Kate Tunney

English Literature with Creative Writing

What appealed to you about Northumbria University?

I am originally from Middlesbrough – just down the road. I wanted to study somewhere close enough to home to travel back and forth, but far enough away to feel independent. Newcastle's brilliant because it's got all the charm of any big city with the friendliness of a small town. I've had some of the best times here and wouldn't swap my university experience for the world!

How did you feel during your first week at Northumbria?

A little bit scared but really, really excited – they kept us so busy during Welcome Week I hardly had time to eat!

What do you like most about the course?

I’ve learnt so much. In first year you read really widely but in second and third year you can specialise in the areas that interest you most. For me that’s gender and sexuality but there’s loads on offer. I’ve made some amazing friends too.

How do you get on with your tutors?

The tutors here are amazing. They’re friendly, enthusiastic, ridiculously clever and really supportive! It’s one of the reasons I love this course so much.

Can you give an example of a piece of work you’ve been involved with?

The biggest piece of work I’ve had so far was an extended essay for a Writing Women module. It was quite independent really. We could choose any texts to write on and any theme. It was 8,000 words which seemed really daunting at first but in the end I found I wanted to write more! It basically involved meetings with my tutor and a LOT of reading but it was really great to get it bound and hand it in! I felt like I was producing something original.

What do you do when you’re not studying?

There are plenty of part-time jobs available. I’ve worked in bars on the Quayside and in the city centre, the shopping here is great and there’s always gigs/concerts at the Carling Academy and Metro Radio Arena. The cinema is huge and there are loads of places to eat out or order in.

What’s your accommodation like?

I’ve lived in a different place every year. First year halls were great. I stayed at Quay Point which is huge and you get to know everyone pretty quickly and I have lived in Jesmond for the past two years which I love. It’s got everything you could want and the houses are amazing. It’s really safe too.