Kallum
Hancox

Being a student is a unique experience that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. From juggling classes, getting involved in working for NTU while maintaining a social life and taking care of oneself, it can be overwhelming at times.

Kallum Hancox (22) from UK studied BSc (H) Computer Science and Mathematics and his journey was marked by onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, during which NTU's supportive response solidified his choice at NTU. He opened up to us about his experiences as a student, offering a glimpse into the way he tackled the hurdles and seized the chances that come with this exciting yet demanding phase of life.

We asked Kallum what drew him to the course and why he chose NTU:

Kallum: I chose this course because it offered a fascinating blend of theory and practical application, which really appealed to my interests and career goals. My journey to NTU was particularly unique as I started just before the COVID-19 pandemic. NTU’s supportive and adaptable approach during these challenging times reassured me that I had made the right choice. My passion for Computer Science, nurtured through various programmes in secondary and further education, made the opportunity to take a joint honours with Mathematics an exciting challenge that I eagerly embraced.

As a first-generation student, Kallum found the university application process challenging:

Kallum: As a first-generation student, navigating the university application process was quite daunting. I had to learn about applying, financing, and settling into university life all on my own while also explaining it to my family. The abundance of misinformation, especially around student finance, made it even more challenging. Thankfully, I had incredible support from my sixth form team, who guided me every step of the way and helped ease many of my worries.

Kallum's initial feelings about going to University through clearing were overwhelming, but it turned out to be a positive experience:

Kallum: It was a scary process. Being met with a long list of courses you can apply for and, as a first-generation student, not understanding what the process looked like or what I needed was overwhelming. However, the team on the phones were incredibly helpful in guiding me through the process. They were patient while I gathered the necessary documents and helped me find a course that was perfect for me.

Despite the initial challenges and coming to NTU through clearing, Kallum found it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU, thanks to NTU’s vibrant community:

Kallum: I  consider myself very fortunate because even though I came to NTU through clearing and was placed in a flat with strangers, we all got along so well that we lived together for four years. Getting involved in the NTSU, joining societies, and participating in Freshers’ Week activities helped me meet some of my best friends. NTU has a vibrant and welcoming community, and being open to getting involved made all the difference in settling in and making some lifelong friends.

If you're a student thinking about applying to NTU through clearing, Kallum advice is to be ready, open to options, and confident throughout the process...

Kallum: I didn’t prepare much as I didn’t know what to expect going into clearing. Thankfully, the support I received from NTU was excellent. Although my original plan was to study Computer Science, I was too late to secure a spot, so I opted for a foundation year to eventually get into the Computer Science and Mathematics course. This was nerve-wracking since many, like myself, envisioned completing university in the standard three years. However, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I advise anyone to be prepared, be proud and flexible with their expectations and open to different paths.

Make sure you are ready for your call with your contact details, results, and UCAS number at hand. Understand that sometimes you won’t be able to do the course you want and may need to be flexible, possibly taking a foundation year or choosing a different course. Finally, be proud of yourself. Everyone’s journey is different, and this is just a small step in your journey. Don’t let it put you off or make you think less of yourself or your achievements.

Kallum's time at university was tough but rewarding, especially in the first couple of years. That's when he discovered his love for helping out fellow students and making a real difference in their education:

Kallum: My experience in the Computer Science and Mathematics course was both challenging and rewarding. The first two years were particularly intense due to the required modules for a joint-honours degree, which left little room for optional choices. However, this foundational knowledge was crucial. One of the highlights of my course was my final year dissertation project, “Bridging the Gap: Analysing the Effects of Placements on Academic Attainment.” This project allowed me to explore my interest in academic interventions and their impact on student outcomes. Working closely with a tutor to develop and execute this research was an incredible learning experience and reinforced my passion for supporting student success.

When we asked what part of his studies really caught his interest...

Kallum: A particularly fascinating concept I encountered was in the Differential Equations and Modelling module. This course focused on applying mathematics to model real-world systems, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and physical applications. Although I initially found this module challenging, it ultimately deepened my understanding of how mathematics can describe dynamic aspects of the world around us. It pushed me to think more broadly and creatively about mathematical concepts, which was incredibly rewarding.

Outside of his coursework, Kallum took on different roles, and he eventually became the Vice-President Education at NTSU:

Kallum: University for me was about more than just academics; it was an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. During my time at NTU, I was fortunate to engage in various roles and activities that enriched my university experience. As a widening participation student, I took on roles such as Course Rep, School Officer (earning the School Officer of the Year award), Freshers’ Rep, facilitator for the ‘Consent is Everything’ programme, and an elected full-time officer at NTSU. Each role provided unique challenges and learning opportunities, contributing significantly to my personal and academic development.

When talking about the role that had the biggest impact during his time at NTU..

Kallum: Serving as Vice-President Education at NTSU was the most rewarding experience of my professional journey so far and has greatly influenced my career path. In this role, I advocated for student support, participated in high-level university meetings, and contributed to policy reviews and academic representation reforms. Each day brought new challenges and opportunities, from hosting events to collaborating with the Vice-Chancellor. One aspect I particularly enjoyed was case and policy work, where I handled student disciplinary issues to ensure fair treatment and support and influenced policy to ensure it supported students. This experience has inspired me to pursue a career in student casework at Newcastle University. The skills I developed, such as stakeholder engagement, policy influence, time management, and handling sensitive information, have been invaluable and highly transferable to my future career.

Kallum shares some advice on how he managed to juggle his schoolwork, job, and leadership responsibilities:

Kallum: Balancing academic responsibilities with various roles and activities was challenging at times, especially during assessment periods. I learned the importance of time management and prioritisation early on. I used time blocking to allocate specific times for each task, ensuring I had dedicated study periods outside of contact hours while still managing my other responsibilities. Having a strong support network was crucial; my team was very supportive and flexible, allowing me to work around my schedule to meet our collective goals.

He shares the importance of getting involved in leadership roles and extracurricular activities during studies, as they can enhance employability and contribute to personal growth:

Kallum: I used my time at NTU as conversation starters or experience during interviews for my graduate role at Newcastle University. These experiences were essential in developing my employability. Much of what you do as extracurricular can be applied to real-world situations. For example, serving on the committee of a society provided leadership experience, being a course rep involved gathering and presenting feedback and engaging with stakeholders, and participating in the Freshers’ Team involved event planning and wellbeing support. Seeing these roles as more than just pastimes or fun activities allows you to translate them into valuable skills for your career.

Kallum emphasises the value of taking on leadership roles and getting into extracurricular activities while you're studying. They can really boost your chances of getting a job and help you grow as a person:

Kallum: Do it! I understand it can be intimidating to take on extra responsibility, especially while juggling your degree and potential jobs outside of university. However, getting involved in leadership and extracurricular activities can be one of the most rewarding parts of your university experience. Not only will it develop your employability, but it will also help you feel more connected to the NTU community, making you feel like you truly belong at the university.

University is so much more than just a course or a degree; it’s an experience you need to fully invest yourself in. Don’t waste the opportunity by sitting back and letting experiences pass you by. It’s one of the few times in your life where so much is at your fingertips. Get involved with academic representation, attend society events, play a sport, and participate in seminars. That’s how you will truly get the most out of your time at university.

Looking back on the support he got at NTU, Kallum really appreciated the services that were there for him and the advice from his personal tutor:

Kallum: I think the support at NTU is very good. If you need it, the support is there. You will be surprised by the number of services, interventions, and programmes available to support you through your studies. Personally, I really relied on my personal tutor, especially during my second year, and I can truly say that without that support, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Kallum is now aiming for a job as a Student Casework Officer at Newcastle University:

Kallum: I have accepted a position at Newcastle University as a Student Casework Officer. This role involves working with students and colleagues to handle student complaints, disciplinaries, and academic irregularities, ensuring that students are treated fairly and in line with current policy. The role also offers significant opportunities to influence policy at Newcastle University as the higher education landscape evolves.

You can follow Kallum's journey beyond his studies on LinkedIn:

LinkedIn: Kallum Hancox