Easiest semester, biggest adventures
Noah Jobbins shares how studying design at Northumbria University in England made travel, study and friendships easier than expected.
Noah Jobbins
Why I chose my host uni:
The location! Being in the UK let me travel into Europe easily, and it being an English-speaking country really helped me spend more time getting the financial side of the trip sorted.
How I found applying to my host uni:
The application process was very simple and straightforward. You’re helped through every step of the process and given more than enough time to complete any given step. It’s also easy enough to reach out if you want extra help.
I had to submit a design portfolio due to my degree, but other than that and transcripts all I needed was an ETA and other proof of identity documents like my passport. The ETA was easy to apply for as well and only cost me $15 NZD.
The application for accommodation was rather easy as well.
How I found learning in a different academic system:
It was very easy incorporating into the new style of learning. They provide a zero-credit course (that you can choose to get exempt from) to help with adjustment. Lecturers were accommodating and happy to explain systems I didn’t understand and it felt very relaxed. If you’re studying design, only come here if you want the easiest semester of your life.
What I gained from this experience:
I learned a lot about being independent, with it being my first time living out of home. I gained a lot of friends that I hope will stay with me for years to come and I learned that travelling by yourself really isn’t as hard or scary (or expensive) as you would think.
Top tips for other students
- Arrive sooner rather than later – the university offers a lot of social events geared specifically for international and exchange students for the 2 weeks before the semester starts, plus if you arrive first you can claim the best spots in the fridge
- Join the group chats – there are some group chats organised for exchange and international students and they’re all worth trying to be added to
- Do things – a lot happens in Newcastle, make sure you go to the events before the semester starts and be on the lookout for any tour companies. Try creating new experiences as quickly as possible. The homesickness will hit you randomly and without warning, so it’s good to think about all the fun things you have done since arriving
- Get a National Railcard and a local Metro card – the Railcard costs 35 pounds on the Trainline app, but they give you discounts on pretty much any train ticket, you’ll save so much if you do any level of travelling
- Get a grocery Clubcard – the discounts are pretty good, they’ll ask for UK phone numbers but you can just find a burner one online
- A night out can be as cheap or as expensive as you like – the atmosphere is amazing either way and most of the popular clubs are completely free to enter
About Noah and his student exchange
AUT degree:
Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa in Communication Design
Host uni:
Northumbria University
Host country:
United Kingdom
5 favourite things
Favourite place in my host city:
The Quayside, especially at sunset
Best dish/food I tried:
Prawn mayo meal deal sandwich
Most useful thing I packed to take with me:
Whittaker’s chocolate
Favourite thing about my host uni:
24/7 library access
Best trip I took outside of my host city:
Scottish Highlands