Lisa from Germany
International Legal Studies LLM
Your Course
My course is very interesting. Even though compared to my undergraduate degree it is a lot of work and preparation for all the classes, I still never lose interest. I actually think this is a great way of teaching and learning, because I am constantly learning something, not just in the few weeks before the exams. The teachers are great and very helpful and I learn a lot during my classes.
Making Friends
Making friends in Newcastle is very easy. I have met some great people on my Masters course and a lot of other people on various occasions.
Language Support
I already studied for one year in Athens as an Erasmus student mainly in English, therefore grasping the language is quite easy for me. I don't require any language support here in Newcastle. So far I haven't had any problems with my English language skills; not in class and also not in any assignments.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is a lot higher than I'm used to, but I've studied in Dresden, in the eastern part of Germany and it is very inexpensive to live there. In Newcastle I pay £260 per month rent whereas I only paid €145 a month rent in Germany.
Living in Newcastle
I really like the friendliness of the people in Newcastle. Everybody is very helpful and I find it funny that everybody thanks the bus driver when leaving the bus. You would never see something like that happening in Germany.
International Advice
Don't worry to much about finding accomodation or making new friends, in my experience everything will work out eventually.
Accommodation
I live in a shared flat in Heaton. It is really great there and cheaper than living in student accomodation. Heaton is a very nice and quiet area to live in. I share my flat with 3 Irish guys, who are really nice and fun to live with. I would always recommend a shared flat, because it is another great way to meet people and furthermore to improve your English.
Spare time
I spend my spare time hanging out with friends, going to pubs (mainly the Hancock), playing hockey and going out... it is really no different to the way I spend my time back in Germany.
Best Thing
What I have enjoyed the most about Newcastle is meeting people from so many different countries and being able to discover the British culture and lifestyle.