Tan Chui Lin

As an INTI student, what appealed to you about studying at Northumbria University in your final year?

I am from Malaysia, I was interested in the great facilities at Northumbria and the city life in Newcastle.

What was it about the course that particularly appealed?

The awareness of healthy diet has grown vastly among the public; consequently I wish to be a dietician or nutritionist and by using the knowledge and skills that I will gain, to help prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits and suggesting diet modifications.

What qualifications did you have?

Before I came to Newcastle, I was doing an Australian degree transfer programme (Science) at INTI University in Malaysia.

What do you like most about the course?

This course has enabled me to learn proper laboratory skills, and I have developed some essential research skills and understand the importance of how food packaging materials contribute to the control of food quality.

What do you do when you’re not studying?

I like socialising. When I am not studying I normally will hang out with friends in some bars to chill or go to some night club to relax from the stress of studying. Besides, I like to listen to some music and watch dramas.  Sometimes, I will shop around when I have nothing to do.

What’s your accommodation like?

I live in a seven room flat. The room is rather compact but overall the accommodation is still alright.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

I would hope to find a job here as a food analyst and gain some working experiences here before I go back to my own country.

How do you get on with your tutors?

I get along with the tutors fairly well.  Whenever I have any questions regarding assignments or anything, those tutors are very kind; they give me an explanation and provide many references which they think are useful.  This helps me a lot in understanding and getting my assignments done.

Have you used Student Services during your course?

Yes, I have required the Careers Service to help me check my CV and I have asked them some questions regarding my one year placement. The advisors of the Career Service were so helpful and they have given me some website addresses, relating to my placement.

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

The weather here is very cold, hence international students who come from other countries should bring more clothes and thick jackets.  You will not need to bring a lot of daily things here as you will find what you need in Newcastle.

What three words would you use to describe your time at Northumbria?

Fulfilling, interesting, fun