Lauren Baines

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences

Where are you from?

Newcastle

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Because it was close to home it seemed to be a good choice and I knew people who were doing my course so I knew I had someone to help me through. And it had excellent feedback for teaching etc... As well as going to multiple open days and finding out reasons why the current students at the time loved the university.

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

I love everything about newcastle from it's history to it's local countryside and certain areas are just amazing and a must see while your in the region (I may be bias since I am from here) but it is awesome there's plenty to discover locally and afar and if your only here for 3 years then see as much as you can.

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?

Everyone was so nice especially at the welcome week fairs and the sports fair in my first year I tried anything and everything from the normal to the completely insane and each time I did something new the group that was running a session was so welcoming and helpful I tried everything from fencing to ice hockey which I had never done before . . And to being involved in the students union extracurricular activities are a MUST!

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

Many different things from the multiple extracurricular activities to welcoming new students to the university, the labs were the better aspect.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

A lot of lecturers although a select few have helped me way beyond what they needed to when I've asked for help with things outside of uni they've always been there to help and it's been great I couldn't ask for anymore help from what they have done.

What is your favourite place on campus?

Probably certain labs where I've been doing my project I enjoyed one lab because I could go in and do what I needed to in peace but also areas where I've been able to socialise yes commonly the students union but when it's 10am and way too early to drink castles (in Ellison) has been pretty decent as a hang out to talk about work or just general chats with other students

Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects? Tells us about the highlights?

I've been involved in many different things: Welcome week (highlights making the freshers do silly things ) Environment committee (trying to improve the impact the university has on the environment and the climate) Course rep (helping my fellow course mates with problems and trying to reach a resolution between students and lecturers) Community rep (helping students locally to get help with problems inside and outside university) When trying out multiple clubs the highlights was meeting new people and helping to feel even more welcomed to the university and the fact that all these people were giving up training and such to give me a go at different things.

What is the best thing about your course?

Probably the practical side you learn more "on the job" type stuff in the labs and the fact that one of the modules I did taught you the principles of what's done in the workplace of an NHS lab and what's being looked for etc which is what I wanted to learn.

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

Work work work but also learn that you need to have a life of your own and it is a very delicate balance between work and social but it is a laugh and there are many many people in the same boat and if there comes a time you do struggle ask for help! there is definitely no shame in needing a helping hand from time to time . . .

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?

I have gained a lot more confidence I was a kitty cat before I came here and I now feel at the end of my time I have opened up and what didn't kill me certainly made me stronger and I now feel tough like a lion to deal with different things in range big bad world from the help of northumbria university.