Dan Civil and Structural Engineering BEng Honours
Choosing Newcastle
Newcastle University has a very good reputation in academia; it was also highly recommended to me by my peers. I know the area as I stayed here a few years ago and was keen for my family to enjoy what the North East has to offer.
Studying at Newcastle
Civil and Structural Engineering can be quite an intensive course. As a mature student who has taken a few years (10+!) out of formal education, the academic demands were high. That said, the staff are very supportive and there are mechanisms to enable those who are less confident in a particular subject to develop in line with their classmates. I welcomed the diverse mix of my classmates, young and old from all parts of the world. As students read for their degree together it sets them up well for a world where international trade and relations are paramount.
As you would expect from a leading university, the facilities here are excellent. Lecture halls and laboratories have modern and relevant equipment. The IT resources are well maintained and there is almost 100% Wi-Fi coverage throughout the school. With extra power-points added in the common room to enable students to charge their own devices, personal connectivity will not be a problem.
For Civil students, our field trips are generally to building sites where we have been hosted by local companies who have been kind enough to allow us onto site. Our hosts were students a few years ago and are keen to answer any questions asked of them. Group work is central to many of the modules we undertake, it's where a lot of self discipline is required to keep things on track. I have been regularly surprised by the quality of work turned out by my group.
Although I didn't take a year out per-se, I have spent several years working all over the world on many challenging projects in a managerial capacity. I have noticed that the students who have taken time out tend to be more rounded and mature and can often put their studies into context whereas that those who have come straight from school are less able to. Quality life experience and a solid educational background are valuable attributes to employers. If the opportunity arises to travel take it; it will stand you in good stead.
Socialising at Newcastle
I first visited the clubs and pubs of the city in the 90's and as a young man I revelled in the atmosphere, several years later Newcastle does not disappoint. Culturally there is a lot to see, there are pubs everywhere and there is always somewhere to eat. Like every big city there are pubs for quiet nights with friends or if you want to go large there are plenty of clubs which are full of similar aged people who want to have fun. The Metro system is fantastic if you are near the line, and the international airport is great for weekend breaks in Europe.
Living in Newcastle
I live with my wife and son outside Whitley bay in a house that I have rented for the duration of my studies. We are near the Metro station and University is only a 35 minute commute from my house. Here I have the coast and country-side at my doorstep, I couldn't be happier.
When not with my family I am happiest outside with the wind in my hair and the sun on my back! I spend as much time as I can outside, the North East offers everything you could wish for in terms of outdoor pursuits. Surfing, climbing and parachuting are all available nearby and are well supported by the university.
Best thing about Newcastle
Undoubtedly my fellow students make Newcastle University an outstanding place to be. Other Universities have similar facilities but there is something about Newcastle and the University that attracts a certain type. I had visited several Universities in the application process and had my heart set on Newcastle from the outset.
Being a Mature Student at Newcastle
Returning to the classroom was a culture shock and took a while to get used to. I was used to a dynamic and challenging work environment where the pressures were subjective to the task in hand. Now there is always some reading to do or revision for a class test, and if you feel that you are falling behind there is a lot of self induced pressure too. But that said there is plenty of support if you hit any problems, and as a mature student the staff will be aware if you have had several years out of education.
