Serena

About your course

The best part is you get to meet many people from all around the globe in lectures. With this experience, good networking can be developed when I start my job. My favourite module is one that we get to calculate and build our own model crane out of steel; we had a competition after to see which group’s design was the lightest and strongest. The whole process was fun and we learned how to apply theories in real life.

Many of the lecturers have experience in the industry. Listening to them helps me to understand what skills are needed in the future. Besides that, the course work is designed to train us to work well in teams as well as being self-motivated.

Recommending Newcastle

University is a place where we are going to spend a number of years, so choosing the appropriate course and environment is very important for your education as well as growth. I absolutely enjoy my time in Newcastle University which gives me quality education, a sense of belonging, and also the amazing networking.

Living in Newcastle

Newcastle is a city packed with exciting activities and interesting people. You will find a place that suits you, from a quiet library and park to a place rich with history, culture and arts, to a city filled with technology and great shopping venues, to a place full of concerts and great music. I personally enjoy the multicultural societies and activities the most, where I get to meet people from all over the world and learn much from them.

In my first year, I stayed in a self-catered student hall with five other students. During this period, I managed to learn and adapt to the British culture and weather. I met some interesting people that I get along well with, and we moved to private accommodation. With the internet and help from the University, looking for accommodation was a smooth task.

Clubs and societies

I never did any dancing back in my country. Being in Newcastle, I joined the Tango society for two years which is a great experience for me.

Student finance

The cost of living in Newcastle is not very high. Due to the fact that I like to go out for meals and holidays, I got myself a part-time job from my second year onwards. This allows me to have more entertainment and satisfaction at the end of the day.

Career aspirations

I got a job as an engineer back home after my undergraduate studies, for one of the best companies that are actively moving into the Offshore Industry. At the same time, I was offered funding to do a PhD by the School of Engineering. Research was something that never really crossed my mind, but I loved the challenge and took it up. Studying at Newcastle University gave me more options after I graduated; it prepared me for the industrial world as well as the academic world.