Where are you from?
Durham
Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?
When applying during my A levels, I had a few different choices of universities. Location was not the real issue for me, as I was more focused on choosing the right course. It came down to Northumbria, as they provided what I saw as the best course out of the other choices.
What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?
Having lived in the North East my whole life, I have always enjoyed the friendly atmosphere. There are plenty of opportunities in both academic and professional careers, as well as a wide range of sports teams
What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?
Nothing in particular has surprised me, as I knew what to expect. What I have been most impressed with is the culture that surrounds it and the fact that help was always there when needed.
Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?
I found it easy to fit in from the very first day and have had no problems throughout my four years.
What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?
I have enjoyed becoming self-sufficient and getting prepared for the next stage in life. My course provided me with great opportunities, such as my year abroad working in Paris, meeting new friends and representing various sports teams.
Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?
Without a doubt, my language lecturers are the people I have to thank the most. They have put in endless amounts of effort to make the course what it as and always gave me help when it was needed. Thank you to Florence Potot, Ariane Bogain, Ann-Marie Condron and Eve Gilliard-Russell for French, Hanna Ostermann for German and Annarosa Dunnigan for Italian.
Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?
Again, my language lecturers inspired me the most. The combination of their excellent knowledge and passion for their subjects allowed me to learn a great deal and gave me the motivation that was needed.
What is your favourite place on campus?
Simply for the amount of hours I have spent there over four years, it has to be Squires building.
Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects? Tells us about the highlights?
As well as representing Northumbria for both cricket and rugby, highlights include working for Rentokil Initial France in Paris during my year abroad. In Paris, I also represented the British Embassy Cricket Club and the British Rugby Club of Paris, with whom I went on tour to Lisbon and Budapest with.
What is the best thing about your course?
You are never sat around wondering what to do and you literally do learn something new everyday.
What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?
Always work with the best and don't leave things to the last minute.
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 current focus for the future is on Asset Management, in which I hope to become further qualified. The most valuable skills I have learned are that good time management, persistence and sheer hard work will get you through pretty much anything.
Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?
I worked for Rentokil Initial France during my year abroad in its Parisian Headquarters. There, I worked in the Operations Management department for 9 months where my main tasks involved tracking lost business opportunities, state of service, calculating bonuses and turnover by region, cost and consumption levels by branch, and developing a sales catalogue. My most memorable experiences from this were the trips I made to the various different Rentokil branches around France and the opportunity it gave me to get a genuine insight into the real world of business.
Have you taken up any opportunities to travel with your current course/undertake field trips? If so, please tell us about them.
The third year of my French with Business degree allowed me to spend a year abroad in Paris.
If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?
Never turn down a good opportunity, whether that is to make new friends, join a sports team or get some extra practice in before an exam. If anyone says to you: "you only need to work hard in final year", remember that if you can't get a First in 1st year, you're very unlikely to get one in final year.
How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?
I feel confident in my abilities and that nothing is too hard as long as you invest the time needed to succeed.
Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?
Yes, definitely.
