Emily Wilson

Law

Where are you from?

York

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I visited Newcastle on a Northumbria University Open Day and I fell in love with the city and the Northumbria University campus.

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

I love Newcastle for so many reasons! I love socialising with friends and we are always going out for meals in Newcastle. There are SO many restaurants here it is difficult choosing which one to go to! With the coast being such a short journey away, when the sun comes out it is lovely to be able to go to the beach for fish and chips.

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

I think the most surprising thing was how close everything is. Newcastle is relatively small compared to most cities in the UK, however, it offers so much more than most of these cities! Everything you could need is within walking distance.

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

From the minute I arrived there were current students helping me to move in to my Halls of Residence and they took us on nights out for the first couple of nights. This was a great way to meet people who could share their experiences and to socialise with the people you were going to be living with for the year. I didn't go home to my parents for months!!

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

The people I have met. I have made friends for life and made some amazing memories with them.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

Probably the students on my course, although my course is very big, we all know each other and we become very close. Knowing that you always have somebody to talk to that is in the same position as you is very reassuring.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

I think the lecturers on my course have been the most inspiring, particularly when I have a lot on at University, they are there to offer support and advice. Having somebody to talk to who has been there and done what you are doing is really inspiring.

What is your favourite place on campus?

My favourite place is the Students' Union. It's a great place to meet your friends and socialise and also get involved in the hundreds of activities and societies they have on offer!

Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects? Tells us about the highlights?

In my first year of University, I was a member of the Debating Society and we went and competed at Lancaster University which, despite not winning, was really fun! This year I am a member of the Grey Society which is a society for law students and they have organised a Great Gatsby themed end of year ball which I am very excited to go to!

What is the best thing about your course?

There are so many amazing things about my course as it is not a normal law degree. The best thing is that we get taught how to be a good lawyer, not just a good student. Northumbria has won so many awards related to my course, in particular the Student Law Office which recently won the Queen's Anniversary Prize. In the Student Law Office we act for real clients and act on real cases. You cannot get experience like that from a normal law degree and employers love it!

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

That it is good to be independent, I originally thought it is always best to do things with other people and to not be on my own. I have learnt there are times in life that it is much better to be independent, particularly in my final year where I need to motivate myself to get all my assignments done!

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?

I hope to be a Solicitor in the future, I have already secured a job as a Paralegal at a law firm based in Newcastle so this goal should not be too far away! I have learned the skills directly needed to be a lawyer such as drafting legal documents and interviewing clients which will make the transition between studying law and working at a law firm much easier.

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

Visit Newastle and Northumbria University! It is important to make sure Newcastle is right for you as you will be spending a lot of time here, however, I guarantee, once you arrive you will not want to leave.

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?

I have become a lot more confident in my abilities and a lot more independent. It is a cliché to say University makes you grow up but it really does and I am so glad I had this opportunity in Newcastle as the city is fantastic.