Creativity in the UK

On exchange at Northumbria University, Avena An found a creative community, unforgettable friendships and the courage to explore Europe.

Avena An

Why I chose my host uni:

At first, I found it challenging to research and choose the right university. However, after exploring different options, I discovered that Newcastle upon Tyne has a strong reputation for budding creatives alongside a lively and fantastic student environment! After spending a semester there, I can definitely say that moving to Newcastle was the best decision I had ever made. I lived in Trinity Square accommodation, which was a 20-minute walk to the city centre or a 10-minute metro ride. I’d definitely recommend booking with student accommodation as I made lifelong friends with my flatmates, who also happened to be exchange students from all over the world.

Newcastle is a very student‑orientated city, meaning that there are plenty of opportunities and events that are super easy to get involved in. My advice would be to sign up for everything and anything to leave no regrets for your adventure.

How I found applying to my host uni:

Relevant documentation needed:

• Passport
• ID photo (for student ID)
• ETA UK travel visa
• Boarding passes

Because I was staying in the UK for less than six months, I applied for a UK ETA visa, which was an online application and got approved within seconds after completing my application (approval may take up to a few days). If you’re planning to study at Northumbria University, please keep all your boarding pass tickets on you as they’ll ask for your travel itinerary from New Zealand to the UK as soon as you arrive.

The uni application process was a straightforward one. As I was entering a BA in graphic design at Northumbria, I needed to submit a portfolio. Northumbria was helpful in supplying a portfolio exemplar as well as a list of detailed instructions on where to submit all needed information. Don’t feel pressured if your portfolio isn’t as refined as you want it to be. They understand that your portfolio is still in the works and all they want to see is that you have a keen creative interest in creating.

How I found learning in a different academic system:

I entered year 2 of graphic design at Northumbria and I had three courses throughout the semester. One class focused on developing your design portfolio, while another class focused on designing for critical issues in the world. The third class was a separate module for exchange students, which took place after the other two courses had been completed.

A challenge that I faced in this academic system was that the school semester fell over the Christmas and New Year period. You do get a two-week break in that time, however it still felt weird to be going to uni at this time of the year. The workload compared to AUT was definitely a lot less in my experience, although this definitely benefitted me, as it gave me a lot of time to travel around.

What I gained from this experience:

Moving to the other side of the world, I initially had no expectations and went in with an open mind. Throughout my semester abroad, I was blessed with the most wonderful group of friends and learned a lot about myself through them. Newcastle upon Tyne truly became my home more than my New Zealand home, and my time there was an unforgettable experience. It’s a city filled with rich culture, life and kindness.

I also learned how to travel alone and live alone, which has equipped me for my future endeavours. Once I learned to navigate myself across the world, it truly opened my eyes and I felt that I was capable of so much. Everyone’s exchange experience will be different, but mine was an unforgettable one. I truthfully loved every second of it and would redo it over and over again if I could! So I need YOU reading this right now to take that leap of faith and go study abroad!

To this day, my exchange friends and I reminisce about the time we spent together. Nothing can prepare you for this, but the post‑exchange depression is real! Make sure to capture lots of photos and videos so you don’t forget anything.