Ben Modern Languages and Business Studies BA Honours

Course dates: 2008 - 2012

Choosing Newcastle

I chose Newcastle because of its great reputation. I'd heard from friends and family that it was a lovely city, and they were proved correct when I got up here! Newcastle also offered me a really flexible course structure, so I've been able to choose a course that combines my interest in languages with business - which I think really helps me stand out from the crowd. In addition to this, Newcastle's nightlife is unparalleled, and the layout of the city means that wherever you want to go, you can walk in 15-30 minutes from shopping in the new and improved Eldon Square, to popping down to Quayside for a relaxed drink or a meal.

Studying at Newcastle

I'm really enjoying my course so far. With such a variety of subjects I've been able to spend a year in China studying on a tropical island, work in Spain and had the opportunity to attend some really interesting careers events through the Business School. Obviously there are difficult aspects of the course, but the library and computer clusters provide the perfect environment to study when housemates become too much of a distraction. Now that I'm a fourth year, I'm finding that the workload has increased but it's interesting and I'm currently doing simultaneous interpreting in Spanish (which I couldn't have imagined doing a few years ago), and in Business I'm getting the chance to try running my own company!

In regards to surprises, I didn't realise quite how nice Geordies are! It took a while to get used to the accent, and when I get in taxis I still sometimes have to ask the drivers to repeat what they'd just said. In addition to that I didn't realise quite how much of a valuable experience a year abroad was. I learnt some really important skills and developed my languages amazingly. I also got the chance to travel around China for over 2 months, during which I made some really good friends and gained some important life experience. Finally, the revamp of the Union has been incredible, it's now a sleek and modern hub of Uni activities, with loads of gigs and events there all the time.

As for facilities, the School of Modern Languages has loads of different aspects that really help students learning languages. There are a number of Language Labs where students can practise their speaking and listening skills and also a huge 24hr computer cluster, which is really useful for those last minute sprints for deadlines. The Courtyard cafe downstairs is also really useful for meeting up with tandem partners over food or just a drink. As for the new and improved Business School, (which was opened just this year) it's got some really good seminar rooms with all kinds of technology and is just generally really easy to use.

Last year I spent a year studying Chinese on the Tropical Island of Hainan in China - one of Newcastle's partner Universities. It was the experience of a lifetime, and I had an incredible year. I spent most of the year on the Island with 4 hours of Chinese lessons in the morning, followed by a trip to the nearby beach, or the park, or whatever we wanted to do really. As part of this year abroad, I also got the chance to travel around China for 2 and a half months, which was amazing. I travelled a large part of China, lived in caves, was adopted by various families/people, and starred in the Chinese equivalent of 'Are you smarter than a 10 year-old?', among other experiences. I also got the chance to do some work experience in Shanghai, and worked as a teacher for a short while.

Living in Newcastle

Newcastle is convenient, fun, and whatever you want it to be! Newcastle is so big that there are places that fit with everyone. If you like small cafes for a cup of coffee with a friend, there are loads hidden down little side streets and above shops. If you prefer to go out and have a crazy night, Newcastle's club-scene is incredible, with the opportunity to see some really big names and stay out 'till crazy o'clock. The train links from Newcastle mean that it's really quite easy to get home for a weekend, and Newcastle airport is just a few metro stops away. This means that you can even do quick trips to various European countries, and if you keep your eyes open, there are often some really good last-minute deals.

I currently live in Sandyford, which is effectively a cheaper version of the main Student area (Jesmond) I'm currently paying just £60 a week for my accommodation - which has my London friends extremely jealous. It takes about 15 minutes to walk in to Uni, and there are plenty of chippies, curry houses, and off-licenses.

Accommodation Tip - During the first couple of weeks, say hello to everyone and get their names and add them on Facebook. The sheer number of people you will be meeting means that its really difficult to remember names and faces, but after a little while you'll be surprised how quickly your friendship group emerges. Another thing is that especially for freshers week, GET INVOLVED! - it's such a good way to meet people and have an amazing time.

Socialising at Newcastle

I don't actually have too much spare time to be honest! I'm currently treasurer of the Anglo-Chinese society, a member of the Universities Societies Executive committee, and a keen Martial Artist. When I do get a chance to relax, I normally have a chat with my housemates and course friends, and maybe go to the pub for a couple of drinks.

Best thing about Newcastle

The people are incredibly nice, and there is so much opportunity to get involved with various activities and make loads of friends.