Student Profile
Emeka from Nigeria
Industrial and Commercial Biotechnology, MSc
Choosing NewcastleI chose to study at Newcastle University due to the high profile Molecular Biology research going on here, as well as the highly qualified and research-oriented staff.
LivingNewcastle is a very safe city to study in. You rarely get to hear of any misdemeanour, thanks to the active policing of the Northumbria Police. The shopping in Newcastle is superb. The Eldon Square shopping centre offers a wide variety of shopping malls that caters to every taste, all under one roof. Other areas, like Fenham, offer shops where continental foodstuff can be obtained, especially for international students. It is also easy to get around in Newcastle. With cheap bus rates and a highly interconnected metro system, what more can a student ask for.
StudyingMy course is quite demanding but rewarding at the same time. You are usually not given what you can't handle. The workload, though intense at times, is designed to challenge and bring out the best in a student. I absolutely enjoy every bit of my study here. The Library is well stocked with relevant materials and provides online database services, which I use a lot. The computer facilities also enhance the study experience. The Newcastle University Careers Service is simply superlative. The quality and diversity of services they provide for students is priceless, adequately preparing them for the demanding professional life after school.
Going outThe greatest challenge about nightlife in Newcastle is deciding where to go, due to the abundance of hot spots. Right from the students' Union building to the furthest recesses of the city, Newcastle is riddled with vibrant clubs, lush waterholes and bars, exquisite restaurants, fast food joints, cinemas and theatres. 'The Gate' offers a central and conglomerated hotspot of bars, clubs, restaurants and cinemas. That makes it a must-go for one and all.
Staying inI stay in Leazes Terrace. It is a residence hall for mostly postgraduate students. Life there is quite cool, quiet and conservative, which suits postgraduate studies. The presence of a computer cluster is quite handy, as I sometimes study there if I'm bored in my room. I really enjoy living here.
Spare timeWhen I'm not studying, I'm either relaxing with good music or exercising. I'm involved in the Afro-Carribean Society as well as the Nigerian Students Society. I'm also involved with Student Community Action Newcastle (SCAN) and volunteer at the Newcastle United Learning Centre. It is good to get involved in some extra-curricular activities as it give one a rounded experience and fulfilled student life. The social life here is good.
Best things aboutThe best things about studying in a foreign country far away from home is that it gives you a first-hand appreciation of other cultures, and gives you the opportunity to meet and form lasting relationships with people from different places of the world.
Your futureI intend to further my studies by pursuing a PhD, after which I'd apply my skills in solving pertinent biological problems affecting humanity. I make optimal use of the Careers Service; CV checks, interview techniques, application procedures, business idea development... the list is endless. Their importance to students cannot be overemphasized. I highly recommend it for every student.
What did you do before your taught degreeBSc Biochemistry with Microbiology (Combined Honours) 2:1 University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Why did you choose your taught courseI chose my taught degree to enable me acquire a deeper understanding of my fundamental knowledge of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, which would prepare me for life in the academia and industry.
What do you like most about your School/Institute and postgraduate programmeI like the varied and challenging range of modules. The essays and presentations we are required to give serve to reinforce our already acquired knowledge as well as build other cognate skills in us.
What have you enjoyed most about being a postgraduateI've enjoyed the deeper understanding and appreciation of some principles and techniques which I otherwise would not have been able to obtain.
International StudentsI chose Newcastle because of the quality of the research going on there. I have thoroughly enjoyed living and studying in the UK and Newcastle in particular. I was funded on scholarship by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), a government agency in Nigeria. I highly recommend Newcastle to any prospective student. On top of the low cost of living and safe environment, you'll definitely have a blast.
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