Criminology and Forensic Science

Northumbria University, Newcastle

Good Uni. Good location in regards to the station, brisk 20 minute walk up Grainger and Northumbria street. Plenty of bars and restaurants you can go to as well. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better inner city campus in the North. Its far better than Leeds in terms of location.

The campus is very easy to navigate and to get to which makes going to lectures very easy, and is very close to the city centre which is a plus.

Student union is amazing , holding countless events to include everyone. All staff always feel really friendly and welcoming. A negative though is that I feel like lots of the information on my course is stuff that is supposed to be know already before getting there which made 1st year a lot harder

There is a lot of support in place for any and every student, if you choose to accept it. We have a student union next to the student bar, a help desk in the library, and there is a security team and app for if you need help or feel unsafe whilst in or around campus. The buildings are easy to navigate after a week or so, especially when you learn the names. I personally use the student bar Habita as a centre to get to any building easily if I feel lost. The buildings are very modern (the uni won an award for it) and the tech is quite up-to-date. There are so many societies to join, i personally joined women's rugby league and enjoy it, even though it can be quite intimidating being new when there are so many friendships already formed. I have heard amazing things about other societies as well! The classes are mostly interesting, I feel that seminars are more helpful than lectures because there is less awkwardness asking questions and you have more time to take notes/finish activities. A lot of the lecture hall are uncomfortable to sit in, as you're very close to everyone around you, but the CCE building has the best seats! So roomy and comfy. The halls are bigger as well, so you have more to take in during pauses. The accommodations are close enough that you can walk to class within 5-20 minutes depending on which accom you're in. If you're looking for suggestions, I would say Winn and Trinity are good. DO NOT USE IQ! anyways, back to the university. It is right in town centre so you can walk 10 minutes to the nearest spoons, primark, Costa, and greggs, and roughly 15 minutes to Eldon Square (large shopping mall). These are good for when you have large gaps in your timetable. Or use the library! It's 24/7 and you can take books out whenever you need them or use the computers for work you can't access on your laptop (certain sites that required extra software for your course) I do criminology and the lecturers are all amazing. Some are easier to understand but they are all lovely and will answer any questions you have. As long as you do a couple of the readings a week (I recommend one book from each module a week, read a few of the most important chapters if you can't read quickly), you will be able to complete your essays and use amazing references (journal references are most important in an essay, it is preferred to websites). As long as you pass first year, you will get through to second. The grading isn't as important in first year but it is still important to put in as much effort as you can to prove to yourself later down the line that you can achieve high grades (I find it keeps me motivated knowing I can get high grades, especially when I feel like I won't get through my degree). One tip I have is don't let yourself get burned out. It sounds easy, but it can feel so daunting being away from home and your family, as well as working and attending classes and writing essays, but my tip is to explore two new places a week. You'll find your regular favourite spots in no time, and can invite new friends to explore with you to bring you closer together. There's an amazing ice cream shop near the train station, there are so many beaches up and down newcastle and Northumberland, and there are so many brilliant nightclubs to try out (so many have amazing student deals and discounts so you don't break your bank) Speaking of breaking the bank, DO NOT blow through your student finance. If you are struggling with money, go to your student union and they can help refer you to food banks or cheaper alternatives. I recommend putting £50-200 into savings every month depending on your income because otherwise you can find yourself in a rut that can be difficult to get out of (especially when Christmas and socials require spending). Remember- your student union and help desk are always there to help, even if you feel like there is nothing that could fix your situation. Northumbria has so many amazing aspects!!

Overall a great place to study and meet new people! The societies and sports are great. Only downside is that some of the building facilities are slightly outdated such as the lifts.