Helen French BA Honours
Choosing Newcastle
I chose Newcastle because it has a good reputation, I was impressed with the School of Modern Languages when I came on the open day and I fell in love with the city at first sight.
Studying at Newcastle
I am really enjoying my course. In parts it can be very challenging, but that is to be expected! The facilities, range of module choices and lecturers are all great. I feel I have come a long way, not only in my language ability but also in my knowledge of the culture and history of France.
Facilities at Newcastle
The Open Access Centre is extremely useful; I spend a lot of time in there when I have work due! There is a huge range of foreign language films in there which you can watch on your own at a computer or with others on a television, which is obviously great if you're doing a cinema module, or if you just want some listening practice. There are also loads of foreign language channels on the computers which are great practice too.
Year Abroad
I am currently on my year abroad as an English assistant in Paris. I work in the suburbs so the children can sometimes be quite difficult but it’s all experience! I speak a lot of French and my abilities in French have benefited no end from being out here. It's also a brilliant opportunity to get out there and do as much travelling and exploring as possible. I have been to museums, art galleries, plays and of course lots of bars! I have also visited the Loire valley, Basel in Switzerland and Berlin. If you get the chance to do a year abroad, TAKE IT! It's daunting at first, but you will settle in very quickly, and it's such a fantastic way to spread your wings, build confidence, make new friends and of course improve your language skills.
Living in Newcastle
I love Newcastle! I honestly can't decide if I prefer Paris or Newcastle, it's that good! I love the architecture, the shops, the cafes and the people.
Jesmond is a gorgeous area of the city, especially in the summer when everyone is sitting outside the bars chatting and drinking beer! The metro is very handy if you're in a rush, and taxis and drinks are so, so cheap. Finally, the nightlife is absolutely fantastic. The variety is incredible, whatever atmosphere/music you like; there will be a night (or five!) for you.
In first year I lived in St Mary's halls, which was really fun and I made lots of friends there. The only disadvantage was that it was out of town a bit, but it was only about 10 minutes on the bus. Second year I lived in West Jesmond which I absolutely loved. We were a very pleasant half hour walk from the University, five minutes from the metro and Tesco, and minutes from all the bars which were great for going for lunch in the day or Happy Hour in the evening. West Jesmond is a little on the pricey side, so for something slightly cheaper, Jesmond Vale is great. I'm living there next year and it's very close to Jesmond Dene which is gorgeous in the summer.
Accommodation Tips - Try not to let the flat get too messy because believe me, it is not fun when you have to do a big clean at the end of the year! Also, when you first move in, really put yourself out there and chat to everyone, it's the only way you're going to make friends and it's just really fun to talk to all those new people. All you have to remember is that everyone else is in the same boat!
Socialising at Newcastle
One of my favourite things to do is go to a cafe with a friend or two and have a gossip. The Cafe de Vie just off Northumberland Street is one of my favourites. I also love shopping, going out to eat, and going out for drinks/clubbing at night. I love Digital as they get really great DJ's, and World Headquarters is another favourite club. When I'm having a quiet night in, I enjoy reading or just watching a bit of TV with my flatmates.
The Best Thing about Newcastle
I can't choose! I think it would probably be the city itself, it's just THE perfect student city. Of course it would be no good if the city was great but the university was rubbish, but Newcastle is a brilliant university and I have no complaints about it at all.