Meet Eleanor
Architecture BA
Hello, I’m Eleanor. When I was deciding where to study, I knew I didn’t want to stay in Texas, but studying out of state in the US is more expensive than going overseas. While in high school, I had the chance to study abroad in Spain, so I knew another international experience would be a good fit!
I had a counsellor back home who specialised in international applications, so she helped me learn about UCAS and understand the differences between American and British college applications. In the US, they want to know more about you as a person, whereas here most universities care a lot more about your studies and what motivated you to choose your course.
An easy decision
I first visited the UK when I was 14 for my mom’s 50th birthday. We took a cruise from New York City to London. However, I didn’t have a very clear understanding of what the UK was really like until I visited last October with my parents to tour universities. I visited London, Bristol, Cardiff, Newcastle, and then Edinburgh.
From the moment I stepped foot on Newcastle University’s campus, it was my top choice. It’s hard to explain—I feel like when I looked at universities, they all seemed comparable on paper, but I gained a sense of comfort and curiosity from Newcastle.
I remember that I admired how seamlessly the campus integrated into the city. At the same time, the campus feels safe and tucked away within Newcastle. I remember finding it so neat how within a few steps, you were transported from the bustling city centre into the campus quadrangle, the courtyard just past the main gate.
Exploring with my flatmates
I’ve made lots of friends with people I live with and people on my course. Some of my flatmates are on exchange programs so I’ve explored the local area with them. We visited the Christmas markets in Edinburgh, went hiking together, and even flew to Amsterdam for a few days. It’s surprised me how easy it is to explore the rest of Europe!
More locally, one of my favourite places is Ouseburn, which I’ve visited recently on a site visit for a project in my programme. The last few months I’ve spent some time in Jesmond and Tynemouth, which are both closer than I thought.
Creativity meets problem solving
I’d describe my course as creative, inspiring and rewarding. I love how hands-on it is. What really stands out for me is the professors and resources available. For example, we have access to great workshop and studio spaces. I also love that the Architecture building is included in the main campus. I didn’t find that at other universities. Often they seemed isolated – both visually and physically.
I get to be creative and work one-on-one with my tutors. I’m learning things I want to be learning and developing skills to be a good architect.
I have always known I wanted to pursue architecture, but my mentors and professors here have really helped me understand all the steps I need to take to get there.
After I graduate, I hope to be an architect licensed in the EU and US. I definitely intend to use the careers service. There are also loads of resources to help me find where I fit for graduate studies. I want to continue to a postgraduate programme, but I’m not sure whether that will be here or back home yet.
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