Campus Diaries: Donita’s Insightful Visit to Newcastle & Queen’s Belfast
“It’s one thing to see a university in pictures – it’s a whole other feeling to walk its hallways, breathe in the campus air, and speak to students whose lives are unfolding there.”
– Donita Fernandes, University Guidance Counsellor at UniHawk
This year, our University Guidance Counsellor, Donita, travelled to the UK to visit two prestigious Russell Group universities – Newcastle University and Queen’s University Belfast. Her aim was to gather real, on-ground insights for our aspiring students. Here’s how her journey unfolded.
A cold breeze greeted Donita as she stepped into Newcastle. It hinted not just at the northern UK weather, but also at the beginning of a journey that would take her deep into the lives, stories, and spaces where our students might one day live and learn. She wasn’t just on a routine visit. Instead, she was there to feel the pulse of these universities and bring back insights that no brochure, PDF, or video could replicate.
Her mission: to visit Newcastle University and Queen’s University Belfast, and return with first-hand reflections that would help future students choose not just a good university, but the right one for them.
Newcastle University – Where Legacy Meets Living Innovation
Newcastle isn’t a massive city but that’s exactly its charm. “It’s like a perfectly-sized student town,” Donita shared. “The campus is beautifully connected – from green spaces and canteens to academic blocks and even the iconic football stadium. Everything flows seamlessly, giving students a dynamic yet walkable university experience.”
Her day at Newcastle University began with a warm welcome by the INTO team. They support international students through foundation and pathway programs. She attended three tailored presentations. Each unfolded layers of Newcastle’s academic strength: one focused on Engineering, another on Psychology, and the third on their globally recognised Business School.
She explored the Stephenson Building, recently revamped and buzzing with activity. “It’s more than a classroom space,” she said. “It’s where engineering becomes tangible – filled with labs, simulation rooms, innovation spaces, and collaborative corners. I walked in and thought, ‘I want to study here.’”
This building isn’t alone. Donita also visited the Merz Court, Urban Sciences Building, and Digital Engineering & Smart Cities research zones. These are places where students work on smart energy grids, climate resilience systems, and immersive data visualisation labs. The integration of sustainability with hands-on digital tech was, as she called it, “mind-opening.”
But Newcastle’s spirit doesn’t stop in the classrooms. From the Sports and Fitness Centre, ranked among the UK’s top 10, to its football stadium, St. James’ Park, which seats over 52,000, students find themselves part of a vibrant cultural and sports community. “I was surprised at how welcoming the environment felt,” she noted. “There were notices everywhere about safety, anti-racism, support systems. It felt like students were not just expected to survive here, but thrive.”
In the Business School, she sat in group discussions with students who spoke candidly about placements and internships. Newcastle has strong partnerships with Siemens, HSBC, PwC, and Arup – giving its students real-world exposure. “It’s not just about what’s being taught, it’s how they’re connecting it to the world outside.”
Accommodation in Newcastle is thoughtfully segmented – with special arrangements for students under 18 close to the campus. There is also a variety of comfortable options for older students further out. “Everything is designed with a student’s life in mind. It’s clean, modern, friendly, and makes you want to stay longer,” Donita shared.
Queen’s University Belfast – Timeless Beauty with a Creative Soul
The next day, Donita landed in Belfast, a quieter city but rich in culture and history. Queen’s University, located right in the heart of the city, looks like something out of a period drama — all spires, ivy-clad walls, and grand entrances. “The moment you step on campus, you feel it – this is a place where history breathes.”
But within those historic walls lies a universe of innovation.
The Computer Science Building was a showstopper – world-class labs, maker spaces, and student lounges blended seamlessly in an environment that buzzed with tech-driven curiosity. “There’s this artistic creativity in everything,” Donita observed. She noticed it from collaborative rooms to creative wall spaces where students freely express themselves.
Then came the McClay Library – a £50 million marvel with 2,200+ study spaces, a language centre, and a café. “It wasn’t just a library. It was a place that invited you to sit down, stay a while, and fall in love with learning,” she said.
Perhaps the most unique experience was stepping into the Sonic Lab – a subterranean space built for experimental sound. As the sounds surrounded her – immersive, electric, unearthly – she was told about the programs here in Sonic Arts, Audio Engineering, and Virtual Reality. “It was a universe in itself,” she recalled. “If you’re someone passionate about sound, music, or immersive experiences – this is your heaven.”
In the Business School, she noticed outdoor pods for studying – each with charging points and comfortable seating. They are designed for both solitude and collaboration. The Queen’s Student Union was just as lively, serving as a safe and inclusive space where students can study, hang out, or even buy groceries at subsidised rates. This is a beautiful tradition started during the pandemic that still continues today.
During her visit to the biomedical labs, Donita saw live displays of worms, snakes, and insects. It was hands-on learning in the most literal sense.
“I didn’t meet a huge number of students, but those seven or so I did talk to were all engaged, confident, and in love with their course. The environment at Queen’s is peaceful and very, very clean. It’s perfect for focused learners who like the calm.”
Reflections from the Heart
Donita returned with more than notes and photos. She returned with a sense of purpose – and a deepened belief in the power of exposure. “Every student deserves to know not just what a university offers, but what it feels like to be there. That’s what this trip gave me – a heartbeat, a smell, a rhythm I can now share with our students.”
Her biggest takeaway? “Both these universities are exceptional – each in their own way. Newcastle is more vibrant, busy, city-like, and great for students who enjoy movement, diversity, and opportunity. Queen’s Belfast is more calm, thoughtful, beautiful – perfect for students seeking focus, creativity, and a peaceful place to grow.”
Final Takeaway for Students
Choosing a university isn’t just about rankings. It’s about fit.
And sometimes, fit is found in the unspoken – the vibe of a canteen, the sound of a sports ground, the feel of an old staircase, the warmth of a conversation.
Thanks to Donita, UniHawk students now have a window into both worlds. It is not just from a screen, but through footsteps walked, questions asked, and memories made.
Want to find your perfect university match?
Book a free personalized counselling session with our UniHawk team – and take the next step toward a university experience that’s truly yours.
