Alanah Architectural Studies BA Honours
Choosing Newcastle
I chose Newcastle because it was a well respected University and was high up in the league tables. After visiting on the open day, the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff and students and the city of Newcastle convinced me it was where I wanted to study. Also, the atmosphere of the school, things like the students run Kofibar, really appealed to me and I saw it as a place I would really love to be.
Studying at Newcastle
The course is interesting, engaging and hard but incredibly rewarding work. There is a great sense of community in the architecture school which makes studying really very enjoyable.
In regards to surprises, although you can be told many times you still never quite expect the shear amount of work required.
For facilities, the school provides very good print services, workshop and 24 hour studio facilities that are indispensable.
Most of the year is taken up by a variety of design projects, which involved a trip to a local village and castle and numerous site visits which are specific to the current design project.
Living in Newcastle
The city is lively, friendly and with a really good atmosphere. It feels like a big city but at the same time is small enough to walk everywhere, which as a student is very useful. It is architecturally interesting and with great cultural history, so a very good place to study.
I currently live in a house in Jesmond, which is a predominantly student area, very convenient with a range of shops and it is quite close to Uni and town.
Accomodation tip - Be friendly, try to get on with the people you live with.
Playing in Newcastle
I have joined both the sailing and surfing societies, which is a lovely break from architecture and means I get to enjoy the great coastline and get out of the city, but most often socialising with other architects.