Chimenem from Nigeria
MSc Environmental Resource Assessment
Your Course
The course is quite intensive and highly diverse with course activities ranging from lectures, lab and computer practicals, tutorials and field trips. I especially like the modules on MSc project preparation and sustainable development, also the EIA and GIS modules which I will be undertaking next semester will help in developing skills required as an environmental scientist.
Making Friends
Making friends here has been quite easy because the students have been very approachable, kind and helpful.I stay in one of the halls of residence and people are generally nice and willing to assist. This of course has given me a sense of belonging. Also, when I go out into the city centre and community,I often ask so many questions and I always meet people with listening ears, readily giving me directions and assistance that I might need.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is amazingly low, one gets so much for less and getting my trditional foodstuffs has been very easy because of the availabity of African shops in the city.
Living in Newcastle
Newcastle is very safe place to live in even at night. Since living here, I have never had to report a crime and I would readily recommend the city to anyone thinking of visiting the United Kingdom.
International Advice
The facilities are fantastic. I have enjoyed living and studying in this atmosphere and would definitely recommend the University and city to prospective students who ask of my idea of a UK university to study.
Accommodation
I live in Leazes Terrace. It is a very nice place to live in with the many available facilities like computer clusters, a TV lounge, laundery rooms and reading rooms. Studying is very comfortable and living in Leazes, one may not need to go to the library to read.
Accommodation Tips
Living in student accommodation gives you the opportunity to be aware of the academic environment and sharing some facilities with other students. So, It requires, team spirit and tolerance from all residents. Address fellow students politely and courteously. Living as one big family helps maintain balance among different people and creates opportunities for making and keeping lasting friendships.
Spare time
Postgraduate study has been very challenging and demanding but I often create time with my friends to go for shopping to the many beautiful places within and without the city. I have also been to some of the restaurants like the Chinese restaurants. I also intend using the Language Resource Centre for languages like French and Spanish.
Best Thing
I enjoy using the fantastic facilities around. I also like the diversity of my course with opportunity to go on field trips. I have also made some good friends from other parts of the world and I have learnt to live with people of diferent races.