Charlotte Animal Science BSc Honours
Choosing Newcastle
Unlike many students at Newcastle, I did not view the University prior to arriving in September 2008. I was unsure what to expect upon my arrival, however, I was pleasantly surprised. Newcastle has been subject to regeneration programmes and the results have been fantastic.
Unlike the other university cities, Newcastle has an easily accessible city centre and it provides everything you could possibly need; art, museums, nightlife, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, beaches... the list is simply never ending.
I am glad that I chose Newcastle for university because I do not believe that I would have had such a fantastic time anywhere else.
Course so far
I am really enjoying my course so far. Every module provides interlinking and interesting information. The staff are extremely friendly and are always on hand to help if you are stuck on coursework or lectures.
There are many trips incorporated into the course and these provide a more hands-on approach to the modules and they help to teach how theory is put into practice. However, for those of you thinking of taking the course, I would advise that you do not underestimate the amount of science within the course as this plays a fundamental role in the degree.
Surprises
Livestock play a heavy role within this degree programme. Although initially it seems to be a negative to the programme, I find it extremely interesting and I enjoy that I understand England's agricultural enterprises. This is handy for later careers when you many join companies that may have invested within this area.
In regards to Newcastle, I never realised how much nightlife there was and how popular the city was for students. Everything about the city reflects the number of students within it.
Facilities
The school itself is well equipped with IT equipment. Lecture theatres have projectors, whiteboards and microphones. Although it does not have a computer cluster within it, there is one across the road from the building so it is easily accessible.
The school office is always helpful and work can be collected and handed in efficiently. Tutors and lecturers can also be contacted, located and found within the building which is very handy in some occasions.
There is an afternoon common room which is equipped with vending machines, coffee machines and comfy chairs. It proves to be useful when you have breaks between lectures.
Field trips and projects
In first year we had an exciting trip to a company called Walton. This company specialised in animal nutrition. The trip itself was extremely useful because it helped everyone communicate and make friends within the course. We also went dog walking as a way of aiding friendship building.
Through first and second year, we have visited many farms, including Cockle Park [the University's own farm]. These farm trips are interesting and useful. They aid learning because they show how theory is put into practice.
Throughout the course we have done many pieces of project work, however a behaviour project has stuck with me. In my particular group we got the metro to Hoffle and investigated dominance within equine groups. This work was exciting because we planned, executed and wrote a report on the whole project.
Other project work has included, presentations on a wide range of topics and viewing beta fish and speculating on their behaviours.
City
The city is vibrant. The regeneration it has undergone has made many spectacular buildings including the new library.
The nightlife is amazing; every night there are many destinations to choose from. There are gigs and festivals, markets and big branded shops, a Chinatown and a Quayside.
There is history of castles with ghostly happenings and a plentiful supply of culture. Art, museums, crazy golf and aquariums can be readily found and if all else fails, there is always two beaches. You will never be bored in Newcastle!
Where to live
Now that I am in my second year, I live in the area of Jesmond. Jesmond is the more expensive student area but it is well worth it. It is full of Newcastle students and a party or friends are usually just around the corner. There is a Tesco, Starbucks and several private shops to browse.
Osborne Road can also be found in the centre. This is a collection of bars and restaurants that are very popular with the student crowd.
In first year I lived at Henderson Hall. Initially I was unhappy at my placement there however, it definitely is the best halls Newcastle has to offer. Unlike Leazes, when you live at Henderson (particularly in catered) you know everyone that lives within the halls. This is fantastic because there are always friends wherever you go at night, and you'll find that you always have a friend in common with people you meet, even in second year.
Accommodation tips
Just be friendly and sociable and you'll make plenty of new friends. In my spare time I like to go to all the activities Newcastle has to offer. I love to explore the city and it really is exciting when you discover somewhere new. I also like to go out in the evenings with friends and go to all the clubs.
Best thing
The people, the staff, the location. It doesn't get any better than here.
