Amy Town Planning BA
Choosing Newcastle
I chose Newcastle University because I wanted to study in an institution with an esteemed academic reputation, with good career prospects, but also that had a reputation for providing a fantastic student life, in terms of both social life, and studying facilities. I visited Newcastle University on an open day, and it ticked all the boxes. After studying there for three years, it definitely feels like home.
Studying at Newcastle
I really enjoyed being part of my school. The planning studio was a really useful work space, particularly for group work and design work. There were also computers exclusively for planning students which was useful.
I liked the atmosphere and attitude of the staff; they really would make an effort to help out whatever problem you had, and were very supportive and understanding. Through my dissertation and larger projects, I enjoyed working with specific members of staff, who would lend their specialist knowledge to help direct my studies and offer advice.
My school also poured a lot of energy into getting students onto a placement year, which was particularly difficult during the recession. Staff worked so hard to get students placed, and having this service was a massive help, especially when you’re trying to concentrate on your studies, as well as find a placement. They have also been really supportive throughout the placement year so far.
I really enjoyed being given module options in the second and third years. This allowed me not only to pick the subject areas I most enjoyed, but specialise my knowledge base, which comes in useful when deciding on later career choices. The lecturers are also fantastic, and are experts in their field. The department really puts in a lot of effort to listen to student’s views and feedback, and making changes to the course where necessary. They are also very approachable and willing to take the time to support students.
There was a lot of input from people from outside the University, such as real planners working in different areas of practice, which not only provides a rich and varied education, but gives insight into the different career paths which may be of interest.
There was also plenty of opportunity for group work, and producing coursework through different mediums e.g. design work, reports, presentations, debates etc, which allowed people to develop different skills which proves invaluable in a professional career.
I really liked the focus on coursework over exams, as in a career like planning, developing report writing and presentation skills, and learning to work in groups, is particularly useful.
Studying at Newcastle University was probably the best choice I have ever made because it really has the whole package to make the student experience the best possible.
The library provided some great work spaces and facilities to help studying, and now has extended opening hours- much to my dismay, there really was no excuse not to study! There are also many other computer clusters and study spaces around campus, including some spaces exclusive to certain courses.
There was always a lot of support for whatever problem students may encounter, from financial help, to stress busting to maths aid. Although I never found myself in need, it was reassuring to know that they were available should the need arise.
Socialising at Newcastle
I particularly enjoyed the vast array of societies and extra curricula opportunities available to me.
I finally plucked up the courage to go along to SCAN, a student volunteering organisation in my second year, which led to a whole new chapter of my student life, and opened up many fantastic opportunities to contribute to society, develop my skills/experience, meet some fantastic people and ultimately enjoy myself. I even won an award for this through Newcastle University, which was a very proud moment- and also showed how the University celebrates and values student achievement outside of academia.
There’s also a seemingly endless list of societies to join, whether it’s to aid your studies, pursue an interest, give something back, or simply to have fun! There were also many opportunities to be involved in other aspects of university. I became a Student Communications Team member, which was paid work and helped out the Careers Service.
The University gym was another high quality and highly valued facility by many students.
Living in Newcastle
Having visited Newcastle maybe twice before university, I can now say it is possibly my favourite city in the UK.
As a Town Planning student, Newcastle really was an asset and resource to be tapped into, providing real-world planning scenarios and points for debate and study.
More generally, Newcastle really has everything a student could want. An awesome night out, a shopping spree, and many cultural aspects of city life- the markets, the art galleries, restaurants, the Tyneside Cinema.
I lived in Jesmond for the majority of my studies, which really felt like a student hub, with a lot going on. Monument, Grey Street and the Quayside are beautiful spaces, and the city is very well linked by Metro should you fancy a trip to Whitley Bay, Sunderland, or (if you really need a break) the airport!
Best thing about Newcastle
I guess the best mark of a university is whether you’d change anything if you could go back and do it all again- and I definitely would pick Newcastle University every time.
