Rachel Murrey

Media and Journalism

Where are you from?

Beverley, East Yorkshire

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

After attending the Open Day, I instantly loved the vibe of the city and the modern feel of the University.

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

I love Newcastle and the nightlife is fantastic. There's always something happening in an evening and there's also loads of quiet countryside places to visit, for example, Jesmond Dene.

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

I found it really welcoming and easy to fit in. I think it helped because my tutors and my lecturers were always on hand and they were really helpful which put me at ease.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

I have enjoyed everything about my experience. It's hard to pick a favourite moment but my course has been fantastic and I'd say even though my final year has been stressful, I think I enjoyed it the most because I loved being so busy.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

Probably my tutor, Lisa Hardisty. I always contacted her if I needed any problems and had regular meetings with her throughout my final year because she was my dissertation tutor. She is always willing to help and goes out of her way to make sure you're okay.

What is your favourite place on campus?

My favourite place is probably Squires third floor! Mainly because this is where I spent most of my time over the past three years, and there are always friendly faces around to reassure me.

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

I did get involved with Kayak Northumbria, even though the society isn't directly funded by the university any more. It was a great experience nonetheless and I learnt a lot of new skills in a sport that I had never tried before.

What is the best thing about your course?

The best thing about my course for me was probably the radio module in my final year. I never expected to enjoy it as much as I did because at first it seems quite daunting. It's so much fun and I love the adrenaline rush of being live!

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

I have learnt how important it is to talk to people and be genuinely interested in what they have to say. I think one of the best things you can do at university is build your contacts and put yourself out there as much as you can. It's really helped to build my confidence and I've managed to meet loads of people that could end up being very useful contacts in later life.

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

I would like to work in PR/Communications or Publishing. Producing my own magazine instead of completing a written dissertation for my final project really helped me and has given me something unique to present to potential employers. I've learnt that I'm good at organising others and I surprised myself at how I managed to keep calm under pressure. I've also realised that interviewing people is a lot of fun.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?

I didn't get the opportunity to do a placement as part of my course, although they have brought that in for future students which I think is a great thing. I did do work experience outside of my course, I worked with a few local newspapers from the Yorkshire Regional Newspapers Ltd group and I also helped out for a week at Lifestyle North East. I think working with the Driffield Times was a highlight for me as I seemed to learn loads during the week that I worked here and I felt like one of the team because there weren't too many staff. I went out and did some reporting on my own and managed to get loads of articles published - one of which was on page 3 in my local newspaper. The feeling of getting my first ever byline is one that I'll never forget.

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

Even though I am biased because I studied here myself, I genuinely think Newcastle is the best place you could choose. I said throughout my time here that I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. The city is really amazing and not too big - you'll find your way around in no time. There are endless opportunities, there's always something happening and best of all you'll meet some amazing people. The university's reputation really is fantastic and I would defy anyone not to love it.

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

I feel that I've definitely gained confidence in talking to people. I've learnt that there are things I never thought I'd want to do that I am actually good at - like helping to produce a documentary film. I think the whole experience of university has helped me to mature and get me ready for my life in the future. I feel as though it's set me up for some great career prospects.