My Exchange at Newcastle University – Law
I knew about the opportunity to go on exchange since I applied for the University of Auckland; however, I was reminded of the opportunity through an email about the 360 International Exchange programme. When I first arrived in Newcastle, United Kingdom I was nervous but extremely excited for all the new experiences I was about to have. My first impression of Newcastle was that it was very cold, and on my first day, it got dark at 4pm, which was very different from home. My accommodation was a nice university accommodation; however, there was an issue with my application. I was entered as a postgraduate student, even though I was an undergraduate, so I was placed in a postgraduate accommodation which was relatively far from the university campus. This was my first challenge of exchange, but whilst I was at this accommodation, I got used to the metro system that I used to get everywhere, from uni to social gatherings. I moved to an undergraduate accommodation after a month at the postgraduate flat, and the location was much more ideal for the activities that I wanted and needed to do. My new accommodation (Parkview Student Village) was right next to the gym and only a 5-15 minute walk to all the university campuses I needed to go to. I really enjoyed the teaching style at Newcastle University, particularly the postgraduate class (LAW 8583). The teaching style was similar to the University of Auckland in that there was a lecturer teaching to a large class of about 50-70 students. However, the seminars felt more interactive than tutorials I had experienced at UOA. The postgraduate class had only about 20 students, with a mixture of standard lecturing and interactive group activities throughout the lecture. The campus was placed very close to the centre of Newcastle (Northumberland St) meaning that finding places to eat or go for a walk after or before lectures was easy. Newcastle is definitely a walking city, with most places being accessible through a walk, and 30-minute walks here feel relatively easy as the ground is mostly flat. Walking was great for health as well as saving some money. Two of my favourite places to walk to while here was Jesmond Dene (park and waterfall in Jesmond) and the Quayside which had a food market every Sunday.
The orientation for Newcastle University was a great opportunity to meet other people on exchange and I would highly recommend it to any other exchange students going to Newcastle. I made a great majority of my friends from this initial orientation and the consequential exchange student orientation social events over the first week in Newcastle. Newcastle, overall was a very welcoming and social city. The locals and students were all very helpful and definitely made the new country feel more like home. The cost of living in Newcastle was a bit high for luxuries such as going out for dinner etc. However, groceries and going to pubs was significantly cheaper than in Auckland. There was an option for a food fob which could be used on campus and some cafes near the campus for food or coffee. They also had relatively cheap meals on campus which was greatly helpful when studying at the library. The extracurricular activities I took part in was the Law Netball team and Fight Club Newcastle. The intramural netball team was very similar to one I joined at UOA. It was a great way to meet local students and they also had ‘socials’ (gatherings) every Wednesday. Joining a sport team at Newcastle is a particularly easy way to meet new friends. Attending the socials every Wednesday was the perfect way to feel properly incorporated in the student community. Fight Club was a event that occurs three times a year where students train for 6 weeks for a charity boxing match. It is an event I was told is common in the United Kingdom but had never come across in New Zealand. It was an amazing event that taught me a new skill whilst also allowing me to meet more local students as well. I also joined the 20 minute society, Cold water swimming society and Running club. Making use of all the clubs and societies that Newcastle had at the mere price of £5 with occasional extra fees were all great for meeting new people and honing new skills. Further, the Lundgren tours that were run by Robert Lundgren and university students were a great way to see more of Newcastle. I went on the Lake District tour which was filled of beautiful sites, a hike, and a swim. I also got to meet some lovely people that day. These tours were part of the NUSU give it a go programme which Newcastle University has. This programme was the perfect way to try out an activity for free or a very cheap price, I got to go ice skating, do a Newcastle stadium tour and a Newcastle city tour using give it a go.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
Highlights of my academic experience at my host university was the postgraduate class I was able to take even though I was undergraduate student. The lecturer for this course Darren McCauley was amazing. He created a very interactive environment with lots of collaboration with other students. The course was energy law and was filled with interesting content that aligned with my legal interests. I would recommend this course to any other law students going to Newcastle in the future. The layout of assignments in Newcastle was quite interesting as it involved formative assessments and assessed essay or exams which in my case were all worth 100%. The formative assessments were worth 0% but necessary for passing the course, and were helpful for understanding what would be required for the assessed assessments.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
All the clubs and societies particularly the Cold water swimming society was unique to Newcastle including swimming at Tynemouth beach from winter to summer. Tynemouth beach is beautiful and for someone from New Zealand surrounded by beaches it felt like a piece of home. Cold water swimming is great for your health as well as another good way to meet like-minded individuals. Fight club was a unique experience that I really enjoyed, it increased my fitness, as well as made me feel more part of the general Newcastle community; meeting great coaches and friends. Also,
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
My top 3 tips for future students attending Newcastle University is:
- To make the most of all the extra-curricular opportunities available to you. Newcastle University has a multitude of sports clubs and societies that allowed me to learn new skills, continue activities you do at home, and meet so many new friends. If you join sports teams, attend the Wednesday night socials too.
- Pack lots of winter clothes including lots of thermals. Newcastle winter is freezing and a bit of a shock compared to a NZ winter that pales in comparison. Also bring gloves, scarves, beanies and a puffer or waterproof jumper. All the winter gear is definitely needed to keep you warm on your walks, which you do a lot of in Newcastle.
- Parkview Student Village was the best university accomodation if you want a nearby gym, be in walking distance to campus and Newcaslte town, but a flat in Jesmond is good if you want a more suburban area filled with students.
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
I budgeted $8,000 for my exchange and began taking out living costs from the January I left ($300). This amount has been sustainable and I have been able to attend all events I have wanted to. I did make a budget to keep track of my spending and make sure I had enough for day trips on the weekends and other travel. Making a budget was vital to make sure I didn’t run through all my money in the first few months. Make sure to budget in pounds (GBP) because a NZ dollar is less than half of a pound.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
My most significant takeaways from my experience abroad is that I am more capable than I have given myself credit for. On exchange, especially in a place with a 11-13 hour time difference to home, there were times when I had to make important decisions on my own without my parents or my friends input. The exchange experience is great for self-growth and learning to depend on yourself, as well as gaining many life skills such as budgeting, household chores, and travel planning. Moreover, it was interesting being in a different environment to home, and shows how we are able to adapt to a new lifestyle relatively smoothly.
Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?
I travelled to a range of countries from France to Germany and Ireland, as well as UK cities like Durham and York. I believe that making the most of being in the United Kingdom and being close to Europe is vital. Travel is much cheaper since you are so much closer to Europe in the UK than in NZ. Trains in the UK and Europe are also great to utilise. Getting a trainline rail card which gives you a 1/3 off is also helpful for travel around the UK.
Final Comments
Overall, just making the most of all the unique experiences available in another country and trying to meet as many new people from countries all over is the best thing you can do whilst on exchange.