Before I completed my A levels, I knew I wanted to go to Newcastle University, so I started working hard and now I am a second year Geography student at Newcastle University. It has been too good and I am really waiting for whatever happens next. I have also opted for a year abroad programme to keep my options open.

Reflecting on my first term in Newcastle I can happily say it’s been some of the best few months. Newcastle University is such a fantastic place to study with facilities at such a high level and lecturers who genuinely care about what they teach. Not only is the university itself amazing but the city has so much to offer and a great night out too! In terms of my worst experience it would be the homesickness I felt during freshers week. It was scary moving away and I felt isolated at first but with a supportive group around me and multiple people to turn to and facilities to use I was able to overcome that and really engage in my uni experience.

I love the majority of the content on my course. The contact hours are fewer than most and at first that can seem disappointing but it allows you time to indulge into reading and exploring further around the subject. Personally I have enjoyed most of my lectures this year however a few of the more physical based ones weren’t my favourite. However, this is part of first year and I look forward to tailoring my 2nd year modules more to my liking. The lectures themselves have been interesting and the lecturers have always pushed for engagement from everyone in the room. Despite it being a large course it doesn’t feel as though you’re just a person in a room the lecturers make you feel involved with their teaching and often set small tasks of discussing aspects of what’s been taught to others around you to keep you thinking and focused.

Personally I have been very lucky with my accommodation. I was lucky enough to get my first choice and ended up in a flat of 8 (4 girls, myself included and 4 boys). I am so fortunate to have bonded with all of them and class them all great friends. Park View as a student accommodation is really fantastic due to its location in comparison to campus and the city centre too. The flats are really nice also with each bedroom being quite spacious and the bathrooms being amazing too. The kitchen is a great social space with a big sofa and tv at one end and a kitchen with 2 cookers which has been such a vital aspect to cooking at uni. I feel as though I am getting my value for money, despite this being more expensive than some other accommodations I still feel as though Park View is certainly worth the money. I was also lucky enough to have gained a room on the 6th floor with a beautiful view over Leazes Park!