Lucy History BA Honours
Course Dates: 2009-2012
Choosing Newcastle
I chose to come to Newcastle University because I liked the feel of the city, the university buildings, the facilities and the halls of residence. Newcastle University is consistently featured as one of the top 20 British universities in the Times Top 100 University Guide and this was another major factor for me.
Studying at Newcastle
I really enjoy studying History at Newcastle. The first year was quite tough as I took a gap year, so getting back into the swing of working was quite challenging. The jump from A-Level standard to degree standard is also quite tough but as my time here has progressed I'm enjoying the course more and more. In my second year I was able to choose which modules I wanted to study which made the course much more enjoyable. There are an incredibly wide range of modules to choose from so it's not hard to find something you're interested in. Now in my third year, I am finding the workload quite substantial but you get enough time to complete your work and the lecturers are always willing to help and advise. The essay feedback I receive is always detailed and informative and because I chose my modules, I'm interested in the work I do.
The wide range of modules really surprised me. In your second and third year there are about 20 things to choose from so you're guaranteed to find something you enjoy studying. The Careers Service is also something I was unaware of before I came to Newcastle University. They can help you with just about anything, from checking your C.V. to helping you fill out application forms for internships and grad schemes.
Facilities at Newcastle
The facilities are really good throughout the University. The Armstrong building is quite old so there isn't much happening inside the actual building but there's a computer cluster in an adjacent building. The staff who work in the School of Historical Studies Office are very friendly and helpful.
Field trips/projects
In my second year I went on a field trip to Athens; we stayed in a lovely hotel in the city centre with a view to the Acropolis and were able to visit all the local tourist attractions. Our activities included visiting the Acropolis and the incredible museum that lies beneath it, sampling Greek cuisine, taking a trip to the local market on a Saturday and visiting the 2004 Olympic Stadium which was built on the original site of the Greek Olympics thousands of years ago!
Living in Newcastle
Newcastle as a city is lively, student-friendly and beautiful. Some areas are just stunning, for example, the Quayside at any time of the day is picturesque. The nightlife is exceptional and I've yet to find a better (or cheaper) place to party than Newcastle. The city has all the big shops that you'd expect and some really nice restaurants as well as the typical student hangouts, Nandos etc! I'll really miss living here when I graduate.
I live in West Jesmond and it's a really lovely area and right next to the metro station (especially handy during the colder months!) I used to live in central Jesmond and that's where most second years live, but this year we decided to move out a bit (only 5 minutes away) to be on a quieter street as all of us are in our third year. Jesmond itself has a variety of restaurants and bars and also a Tesco Metro and a Waitrose for grocery shopping.
Accommodation Tips - Look around! Also try to go with a firm of estate agents rather than just a landlord as firms tend to be more likely to comply with rules and regulations. Also check that everything works when you look around the house i.e. taps, flushing the toilet etc! Ask current residents questions about what the house is like to live in.
Socialising in Newcastle
I joined Newcastle University Boat Club as a novice cox in 2009 and have been coxing ever since! Joining the rowing team has been one of the best things I've ever done and some of my best friends are people I met at the club. I also work part-time at the clothing store, Hollister. It's great as the hours are really flexible and it provides me with a little bit of extra money when I need it. I'm also a stage 3 History Student Representative which means I listen to student opinions and ideas and pass them on to senior faculty members at meetings. This year we successfully managed to establish a common room in the Armstrong Building.
Best Thing about Newcastle
The best things about being at Newcastle University are the nightlife, student-friendly atmosphere, making new friends, the sports teams, the facilities and the fact that you will graduate from one of the best universities in the country and still have had so much fun!