Why I Chose Newcastle As My University

Picking a university to study at was a trickier process than one would usually expect because of how the pandemic affected opportunities for higher education events. There were no in-person open days or offer-holder days for me to properly explore the campus and facilities. Deciding on universities to apply for was an even bigger commitment for me and my peers because we were going in somewhat blind.

In the summer before year thirteen, I came up with several universities I wanted to look around. For someone who comes from a more rural area, these cities seem daunting and feel like a whole new world at the same time. I must have looked at about five universities and their cities but there was just something different about Newcastle. The city itself isn’t a sprawling metropolis like the likes of Manchester and yet it has everything a student would want. Renowned nightlife, a variety of entertainment and restaurants and of course the gorgeous Quayside all appealed to me.

I took English Literature, Media Studies and Sociology for A-Levels and I had no specific job in mind for the future, but I at least knew what sort of areas interested me. It made the most logical sense to apply for Newcastle University’s Combined Honours, a degree that stood out as something unique that couldn’t be found in other universities.

Choosing Combined Honours meant that I had around twenty different subjects to choose from instead of being locked into a particular area. Initially I was drawn to English Literature, but by the end of year thirteen I had completely changed my mind on it. In the end I settled on Politics and Media and Communications, and I can confidently say that I am loving studying them.

When I was asked by teachers, family friends and neighbours about which universities I had applied for, they all had nothing but glowing endorsements for Newcastle University. Everyone I spoke to remarked how friendly everyone is in Newcastle and I have found that that observation is true.

Prior to sending off applications, I actually came to visit my neighbour who was in her third year at Newcastle. Having the insight of a current student to show me a more authentic expectation of student life in Newcastle helped me be able to envision myself here.

I’ve been able to grow as a person, try new things, meet new people and widen my knowledge through the many opportunities available at Newcastle University. Now half-way through the second semester of my first year, I can confidently say I made the best choice for myself by picking Combined Honours at Newcastle University.