Oliver MEng Electronic Engineering
Course dates: 2009 - 2013Choosing NewcastleThe visit day impressed me and I really liked the look of the city. A city campus was what I was looking for and the Students Union looked awesome, even more so now since the refurbishment. Basically Newcastle University seemed like a fun place to be, as well as having a huge range of sports and incredible nightlife!
Studying at NewcastleIt's pretty hard if you don't keep on top of it. First year covered the basics and introduced some concepts new to me. In second and third year, these concepts were really built on and it's challenging. A lot of time and effort is needed to maintain and build understanding as the course is more theory based than what I expected.
The main computer lab is very useful and extremely good. The labs have everything that is required and if something is needed it can be required through the workshop.
One project has been to build a buggy in a team of three. The buggy had to follow a current-carrying wire around a track and it was a great opportunity to put into practice the theory learnt and get involved.
Living in NewcastleThe city is brilliant. There is a huge variety of shops and pretty much everything you could want. It's a busy city and the nightlife is something completely different to anywhere else. The sea is close by and the metro is an extremely convenient way to access the city and go places.
I live in Jesmond and have done so for the last two years. It's a nice place to live and Osborne Road is at the heart of it, providing a long strip of pubs ideal for summer. There are two supermarkets, a post office, pharmacy and pretty much everything that a student needs.
Socialising at NewcastleI play a lot of sport. I helped set up the Newcastle University Triathlon Club and regularly play squash at the sports centre.