Lisa Chemical Engineering MEng (Honours)
Choosing Newcastle
The first time I came to the city I loved everything about it; the size is perfect as it has everything you could possibly want and yet everything is in walking distance. The city is busy and bustling with all kinds of people going about their business or just hanging around outside the monument. But heading down to the Quayside you get to see the more relaxed, peaceful side to the city, both of which greatly appealed to me. The induction day I attended for my course was ran so well and the students were so friendly and passionate about the course that I found myself seeing it as a place I could really fit in.
Course So Far
I love it. The size of my course is perfect so that everyone knows each other, yet there is such a diverse set of people which makes us all a big family. I'm always learning something new and the fantastic facilities make the lectures and lab sessions so much more enjoyable. The social side to my course is definitely one of the best at the University; there are constantly things to take part in. In my first year I joined in a football tournament, had a meal and quiz at Pizza Express, been on numerous bar crawls (fancy dress ones!), been on a trip to Birmingham with students from universities all over the country and spent 3 days on an engineering challenge in Aviemore.
Surprises
There is so much more you can get involved in within the University than I could possibly have imagined. There is a huge range of sports suitable to any sporting level, whether you've never tried it before or whether you are an extreme athlete. When joining the University I decided I wanted to start a new sport, and so I attended a few different trials and found myself straight away intrigued by and welcomed into the sport of Basketball. And now a year later I am the woman's second team Captain. There is also a ton of socials to be part of, and if there isn't one for you, you can set up your own!
Facilities
The facilities in the School are fantastic. There are many rooms that suit every need, whether it be needing silence to work or wanting to sit with a coffee to have a chat with friends. I know recently a lot of money has been put into some of the Labs so I look forward to using them this year.
Field Trips and Projects
I have been on an interesting trip to a catalyst factory in Teesside and many many socials! A lot of the work we do is in groups, which is perfect as you get to work with all different kinds of people and have different roles. I highly enjoyed a project we completed on fuel cells last semester, it included written work and presentations and so we all played to our strengths and helped each other to succeed in it.
City
The city is the perfect size, and was one of my main reasons for choosing this University. There is such a diverse set of people and there is something for everyone, be it fantastic nights out(I've had many), or visiting the Museums or art galleries. It's hard not to love it.
Living in Newcastle
In first year I lived in Richardson Road and I had the time of my life. I loved all the people in my block and we became like a big family. Every day you would meet someone new and friendships were made so easily. Everything was in walking distance and the Fitness centre was right next door! The rooms are small but you never spend any time in them as you're always in the common room chatting to your friends, or out on the grass in the summer having BBQs!
Accommodation Tips
Keep your room clean or you have the cleaners on your back! Just make the most being around people just like you and have fun!
Spare time
Playing basketball takes up quite a lot of my time, also going to the gym and doing exercise classes. A lot of time is spent socialising with my friends, be it just hanging around, going to the pub or going clubbing!
Best Thing
The nightlife, it is said to be one of, if not THE best in the country, and I agree!