars have inspired me to do this.

What is your favourite place on campus?

Habita, there's nothing better than going there for a cheap pint after an exam.

What is the best thing about your course?

The best thing about Geography is the field trips. It doesn't matter whether we're in Scotland or Spain, geography students have the best times on field trips.

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

Don't leave work till last minute. That's obvious, but I think being a geography student has taught me to never make assumptions.

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?

In the future I hope to teach geography. Theres so much to be learnt about the world and making that information interesting is a skill that should be used to inspire more people to get into geography.

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

Between 2nd and 3rd year I studied abroad at Frostburg State University in the United States. It was one the greatest experience I've had at university. It was an opportunity I couldn't miss. I made lifelong friends out there, saw some unbelievable sights and met some very interesting people, all whilst being part of an American College. There's something so much more special being part of a culture rather than just witnessing it as tourist and that's why I decided to go. Frostburg was a great chance for me to live in a new country, and I did things out there that were never possible at home. It is a once in a lifetime chance and memories made there will live with me for a long time.

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

Geography is the perfect course for fieldtrips. We've visited Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Malaga, Granada and Amsterdam, all of them bringing a unique learning experience. I don't think I would have ever learnt about bars and pubs in southern Spain or sex work in Amsterdam without fieldtrips, they are an eye opening experience.

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

Do it. I could make a long list of reasons why but I'd be here forever. Newcastle has everything, and Northumbria is a great university to study at. What more could you need?