Meet Aina

Why did you choose Newcastle University?

To be honest, I had never originally planned to study in the UK. I always imagined that I would move to Australia after completing my studies in the Philippines. However, attending International School Manila exposed me to people from many different backgrounds, and I became close friends with several British students who spoke positively about their experiences in the UK.  

One of my closest friends from high school had already planned to move to Newcastle University to pursue her Medicine degree. Hearing about her plans introduced me to both the university and the city, making me more curious to learn more. As I explored it further, Newcastle University stood out as a place where I could receive a great education while experiencing life in a new country. At some point, I realized that life does not always follow the exact path you imagine for yourself, but looking back, I am so glad I chose to take on a different path. 

Favourite memories of Newcastle so far?

My favourite memories of Newcastle University, as surprising as it may be, were actually the challenges I faced along the way. From struggling to manage my finances and missing trains to simply not knowing where I was going, there were many moments that felt overwhelming at the time. Looking back though, I am grateful for those experiences because they taught me valuable lessons and helped me become more independent. They also made me realize that everyone faces difficulties when adjusting to a new environment and that I am not alone in this. 

What surprised you about Newcastle? 

The culture shocks were definitely surprising! There were many small things that I never expected before moving to Newcastle. For example, I had no idea how important football was to people here. I am not really a sports person myself, so I was genuinely surprised by how much passion and pride people have for their teams! It felt like football was part of everyday conversations and city culture, which was very different from what I was used to.

What student services have you accessed at university and how has this helped you?

I spoke with the careers service during my time at university, it was incredibly helpful. They were very experienced about opportunities not only in the UK but also internationally, which was valuable to me as someone considering moving to a different country. 

How have you found the social aspect of university? 

The social aspect is great! It is quite easy to make friends, as there are so many opportunities to meet people both through classes and university events. There are also plenty of places around the campus where you can spend time with friends, whether that is studying together in the library, relaxing in the Students' Union, or going for a coffee in one of the campus cafes. It's not challenging to blend into the community at all! 

Have you joined a society or club? 

During my first year, I joined the Filipino Society, and it was one of the best ways for me to connect with people from my home country. Although, I regret not renewing my membership in later years, I met many friends through the society who remain important to me today. Being able to speak Tagalog with other Filipino students gave me a sense of familiarity and connection to my culture during a time when I was still learning a new environment. My parents were always worried that I might lose my ability to speak Tagalog, but thanks to the friends I made through the society, I was able to continue speaking Tagalog and stay connected to my identity. 

Describe your degree to a future student

Journalism, Media and Culture is a broad degree that explores how media works and how it shapes society. It covers areas such as journalism practices, media industries, digital communication, cultural studies, and the role of media in society. The course combines both theoretical and practical learning, helping students understand the content but also producing that content. It encourages critical thinking about topics such as representation, audience behaviour, and many more. There is a variety of modules you can take, depending on your interests, as it is a flexible degree and can lead to a variety of career paths depending on your interests and experience! 

What stands out for you about your degree at Newcastle? 

What stood out to me most about the degree was the level of independence it encouraged as you progressed. In the first year, there was more guidance and structure, which helped students with adjusting to university life and building foundational skills. However, as the degree moved into the second and third year, the approach became more independent. Support was still available when needed, but students were expected to take more responsibility for their work, ideas, and development. I really appreciated this progression, as it prepared me for my future. 

What did you enjoy about your degree? 

I enjoyed the flexibility of the degree the most. I am someone whose interests can change over time, so I really appreciated that the course allowed me to explore different areas rather than staying within one fixed path. Although many modules were connected in theme of journalism and media, each one offered something slightly different, which meant I could always explore topics more deeply than what was just presented on the surface. If I was less interested in something more political, I could focus more on creative aspects instead! It felt very open and adaptable and I didn't feel limited in choices! 

Did you receive funding and if so, how did it help you?

After my INTO Newcastle studies, I received the Vice-Chancellor's scholarship which was applied to my 2023/2024 academic year. It was really helpful in supporting my studies and easing some of the financial pressure during university. 

What was the application process like and what are your top tips for applying to Newcastle? 

The course application process involved a lot of research and preparation! Research, research, and research would be my top advice overall! Ensure that you understand the course content that you will be diving into, which is easily accessible in the Newcastle University website for each degree. Also, the entry requirements, the city, the university environment, the societies, and more. Another top tip is if you have the opportunity, visit the city! It is the best way to see if it truly suits you, Newcastle may feel different online than what it really is in real life to you. 

Where do you see yourself in the future?

In the future, I see myself working in Europe, as studying in the UK introduced me to a culture and environment that I really enjoyed and would like to continue being a part of. In terms of career, I see myself working in the media industry, possibly in areas such as journalism, communications, or content creation. It has been my interest since the beginning and still has, however, I am more open now to different paths within the media industry! 

How has Newcastle helped you realise your future? 

Newcastle helped me realise my future by showing me that my degree could lead in many different directions that I had not originally considered during high school. I thought I would learn journalism, so I would become a journalist. It is not the case at all, it is much more open to different career paths and that allowed me to discover new interests that I originally didn't ever think of having. 

Why should a student pick this degree?

If you love being creative, doing research, writing, speaking, and want a degree that doesn't trap you into a single path too early, this is a great choice. Most people starting a bachelor's degree are still figuring out what they want to do, and this course works well for that stage in life. It gives you space to explore different areas of media and communication while building practical and critical skills at the same time. It is the kind of degree that helps you discover your interests rather than forcing you to define them immediately, which makes it helpful if you are unsure about your exact career path but you know you want something dynamic and creative.