Max Business Management BA Honours
Your course
I am happy with the lectures I have so far. They are interesting and relevant to Business Management and not too hard in the beginning which gives everyone a fair chance to settle in. The seminars are productive with good teachers.
Welcome Week
I took part in International Welcome Week and found it very useful. Coming from a different country where the universities are run similarly, it was very useful to attend the sessions about university life here in the UK, but also about more common things, like "Living in the UK" which gave very good information on the do's and dont's of life in the UK.
Making friends
I've found it easy to make friends among the people I got to know during Welcome Week, but also among people from my course. Also people from halls of residences are always a good 'source' for new friendships. By just being open minded and being nice to people you can make so many connections.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Newcastle really depends on what you buy and where you buy it. You can get by here without spending much money a week, that is if you're living in catered accommodation. Obviously the costs for self-catered students are higher, but then again food can be purchased cheaply at several places. Generally, I would say that the cost of living in Newcastle is not too high.
International advice
I would advise international students to try to participate in as many things as you can, i.e. societies, socials and events hosted by your school etc. Making friends that way is very easy and that makes the process of settling in easier. Also, if you are active at all times you won't be sitting in your room thinking about home.
Accommodation tips
I would advise students only bring with them what they think they will really need. You will not have a lot of space i.e. storage space available to you and that might become a problem sooner than what you would wish for. Also, remember that you are not living alone, so keep the communal areas like the kitchen clean and tidy at all times and clean up after yourselves.
Spare time
In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, going to cafes or pubs and at night enjoying the vast night life on offer in town. During the day I either study for upcoming exams for my course or tend to one of the languages I have started to learn. The Language Resource Centre has excellent materials on offer supporting that. At the weekends there is so much to do in the North East, like hiking Hadrian's wall, visiting Durham Cathedral, or Alnwick castle, Edinburgh or York. And if you have a little more spare time do take a train to London and enjoy the big city life for a day or so. Also I have joined the Erasmus society that offers many socialising events and the Windsurfing society.
Best thing
The best thing about Newcastle is the open minded people that welcome you and the many options on offer to spend your free time, i.e. societies and the many friends one can make by just attending lectures.
