Meet Jasmine

What do you love about the university?

I 've particularly enjoyed the range of resources and activities both at the university and beyond. I like that after three years I'm still finding little study spots and corridors I never knew existed. 

In the summer, I love that the library has a box of picnic blankets available so you can borrow one to sit in the sun and relax or get some work done. There always seems to be something small like this going on which makes life a bit more fun.

What surprised you about Newcastle?

I was surprised by the city itself! I wasn’t expecting to find so many fun little spots so close to the city centre. 

Not only are there a great number of shops but there are loads of independent cafes (including my favourite cat cafe) and walkable parks. 

I've also been surprised by how much time I've spent at the beach and at Tynemouth market. Being from Sheffield I wasn't used to spending that much time by the sea, but it's one of my favourite things about living here.

What student support services have you accessed and how has this helped you? 

I've had a disability support contact throughout my time at the university. This has helped me create a student support plan, which was shared with all my lecturers, which allowed me to attend classes knowing that any accommodations I needed would be provided, reducing my anxieties. 

I also took advantage of the transition week, open to neurodivergent students at the start of my degree. 

I was able to move into my accommodation a week early, get used to the campus and meet some other students before fresher's week which helped me adjust to university better and meet a group of people who I am still close friends with. 

What extracurricular activities have you been involved in? 

I've taken on a range of roles at university, including working at open days, being a student rep, and being on society committees. 

The open day work has let me earn a bit of extra money whilst adding to my CV and helped me represent the university to prospective students which I've enjoyed.  

Being a student rep has similarly added to my CV, and allowed me to provide valuable feedback to the university to improve life for future students. 

I've been a member of several societies as well. The include: choir - where I got to perform concerts, archery - which taught me a completely new sport and disability, mental health and neurodiversity society - which has allowed me to find community and make friends whilst working on university award winning campaigns to help others.

How have you found the social aspect of university?

I've gained an amazing group of friends whilst at university, from my course, my societies and my flatmates. 

I really enjoy the size of my course, being small enough for me to meet and get to know everyone on it. 

Especially towards the end of our time here, we have taken advantage of Newcastle’s nightlife and had several course nights out. 

Me and my flatmates often go on walks to Jesmond Dene or out to the coast for a nice trip. I've also loved the charity shops and go all the time with my friends.

Have you joined any societies?

I’ve been a part of numerous societies across my time at Newcastle but the one most special to me is the disability, mental health and neurodiversity society (dmansoc). 

I've been a member of the society since the first week of first year and have been the treasurer for two years. I've made so many friends through this society including my flatmate who I’ve lived with for two years. 

I most enjoy the range of activities we run, from silly PowerPoint nights, to trips to Tynemouth aquarium, to running a campaign to help educate and destigmatize OCD, bipolar and schizophrenia. It's a great community and I always have fun at our socials. 

Describe your degree to a future student?

In Film and Media, we start by learning the basics of camera and editing technology. We make our own short documentaries, whilst learning basic film and media theory, and watching a range of western and international films from different time periods. 

Then we move on to more complex theory and the history of documentary and make films in small groups. We also have more media-based modules where we can pick what we want to learn, from media theory to journalism and research-based modules. 

By final year, we get to choose whether to do a film project in a small group, or a written dissertation. We're supported throughout the year whilst working on our projects, gaining more specialist knowledge in aspects of the filmmaking process. 

What stands out for you about your degree?

One key thing I've noticed is the small size of the course. There are around 40 of us across both film courses, allowing us to get more tailored support and develop a better relationship with each other, as well as the lectures. We've become quite close as a course, and regularly share opportunities or ask for each other’s help. 

What do you enjoy about your degree?

I enjoy the range of topics I've chosen to study. Alongside my core focus on film, I've been able to study specific intersectional theories, create a zine, attend a film festival, speak to industry professionals and learn journalistic practices. 

The range of modules and staff expertise has been very engaging. I always feel like the staff are willing to help us out with personal projects as well as university ones too.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

In the future I aim to work in a somewhat creative role, either within the film industry or in advertising of some kind. 

I'm not totally sure yet, but I know I want to be able to use my brain to create cool outcomes. 

My degree has taught me my strengths and weaknesses within the art of filmmaking and lead me to pursue roles in art departments and camera work.

How has Newcastle helped you realise your future?

Being able to work practically has allowed me to explore my preferred skills and try out various roles to find what suits me best. 

I've also enjoyed modules focussed on the film industry and possible careers which have made me feel more confident entering the job market. 

Why should a student pick this degree?

Film and Media is perfect for anyone who wants to gain practical skills without sacrificing theory and the option to lean towards a more media-based career. 

It works off the concept that no one has picked up a camera, so no one gets left behind skills wise. We're encouraged and supported to develop our own skills both on the course, and in our own independent projects.