Before studying at Newcastle College University Centre, I’d mainly worked in the public sector. I had an interest in human resources (HR) because I am a disabled worker.  I came here to do my Foundation Degree and my Honours Degree so that I could progress my HR career and do a job I was passionate about.

There are so many reasons. I studied my further education course at Newcastle College and I remember it being a really friendly environment. I always felt at home on  campus. I also live in the local area, so I didn't have to move away from home. I also think it’s quite well-known that there are smaller class sizes at the University Centre and you just get that friendly atmosphere in the classroom. 

I looked on the website at the modules and it just seemed to fit exactly what I wanted. I chose to study at Newcastle College University Centre because you could choose your additional module, as well as business management, so I could choose to study human resources, finance and a few others. It was one of the few places that included human resources on the curriculum, which meant I could really tailor my degree to what I wanted to do in future. 

Having access to the expertise of the tutors that led on our business management modules. When I was studying, my tutor had previously owned her own law firm, so she was very experienced. Also, the human resources tutor had worked in a lot of senior human resources jobs. I just felt that, as the classes were smaller, the tutors could dedicate a lot of one-to-one time and you could benefit from their experiences too. 

What I like about being on campus while doing a university course is that you've got all of the University Centre facilities – even with things like if you want to get your nails done, you can go The Retreat and get them done for next to nothing! If you want to go to the gym, there's a gym on campus for degree students. If you want something to eat, there are lots of canteens right on your doorstep, so you don't have to take a packed lunch. You don’t have to walk for miles to get into the town either. It's great if you want to do a bit of shopping! 

I was absolutely shocked when I found out that there was a bar on campus for degree students. It’s really good for chilling at the end of the week with my friends. 

What I enjoyed most was actually getting to meet the leader of my course. I had a very difficult time because of the pandemic, as I'm very high risk. I had lost somebody very early on and the leader of my course was so supportive of me. I'll never forget it – it meant so much to me. I don't know if I would have got through it without their support.   

Also, the Human Resources module was great and was not offered in other universities at the time. Every time I went to those lessons, I got excited. I had such a thirst for knowledge! 

People who can make changes to other people's lives and people who can really make a difference. I've had a lot of interaction with human resources as a disabled worker and they can make these small, reasonable adjustments that nobody else might be aware of, but they can take you from being so disadvantaged to putting you on a level playing field. The fact a job can make that much difference to someone’s success, happiness and wellbeing feels so special and it inspires me a lot. 

They were excellent. I have disabilities which can't be seen; however, they affect me massively. The Central Support Service (CSS) was very compassionate, the staff had empathy and understanding but they also had knowledge about the things I was going through. They helped put me on a level playing field with my peers and helped me with the Disabled Students Allowance application.

I’ve got to say Graduation. It makes you feel like all the times you'd been tired or all the times you'd cried or doubted yourself were all worth it. To walk across that stage makes you feel so special.

Transformative, fulfilling and exciting.

1. Don't be afraid to approach staff with anything at all - they're really helpful!
2. Make sure you utilise the library - there are lots of good resources there that people just forget about.
3. Use the University Centre facilities to save money - if you want your nails done, your hair done, to go to the gym or to grab some food, you'll find it all cheaply on campus.
4. Just enjoy yourself!