Brian Chemical Engineering BEng (Honours)
Why did you choose Newcastle University?
I chose Newcastle University for its great department and reputation for Chemical Engineering. However, I wanted to go to a university that offered more than just academic achievement. Newcastle offers a huge range of extra-curricular activities that allows you to balance your academic life with a unique student experience.
What do you think of your course so far?
My course is challenging but rewarding as well. Each of my classes builds on one another which can make it difficult at times, but this forces me to understand and examine each one of my subjects and how it relates to an overall perspective. It is a great feeling being able to draw knowledge from multiple sources and applying it to a single problem.
Is there anything that has surprised you about either the course or University, which you didn’t know about before you came here?
One thing that has surprised me about my course is the camaraderie that is shared with the other students within the department. In our first 2 years, we all share the same classes which allows us to get to know each other very well. I went to a university in the United States where you rarely knew more than 3 or 4 people who were on the same course as you and your social group were a completely separate set of people. Here, these two groups are not mutually exclusive.
What are the facilities in your school like?
The facilities in my school are excellent. We have modern lecture rooms, computer clusters reserved exclusively for Chemical Engineers, and a pilot plant; a laboratory that allows us to use and interact with equipment and systems that we will be using after we graduate.
Tell us about any field trips or project work you have taken part in
I am currently working on a project that is asking us to design an economically viable system that creates bio-diesel from plant seeds. We have to design the whole process from the materials needed, to the exact size and type of machinery that is needed at each stage of the process. This project is giving a glimpse of what will be expected of me when I graduate and enter industry.
How would you describe the city?
I would describe Newcastle as an excellent place to live and study. There is always something to do and something going on. The nightlife is great allowing you to organise a brilliant night out any day of the week. The city during the day is just great. The Baltic and Laing art galleries are always exhibiting great artists from around the world. The Great North Museum, the Sage and the Life Centre are all worth a visit. A whole range of superb restaurants and coffee houses are dispersed throughout the city. For me, Newcastle has it all.
Do you have any tips for living in student accommodation?
The one thing I would recommend to 1st years living in student accommodation is to simply enjoy it. Some of my best memories from living at Henderson Hall were just hanging out with everyone all piled into someone’s room. You will meet people there that you will want to know for the rest of your life.
Where do you live and what is it like?
I currently live in the city centre. I love living 2 minutes from campus. It gives me the feeling of being in the middle of it all.
How do you spend your spare time?
When I not studying, I enjoy going on nights out, catching a movie with friends, and playing golf in Gosforth.
What is the best thing about being at Newcastle University?
I think the best thing about being at Newcastle University is the balance I have found between the rigor of academic life, and the amazing student life that the city of Newcastle is able to offer. There are very few places that are able to offer this unique university experience.