Meet Damia

Why I chose Newcastle University

I remember Newcastle University being in my top three choices from the moment I started reading about it. Being a founding member of the Russell Group, globally recognised, and highly ranked all played a big part in my decision. However, the two biggest reasons were the course I am studying now, and the student-city feel of Newcastle. 
 
As it was my first time living away from home, I was nervous about choosing the right city. I wanted somewhere that felt warm, safe, student-friendly, not too extravagant, but never boring either. Little did I know, Newcastle would be all of that and more. 
 
Before finalising my decision, I read through my course details and modules many times. The structure felt so well thought-out and in-depth that it made Newcastle my top choice. I could genuinely see how the course would help me grow academically and professionally. 
 
The campus also made me really excited, especially the classic old Armstrong Building. I instantly pictured myself studying here and finding out that the Armstrong Building would actually be where I would study, made it even more special. 

My favourite memory so far

I think most of my favourite memories have come from the people I have met at university. I have friends from so many different parts of the world, and one of the biggest highlights has been learning about their cultures, experiences, and perspectives. 
 
During induction week, our department made us play such a fun game where we had to choose one professor, become their PR person, and present their life journey in a way that did full justice to them. We were divided into teams, and the winners got movie tickets. Honestly, name me another university or department making things that fun before the course has even properly started. 
 
Since then, my department has organised many similar events with games, free doughnuts, delicious food, and little moments that make student life feel so much warmer. 
 
Talking about the city in general, weekends in Newcastle can make even a homebody like me excited to go out. The warmth and welcoming nature of the people here is genuinely contagious. The nights are never boring and never quite the same. 
 
As a student living away from family, homesickness does get to you sometimes. But Newcastle has taught me how to find joy even in those moments, and how to feel grateful for the life I am building here while meeting amazing people from all walks of life. 

What surprised me about Newcastle

Definitely the nightlife, the football craze, and the welcoming nature of the people here. Newcastle feels like a proper community, and it can be very close-knit if you let it be. I found my forever friends here and anyone can if they are open to it.

The city is also absolutely crazy about football, so if someone loves football, Newcastle is definitely the place to be. There is so much energy around it, and you can feel how much the city loves the game.

I also love the castle-like charm of Newcastle. It has so much character, while still being close to places like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other cities I really love. For an international student, it also feels much more budget-friendly compared to many bigger UK cities, which makes student life here feel exciting but still manageable. 

Student support services

Studying abroad, especially doing a master’s abroad, comes with so many wonderful things, but I also have to be honest and say that it can really test you sometimes. It tests your strength, patience, and resilience, but it also builds a version of you that you will always be thankful for. 
 
Things can get very hectic and fast paced, especially towards the end of the semester when deadlines start piling up. This semester, I was juggling my internship, assignments, and other commitments, which meant a few all-nighters and long hours at the Philip Robinson Library. I do not recommend the all-nighters, but sometimes student life really does get that intense. 
 
Because I care a lot about the quality of my work, I started feeling stressed about not being able to submit my best work. I have achieved distinctions in almost every assignment across my two semesters so far, so I did not want to rush something just for the sake of submitting it. That is when I used the self-certified extension option, which gives students an extra seven days when they need it. 
 
I've also used a regular PEC when I was extremely unwell and genuinely could not work to the best of my ability. The university approves these when there is a valid reason, and it made me feel like student wellbeing is actually taken seriously. 
 
Overall, I have always felt supported by Newcastle University. The support services are always there in front of students, and if you choose to use them, they can genuinely make a difficult moment feel much more manageable. 

Societies and social activities

I'm a member of the Pilates Society, although I have not been able to attend as regularly as I would have liked because of my workload. I also go to the gym, so balancing that with university deadlines, internship work, and general student life can get tiring sometimes. 
 
Apart from that, I've been part of charity events as a dancer. I volunteered to perform with a member of a dance society, and it was such an amazing experience. It felt really special to be part of something fun, creative, and meaningful at the same time. 
 
I had also wanted to join the Book Society because I am a proper bookworm, but again, schedules and workload got in the way. Still, I love that Newcastle has so many societies and opportunities, so there is always something to be part of when you have the time. 

My top tips for applying to Newcastle

The application process felt much less intimidating than I expected. I think the key is to properly research your course, modules, and the city before applying because that really helps you feel confident in your decision. 
 
My biggest tip would be to not just focus on rankings, but to genuinely picture yourself living and studying there. Newcastle stood out to me because it had the right balance of academic quality, student life, affordability, and a welcoming environment. 
 
I would also recommend applying early, keeping your documents organised, and reading through your course structure carefully. For me, reading the modules in depth played a huge role in making Newcastle my top choice. And most importantly, trust yourself a little more during the process. It can feel overwhelming at first, but everything slowly falls into place. 

Preparing for the future

Newcastle has helped me realise that I am much more capable than I thought I was. Moving to a completely different country, balancing university, internships, deadlines, extracurricular activities, and independent life all at once has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. 
 
My degree especially helped me understand what kind of work genuinely excites me. Through modules, assignments, presentations, and practical projects, I realised how much I enjoy PR strategy, branding, campaigns, media, and creative communication. 
 
My internship experience alongside university also gave me confidence that I can work in real industry environments while managing academic pressure at the same time. Overall, Newcastle has helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally. 

Advice for future students

I think you should pick this degree if you are curious, creative, and interested in understanding how communication shapes the world around us. The degree is not limited to just one career path, which is something I really like about it. It opens doors into PR, media, branding, social media, marketing, communications, and many other creative industries.

What makes the degree even more valuable is how practical and relevant it feels. You are not only learning theories, but also learning how to apply them to real campaigns, industries, and global issues. It challenges you, but in a way that genuinely helps you grow.