Student Profile
Sanae from Japan
Media and Public Relations MA
Academic Year: 2007-08
Your Course
The students of Media and PR were international while I was studying at Newcastle. Their knowledge and opinions inspired me. The professors, doctors and lecturers have an eagerness to advise students and to listen to their opinions and questions.
International Welcome Week
I attended the International Welcome Week and I found it a good way of making friends.
Making Friends
I used the Airport Meet and Greet service for new students who arrive at Newcastle Airport and met new friends on the coach. Most international students took part in the Orientation Programme and joined the different international societies, so I joined all of them and found good friends there. Also, international students can find new friends in INTO because they should improve their English and help each other to keep their motivation. Moreover, most of the Media and PR students are fluent communicators ,so it was easy for me to find new friends in Newcastle.
Language Support
I joined the Anglo-Japanese Society and met very good tandem learning partners to get language exchange opportunities. It was very helpful for me to keep studying. Also, I studied English in INTO.
Cost of Living
I don't know very well, but probably the living cost in Newcastle was cheaper than in London. However, the cost is profoundly affected by the currency exchange. Actually, between September in 2007 and August in 2008, 1 pound was about 250 yen, so I was obliged to live economically.
Living in Newcastle
Newcastle is not too small and not too big a city. It is a good place for me to concentrate on my studying. People in Newcastle are kind and helpful. Students who come from big cities like Tokyo and New York should note the difference in the closing time of the supermarkets and the department stores!
International Advice
If you can cook your country's traditional dishes, it could be helpful to make friends because many students held house parties in their apartments.
Accommodation
I stayed in Leazes Terrace. Everything you need is there for you. For example, there is an Internet connection, a printer room, a shared kitchen, an individual shower and toilet and a common room to watch TV. Postgraduate students only study for one year, so it's convenient to live in a University hall of residence. Also, Leazes Terrace is near to Leazes Park which is a nice location to relax.
Spare time
In my spare time, I used to hang around the city centre and Quayside with my friends. (to see musicals, concerts, visit museums and watch films...) I also went on trips to Scotland, London and other European countries using the budget airlines Ryanair and Easyjet.
Best Thing
The best thing about Newcastle is that my friends there are my lifelong treasures.
