Luke Saunders

What appealed to you about Northumbria University / studying in Newcastle?

Newcastle City was billed as having an awesome night life. It’s much better than Bath’s anyway (Bath being my home town). The University also offered scholarships for good grades.

What was it about the course / subject area that particularly appealed?

I’ve always known I was going to study science. Chemistry was the most interesting and has good job prospects.

What qualifications did you have?

I applied via UCAS with A levels in Maths, Physics, Chemistry.

What do you like most about the course?

The people (lecturers and fellow students).

Can you give an example of a piece of work you’ve been involved with recently?

Computational chemistry involving looking at possible new drugs. I used the Ellison block computers, got regular feedback from the lecturer in charge, used reaxys, hyperchem and google scholar.

How do you get on with your tutors?

Well, I’m a School Rep so it’s sort of my job.

What do you do when you’re not studying?

I am in a climbing club, I'm currently looking for part-time work and I enjoy going for a night out with my house mates.

What’s your accommodation like?

I live in a house in Byker/Heaton with four student guys living in it.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I would like to get a graduate level job in petrochemical/pharmaceutical/defence systems, whatever takes my fancy really. My ambitions have only grown larger since university. (Possibly world domination if there’s time).

Have you used Student Services during your course?

Yes, I've used the Careers Service, I had to register so I could get the job in the technical team in the Students' Union (I don’t do the job anymore).

Do you have any advice for anyone applying for your course, or for university in general?

It’s well worth knuckling down and getting good A levels. You get plenty of time to party afterwards. Make sure the university and course is right for you, it’s a real pain to change later. University’s not compulsory; don’t go if you don’t really want to.