Nicole Lasis

Nicole's story – Finding her perfect fit at Northumbria

Course: Criminology and Forensic Science

Year of Study: 1st Year

From: Oxford

After spending a year on an art course at a university in London, Nicole, from Oxford, started questioning whether university was the right path for her. It wasn’t until she came across Northumbria University’s Criminology and Forensic Science course through Clearing that things began to change.

Nicole made a last-minute decision to change her path and rang Northumbria’s Clearing hotline to secure her place. She was drawn to the structure and modules of the Criminology and Forensic Science course at the University.

“It was the first time I felt genuinely motivated to learn again,” Nicole said. “The course is such a good mix – it combines critical thinking and essay writing with hands-on science in the labs. And they try to make it as realistic for us as possible, so that we are prepared when we have to take on our first real crime scene after graduating.”

Gaining valuable experience which would help her become career-ready was important to Nicole when researching universities. Northumbria stood out to her because of the dedicated crime scene house on campus, which enables students to examine simulated crime scenes.

Nicole said: “It’s so cool that in my first year at university, I’ve been in a white suit investigating a mock crime scene! It’s such an immersive experience and really brings the course to life, to help you learn.”

Support at Northumbria has also made a huge difference to Nicole, particularly from the Disability and Mental Health team. “As soon as I applied, I received an email about student support,” she explained. “I needed a student accessibility plan, and the team arranged a meeting with me as soon as I arrived. It was all so easy. Now that I’m doing exams, the adjustments – like extra time and smaller rooms – have been a huge help.”

Students on the Criminology and Forensic Science course, and many other courses at Northumbria University, have the opportunity to undertake a year studying abroad or on a work placement, and Nicole has plans enhance her student experience by studying in another country.

She said: “I’d love to go somewhere far, like the US or Japan. I’m lucky to have the option to choose experiences like this whilst at university, as I probably wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. I think it will be a great way to boost my confidence going into my final year of study and enhance my CV in the process.”

Life in Newcastle has been a refreshing change for Nicole. She explained: “Newcastle has everything you need from a big city, with such a community feel. The campus, especially! And it’s true what they say about people up north – they’re so friendly.”

When she’s not studying, Nicole enjoys exploring the area. She continued: “I’d recommend going for a walk around Jesmond Dene. It’s such a beautiful area, in the heart of the city. My friends and I also love a beach day, so we will often be found by the coast on a sunny day.”

Looking back, Clearing was a turning point for Nicole. “Northumbria has given me a second chance and I’m absolutely making the most of it,” she said. “I’m genuinely enjoying my course and university life now. I feel motivated and supported, and that makes all the difference.”