Student Profile
Kamlesh from Mauritius
MRes Cancer
Academic Year: 2011-12
Your Course
I chose to intercalate between the fourth and final year of my medicine course and I am currently enrolled in the MRes(Cancer) programme. Medicine and medical sciences are highly reputed at Newcastle University and the structure of the programme, quality of teaching and excellent research opportunities available bear perfect testimony to that reputation. Additionally, most staff members are friendly, approachable and are always keen to offer the help and support whenever required.
Making Friends
Newcastle University is a great place to make new friends and I have made more than a handful of new friends and acquaintances during my time here. The different clubs and societies regularly organise socials which are wonderful occasions to meet people sharing similar interests. Besides, the different seminar groups throughout my studies have also made it easier to know people better, over a longer time, considering that there are about 350 students in my graduating cohort. Overall, most students are friendly and the more you immerse yourself into university life, the more friends you make.
Language Support
I was fortunate in the sense that my studies before university were mostly English-based, therefore academic English was not too much of a struggle. Yet, the university does run a programme for international students to screen for areas where support may be provided. The aim is to get reading, writing and comprehension skills to a level appropriate to painlessly cope with the rigours of academic life.
Cost of Living
Newcastle is one of the least expensive major cities to live and study in the UK, without lacking any of the fun and excitement of other places. Rent is really affordable and depending on where you fancy living, it can be anywhere from £50-100 a week. Transport is cheap as well, with major bus companies and the Metro offering good discounts to students. Major supermarkets ensure you can feed yourself well on a budget and there is also a range of shops to buy books and clothes from without having to dig too deep into your pockets.
Living in Newcastle
Newcastle is a vibrant city, with an exciting nightlife, theatres and concert halls offering excellent cultural escapades, superb sports facilities and along with that a football team which offers the opportunity to watch Premier League football live. Despite the presence of many businesses, major shopping centres and key research institutes, one rarely has the impression of living in a hectic city with crazy traffic as everything here is within human and manageable scale.
International Advice
I was initially a bit apprehensive of the notorious North-East winter but coming from a tropical island I found the cold a rather welcoming change! The cold aside, it is important to ensure that one gets familiar with library facilities, the transport system, the location of major shops and supermarkets as they are going to play a key part throughout your life here. There are good websites to familiarise oneself with those. Major Banks run interesting sessions during the international week, so if possible delay the opening of your bank account till then.
Accommodation
I currently live in Fenham, sharing a house with four of my classmates. Fenham is one of the more affordable places to live in Newcastle. It has a bit of a reputation, but its relative proximity to main university buildings and availability of good houses with decent rents make the place popular with students.
Accommodation Tips
Living in University student accommodation is a great way of starting student life. There is the option of going for the catered residences if your cooking skills are basic and living in halls saves you the hassle of having to sort out gas, electricity and internet bills. The halls are often close to the sports centre and are really convenient if you are keen on sports. Student accommodation is another way of making more friends and enjoying those famous parties.
Spare time
The intercalated year has dramatically reduced the amount of time I have to spend at lectures or in hospitals. I have used the spare time to try a few new societies and have really enjoyed a few of the activities organised by the Wilderness Medicine Society. I am also involved in the running of a couple of societies as committee member and love running, playing badminton, football and swimming whenever time permits. I am hoping to keep myself fit for my participation in next year's Great North Run!
Best Thing
Newcastle University has an excellent international reputation and its degree is likely to be recognised wherever you are planning to go and work in the future. The courses are designed in a way to foster the development of knowledge and key skills that are going to be instrumental towards equipping you for your professional life. Also, the diversity of clubs and societies will ensure that you have an amazing time while at university.