Steven Popular and Contemporary Music BMus Honours
Why did you choose Newcastle University?
I chose Newcastle because I loved what the University offered in terms of the flexibility within modules and how it meant I could design my own degree. The student life was also appealing with the sports facilities, the Students' Union and the cheap nightlife.
What do you think of your course so far?
I love my course in the way I got to choose what modules I wanted to sit. There is a lot of academic reading but it has encouraged me to work harder even. Is there anything that has surprised you about either the course or University, which you didn’t know about before you came here?
The only thing that has surprised me is the workload of reading which I have been given to help me achieve my degree.
What are the facilities in your school like?
The facilities are great. We have a music common room, which has a computer cluster, a computer lab and also a brand new music building with rehearsal rooms, computer rooms and 2 state of the art music studios.
How would you describe the city?
Newcastle is very compact, you can walk anywhere once you’re in the city centre. The city is very scenic and is nice to walk around. The transport is also very handy and cheap.
Do you have any tips for living in student accommodation?
I stayed in Henderson Halls last year and I loved it. It has a nice small community feel to it being a bit out of the way from the city centre but it is only a 10 minute bus journey. I made so many friends who I am also living with this year.
Try to buy food in groups; this will save you a lot of money if you chip in together for meals. Have a laugh but remember there are other people either working or living next to you. Don’t expect to have a quiet night sleep, it’s just not possible. Be open minded, meet new friends and enjoy the student life.
Where do you live and what is it like?
I now live in West Jesmond and it is the most popular student area in Newcastle. It has lots of nice little shops and is a 5 min walk from Osborne Road, which has loads of bars, pubs, food places. It is also a 20 min walk from the city centre and University campus.
How do you spend your spare time?
I spend my spare time playing inter mural football, social squash, going to the cinema with mates, playing Xbox with house mates and nights out.
What is the best thing about being at Newcastle University?
Newcastle is a very exciting city, which happily welcomes students from all backgrounds, a great university with friendly staff and lecturers who encourage potential.
