Ilona Economics BSc Hons

Your Course

I graduated from Newcastle University with BA(Hons) Economics. I did enjoy the content, as well as the structure of the course.

The purpose of year one was to bring everyone to the same level, hence the content in that year probably appeared as easy to those who sat an A level exam in Economics. However, at intermediate honours level in year two we started learning about the more advanced concepts and techniques, that would allow us to be able to critically analyse current economic issues in our final year. Moreover, in year three we were offered a wide range of optional modules to choose from so that we could study in depth those areas of economics that were of greatest interest for us, including a possibility of writing the dissertation. Last but not least, the members of staff were always very helpful and approachable.

Welcome Week

I remember being very enthusiastic about coming to study in the UK; yet it did not change the fact that moving to a foreign country seemed like a daunting step into the unknown. For that reason I found the chance to participate in International Welcome Week organised by the International Office very useful.

The events of the week included information sessions about the Language Centre, Welfare Service, Student Advice Centre, University Immigration Office, Accommodation Service, Careers Service as well as IT workshops. The sessions were very helpful and informative, and that is particularly important for international students, who need to learn more about the nature of the British universities from scratch than home students. I remember that a simple hour-long session on using the university network, during which we not only had some hands-on training but were also given materials, was particularly helpful.

An opportunity to meet a community of other international students, who were about to start their degrees at Newcastle University, was important.

Making Friends

It is very easy to make friends here. When you arrive, you suddenly find yourself among a big group of people of which no one – or if you are lucky, hardly anyone – is familiar to you. Yet the good thing about this is the fact that everyone else is in the same position, which helps to start a casual conversation with a stranger. Also, in the first year people meet together in parties and other social events and as most first year students live close together on campus, it makes it even easier to make new friends.

Soon after the beginning of the academic year, I remember sitting with my new friends in St James’ Park supporting Newcastle United in a UEFA cup match against Celta Vigo. In no time I was sorting out the accommodation for the second year with the friends from my course. Moreover, a presence of a wide range of societies, sports clubs and student organisations serves as yet another platform for socialising with fellow students.

Language Support

It is obvious that some international students may worry about coping with studying in English, as for some of us it could be our first time travelling to an English-speaking country. Furthermore, the prospect of having to learn a subject and new, unfamiliar concepts in a foreign language makes it a frightening prospect.

That is probably also a concern for the University. For that reason, before the start of the term, every international student was requested to sit an English language test. Based on the results, the University advises students to enrol on an improvement course with the Language Centre, which is free. In my case, I was advised to attend a writing improvement course. Given the subject area I studied, I enrolled in Academic Writing for Business courses, which tremendously helped me and gave me solid training for academic essay writing. In addition,

I have to admit that I found the English language of the staff very clear and a chance to mingle with people gives you even more opportunity to practice your English.

Cost of Living

Admittedly, given the differences in disposable income, the UK does appear expensive to most Polish students. In particular, the cost of food, accommodation and transport appears high. On the other hand, the cost of apparel – obviously depending on the brand – may be on a similar level to what it costs in Poland.

What is good about living in Newcastle is the fact that the cost of living is still lower here than in the South. As a student I was able to study and work part-time at the same time, which makes managing finances easier.

Living in Newcastle

Newcastle is an exciting and vibrant city that has a lot to offer. A calendar packed with events and festivals that take place in Newcastle and the region makes sure that everyone can  find something that would interest them. A selection of theatres – where I should mention the historic and stunning Theatre Royal, which has just celebrated its 175th birthday! – cinemas, galleries, museums and music venues makes Newcastle a very cultural place.

A good range of restaurants and pubs will cater for all possible tastes. Newcastle is also renowned for its vibrant nightlife. However, what matters most to me personally is the fact that at the doorstep lies an impressive countryside, which you can explore walking or cycling. Just to mention the historic Hadrian’s Wall or the stunning Cheviot hills should make you want to pack your bag and come here.

International Advice

I would advise international students just to go for it. I have lived in the UK for over five years now and during this time period I only moved out of Newcastle once – only to return here 12 months later. That speaks for itself.

Career Path

After graduating from Newcastle University, I continued with studying Economics at postgraduate level. I left Newcastle and moved to the West Midlands, where I did Masters at another university. Following this, I knew that an option of an academic career path appealed to me. I learnt that Newcastle University Business School funds a PhD studentship in Economics. Having fond memories of Newcastle University, I applied for the studentship and was successful in the competition. I decided to return to the North East, where I previously spent a happy and rewarding three years as an undergraduate student.

Preparing For Graduation

The undergraduate degree in Economics served as a strong and solid basis in preparing me for undertaking postgraduate studies in Economics. Since I also secured a PhD studentship while my Masters studies were still ongoing proves that the undergraduate programme in Economics at Newcastle University set me up well for my postgraduate life and most importantly – made it possible to be in the position to taste a life of an academic.

Careers Service

The Careers Service has been a good platform for improving my life skills, in addition to what was offered as part of my degrees I attended job and recruitment fairs organised by the Careers Service, as that was the best opportunity to meet and talk face-to-face to a range of employers offering graduate placement schemes. A chance to talk to current employees gives a good idea about the types of roles these firms are hoping to recruit graduates for. At the stage when I did not know I would end up in academia following my undergraduate degree, the training and workshops provided by the Careers Service offered an invaluable insight into the specifics of the British job market.

The service I would like to highlight at this point is the Careers Service’s mock interviews, which offer an opportunity to prepare for more stressful, real-life interviews. A chance to discuss our performance in the mock interviews allowed us to see clearly the imperfections in our performance and find ways to improve our performance in real interviews.