Danny Ancient History and Archaeology BA Honours
Choosing Newcastle
I think the main reason for choosing Newcastle was its reputation as I knew a fair few people who had been students here and said it was awesome.
Everyone knows Newcastle is a party city and after I'd checked out the courses and found out about the Uni, I applied. I never went to a visit day and the first time I ever went to Newcastle was the day I moved in. I just knew that Newcastle University was for me.
Studying at Newcastle
The best thing about Archaeology is the lecturers; they're really dedicated and really make an effort to help you out. You have to do two weeks of fieldwork each year which is great. I'm planning for three weeks in sunny Romania this summer! Also the course doesn't have that many contact hours which means you get a lot of free time to spend however you like.
Living in Newcastle
I really like living here, I find the accent really friendly. For a city it's actually pretty small; you can walk from most student accommodation to anywhere on campus in about 15 minutes and into town in about 20 minutes. I find that really helpful because you don't have to worry about bus times or taxis ripping you off!
There are so many bars and clubs that you can have a completely different night whenever you go out, but my favourite is Wednesday starting at Basement [in the students' Union], then Boom for some cheese and then Blu Bambu with the Frisbee team! There are also shed loads of restaurants, especially in The Gate, and they usually do some good deals for students.
I'm living in Marris House at the moment which is nice. It's right next to the sports centre (which I've only actually used twice) and for some reason is full of gap-year students so there are lots of interesting travelling stories going round.
Student life
My top tip has to be to join a sports team - the socials are awesome. I play Ultimate Frisbee which keeps me pretty busy. It's such a good idea and a great way of making friends.
Saying you play Ultimate is also a good conversation starter (mainly because you have to explain what it is) .
The social life at Newcastle is great. With flatmates, coursemates and other Ultimate players there's always someone to talk to and persuade to go on a night out! Every Wednesday is the AU night so everyone in a team hits the town and ends up in Blu Bamboo.
What I like best about being a student at Newcastle is the fact that in half an hour you can be dressed, ready and in town all set for a night on the tiles.
Life after Newcastle
I've not really thought what I want to do after Uni, I'm just letting it all happen and going with the flow.
