Lauren Spencer

Where are you from?

I am from a town called Huddersfield found in Yorkshire between Manchester and Leeds, this gave me a lot of scope for a choice of Universities.

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

I'd always had a soft spot for Newcastle after always hearing amazing things about the City from friends and family. I liked the idea of being up North as I was told the south could be a little hostile! I did my research and found it had one of the highest employment rates after graduation which pleased my parents! I also knew that the University was also very highly regarded and praised in the Design sector.

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

The people are definitely one of my favourite things, it's such a friendly and welcoming place, I have never felt scared within this city and have always felt like I belong here!

How do you find the cost of living in Newcastle?

The cost of living In Newcastle is perfect for any student, things have a very wide range in price from halls to bars and restaurants! If your a bit of a stinge you can find plenty to do on a tight budget! However if you like to splurge you can! I love it!

Did you find the Northumbria Design welcoming?

I found it easily one of the most welcoming, that was one of the main reasons I chose this University. I felt instantly welcomed and had a very difficult decision between here and another University!

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

I really like my tutors! They're so down to earth and easy going and have the perfect way of teaching. They always make me feel at ease, however they are very honest and are not shy to tell you when your going wrong!

What are the facilities like?

The facilities are really good! I love the screen printing room! And the photography studio comes in really handy! The technicians are really good and help with anything and everything you may choose to do. It's always fun giving them a bit of a challenge!

What do you like most about Northumbria Design? 

I really like the top floor of the design school, it's bright and airy and everyone works really well together. It's really fun and I've met so many people unlike my other friends who are on different university courses.

Tell me a bit about your course? 

My course is great! It's different and really stimulating, it can be really hard and stressful but what I get out in the end is always worth the hard work! I have created things I never thought I could achieve and have always been encouraged to go the extra mile. There are no boundaries and you get plenty of scope to do what you like!

If you had to pick an object to represent your course, what would it be and why?

An object...Probably...A tea bag?! Full of stuff...But when given space, everything flows out and tends to make something really good!

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

To always try my hardest and push myself to do the best I can. Don't shy away, stand out, don't be afraid to be a bit different and weird, the weird ideas can sometimes be the best ones! Seize every opportunity! Go on the trips, they're great fun and you get to talk properly to all the people you don't seem to have time to at University!

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

Interesting, Inspiring, Hard-work!

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

Be yourself! Don't try and be something your not, if your good enough to get an interview, your probably good enough to get a place and never underestimate yourself- you beat lots of other people for your place! You're here for a reason!

What are your plans now and for the future?

I am currently finishing my degree, about to choose my final major project! I am then going on to a PGCE to teach Design! Throughout this course I have found that I really enjoy helping people progress with their projects and make them the best they can be.

What skills would you say you have gained/improved since the start of your course?

Confidence definitely - I never used to believe in myself. Now I have been entered for awards which feels great! My finalising skills have massively improved and my computer skills! I am now easily able to use the whole adobe suite confidently.

What new knowledge of your subject area have you learnt so far on your course?

I have learnt a lot of specific skills within different streams EG: publishing and branding. I have also learnt a lot about how the industry works due to talks with designers and trips to agencies.

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria Design?

I feel I'm a lot more talkative person, I no longer feel uneasy talking to strangers, I can confidently tell people about my degree and how I'm doing. I'm a lot more open and I am definitely more inspired.