I am really enjoying studying Fine Art at Newcastle University. The art facilities and workshops are excellent and the technicians and tutors are knowledgeable and helpful. The city itself is quite small, which I really like, but there is still a large arts community here.

The course is very self directed and my timetable for each week always varies. Although we don't have loads of contact with our tutor (a tutorial every few weeks), there are loads of people in the department to talk to about your work and ger feedback and advice from. There are lots of opportunities to get involved with a wide variety of projects and exhibitions both in and out of the department.

Bernicia Halls was really good as it was right on campus. The rooms were a good size (although mine only had a single bed), and the kitchen facilities were good too.

Newcastle University is a brilliant place to study, with a lively and welcoming campus atmosphere that makes it easy to feel at home. The teaching is strong, the facilities are excellent, and the city itself is perfect for students—affordable, compact, and packed with things to do. Whether it’s the nightlife, the societies, or the support services, there’s something for everyone. Of course, there’s room for improvement: accommodation can feel a bit expensive, and workload deadlines could be better managed on some courses. But overall, it’s a place where you can really enjoy student life while getting a solid education.

One of the best aspects of the course is how engaging and well-structured the teaching is. Lecturers are approachable and genuinely passionate about their subjects, which makes learning enjoyable. The mix of in-person and online resources works well, providing flexibility without losing the personal touch of face-to-face interaction. The variety in teaching methods, like lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, keeps things interesting and caters to different learning styles. However, there are a few areas that could be improved. Sometimes the workload feels uneven, with multiple deadlines piling up at the same time. Feedback on assignments is generally helpful but can occasionally be slow, which makes it tricky to improve for the next task. Also, while contact hours are sufficient, some students feel more regular small group sessions with lecturers could really enhance understanding of complex topics. Overall, the course strikes a good balance, but tweaks to workload management and feedback timing could make it even better!

The best thing about the uni’s halls is how convenient and social they are. Being close to campus and living with other students makes it super easy to meet people and settle into university life. Most halls have everything you need, like decent kitchens, laundry facilities, and common rooms, so it’s a hassle-free option for your first year. The security and support teams are also a big plus—they’re always there if you need help. On the downside, the cost can feel a bit high for what you get, especially if the rooms are on the smaller side or the buildings are older. Noise can also be an issue, especially if your hall is in a busy area or there are regular parties. Some halls could use a bit of maintenance to bring them up to date, and the Wi-Fi can occasionally be unreliable. Overall, the halls are great for making friends and adjusting to uni life, but a few upgrades and better value for money would make them even better!