Student Profile
Ali from England
Food and Human Nutrition BSc Honours
Choosing Newcastle
Newcastle was one of the few institutions in the UK that was both academically excellent and offered the course that I was interested in doing. I applied to a lot of other very similar universities offering very similar courses but Newcastle's compulsory year in industry was very appealing. The fact that I found Newcastle to be an absolutely amazing city helped me make my decision to come here!
Studying at Newcastle
My course is good. We have a close knit group (of ten girls!) and the lecturers know all of us well. We have good lecturers who know what they are talking about and are friendly and approachable. The facilities are good (labs, computers etc) and the library is excellent.
Living in Newcastle
Newcastle is relatively safe - it's as safe as any other big city in England. Newcastle is extremely friendly - one of the most friendly cities I've been to and the locals are amazing! The shopping is excellent and there is plenty to do. The beach is also lovely and a quick ride away on the Metro. In fact, everything you want is really close by as Newcastle is nice and small. There are local attractions like St. James' Park and the Quayside and the nicest thing is that you can walk to all of them.
The cost of living here is really really cheap compared to London and you can survive off your student loan without having to get a job during term time.
Going out
There are many excellent and reasonably priced restaurants in Newcastle and The Gate is great for a whole night out in one building, with restaurants, pubs, clubs, bars and a cinema all under one roof! There's also an ice skating rink, swimming pool, loads of bars and pubs and just lots and lots to do really.
Staying in
I currently live in Sandyford, which borders the "student area" of Jesmond, and I love it! It's only a 5-minute walk from Jesmond and a 10-minute walk from University and town yet the rent is much, much cheaper than in Jesmond. You get a lot more for your money and a much better standard of living. It's also a half student, half family area which I prefer to a just student area.
Spare time
When I'm not studying I'm in the choir. I like to go out, I work on a counselling service, I swim and I go to the gym! Clubs and societies are good here at Newcastle - especially if you're athletic - then there are tons of opportunities for you!
Best things about
The best part of university life is the freedom and independence to do what you like! I love my course and my friends and housemates! I've had the best two years ever!!
Career plans
In the future I'm looking to be either a dietician, a food technologist or a public health nutritionist (so I don't really know!) The Careers Service have helped me with my CV and other things like that but next year I'm on my placement year so I'm hoping that will help me to decide more!