Our People

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Make the most of your childhood and enjoy yourself whilst you are young! 

What’s your most memorable work/ university story?

The Christmas team dinner at Twin Palace. We had such a fabulous time. Also, winning a ‘Teamwork’ award at the Star Awards. 

Tell us something about yourself 

I have two children, Aged 4 and 7. I love taking them out and spending as much time as possible with my family. 

Where in Birmingham would you recommend visiting?

I would recommend visiting The Cube and Mailbox with loads of restaurants, shops and a cinema it’s the place to be.

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

People would be surprised that I’m a mad football fan. I support Manchester United and play football every week. I used to coach football too. 

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

The best advice I would give be my younger self would be to keep working hard it will all pay off in the end. 

Tell us something about yourself

I’ve worked in student accommodation for the past few years but before that I used to work in a health club.

Where would you recommend visiting nearby your property?

Student Village! If you can’t be bothered to go further, the student shop is great and all the money goes back to our society! Double Whammy! 

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I’m a 2nd degree Black Belt. I also have a page where I sing pop/ ballad songs. I love to sing! 

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

It's a tough rollercoaster of emotions and Avery has this sense of community that i only found out in 2nd and 3rd year, and it's a god send! 

What’s your most memorable work/ university story?

I am a cohort Dep of Student Nurses. I believe in equality and the best opportunities for students. I always try and push to get the best for student nurses. 

Tell us something about yourself 

I am a confident student nurse who has found it hard education wise. However being a RA, joining societies, and having university support has helped me blossom!

What’s your most memorable Newcastle/ Student living by Sodexo/ Oxford house story?

The first day we opened our doors at Oxford House and watching all our new residents arriving and making the building come to life.

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting?

On a Saturday or Sunday head down to Tynemouth which is a short metro ride away where you find a busy market, bars and lovely restaurants, you will also be able to experience Riley’s Fish Shack at King Edward’s Bay next to The Priory.

What’s your most memorable Newcastle/ Student living by Sodexo/ Oxford house story?

Opening day was fantastic. It was great meet lots of students, they were all very nice and their parents, all trying to make their departure the best.

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Work hard but enjoy yourself

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting? 

Revolution De Cuba

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Try and save more money, you’ll need it

Where in Birmingham would you recommend visiting 

Cadbury World!!

What would people be surprised to find out about you  

I’m a trained hairdresser

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self

Truly be yourself, speak your mind! Don’t care so much about what everyone else thinks. People will respect you more.

Tell us something about yourself  

I love to skydive

When and why did you first visit Newcastle?

I visited the Metro Centre and went to a Jeans gig at the O2

What’s your most memorable Newcastle/ Student living by Sodexo/ Oxford house story?

The food court in Eldon square, it’s awesome

When did you first visit Birmingham?

I was born, raised and still live in Birmingham 

Where in Birmingham would you recommend visiting?

Any live music venues in the city, they're great! 

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Travel! Travel! Travel! 

Tell us something about yourself

I am doing illustrations for a children’s book, love art, am a very keen gym goer.

Where would you recommend visiting nearby your property?

The Greenwich area is full of awesome things to do! There are too many to list

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Hard work and a good attitude will take you anywhere in life. 

What’s your most memorable work/ university story?

I will never forget the first day i arrived on campus and at University, running for SU president. 

When did you first visit Newcastle?

I visited for the open day, the engineering departments is one of the best in the country, it has fantastic links with people in industry in the UK and globally

What piece of information do you know that you don’t think anybody else knows (that you don’t mind sharing)?

I love working at the open days held by the Universities, you meet great people and it’s a chance to interact with people who will be staying in your accommodation

When did you first visit Newcastle?

I have always lived in Newcastle, when it came to university, I didn’t want to move anywhere else as it’s such a fantastic city.

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting:

The Great North Museum: Hancock, what a great attraction, a definite must see for everyone.

Where would you recommend visiting nearby your property?

Honeydale Farm is a great day out

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Enjoy yourself and party more 

What’s your most memorable work/ university story?

The last Christmas work party, it was such a great night 

Tell us something about yourself 

I really love animals! 

Where in Birmingham would you recommend visiting?

Definitely, the Bullring 

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I used to be in the arsenal youth academy 

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

work harder and train harder 

Tell us something about yourself

I was born and raised in a small town called Hitchin

Where in Canterbury would you recommend visiting?

City Terrace Shisha Bar and Canterbury Cathedral. 

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I used to box for Kent.

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Don’t stress too much, just learn to enjoy life and take each day as it comes. Don’t be scared of failing it's all in the prosses of learning and becoming your best self. Try out new things and meet as many people as possible, more importantly smile! Life is a true blessing.

Tell us something about yourself.

Outside of work I am a complete adrenalin junkie, I love to take risks that make my blood rush. 

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting? 

Beirut Lounge does fantastic Lebanese food and The Valley Junction in Jesmond is my favourite Indian restaurant. I’d also recommend popping into The Cumberland Arms and The Tyne at some point.

What piece of information do you know that you don’t think anybody else knows (that you don’t mind sharing)?

I was in the army for 10 year as Corporal Royal Signals Class 1 Radio Telegraphist.

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting?

The Tyne Bridge at night, such a beautiful view

What piece of information do you know that you don’t think anybody else knows (that you don’t mind sharing)?

I played basketball at a national level

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

If you get the chance, travel as much as you can!

When and why did you first visit Newcastle?

The basketball at the University is fantastic

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting?

Soho, it's such a fantastic place

Where in Birmingham would you recommend visiting?

Over the last few years I have loved visiting digbeth dining club. They have some of the most amazing street food in the UK, so if your a food lover like me go and check it out you wont be disappointed.

 
What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I play the drums. I got my first drum set on my 7th birthday and have been hooked ever since. I find playing the drums help me de-stress after a hard day at the office.

 
What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Be brave and take risks, in the end we only regret the chances we didn't take. Also stop eating junk food and get yourself down the gym!
 

 
Tell us something about yourself

I love anything to do with ancient Egypt. I enjoy watching films, documentaries and reading books on the Egyptian civilisation and all the mysteries that come with it. A dream of mine is to visit Egypt and walk the great pyramid of Giza.

What’s your most memorable Newcastle/ Student living by Sodexo/ Oxford house story?  

The opening day at Oxford House was fantastic, it was great to meet all the students and their families

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting? 

The Quayside is a must  

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Always work hard

What’s your most memorable Newcastle/ Student living by Sodexo/ Oxford house story?

I won Sodexo’s Star Employee of the year in 2015, I was super proud

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting?

Prima Ristorante on the Quayside, it’s the best pasta place in Newcastle

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I am a salsa dancing champion

When and why did you first visit Newcastle?

I decided to move to Newcastle as the business school is one of the best in the country

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Enjoy your first year at University, there is a lot of hard work after!

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I am a netball player, coach and umpire 

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Just keep going! 

What’s your most memorable work/ university story?

Meeting new, exciting and different people 

Tell us something about yourself 

I am a very enthusiastic person

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting? 

The Quayside is great on a night time when the bridges are lit up. Ghetto Golf is also a really fun, different place to go for a night time activity.

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

That I have my own small beauty business, i work in a salon full-time and at Oxford House in the afternoons.

What’s your most memorable Newcastle/ Student living by Sodexo/ Oxford House story?

I loved the pumpkin carving competitions at Halloween, seeing how creative people got.

What’s your most memorable / university story?

I never went to university, I never went into any further education from school I just worked from 16. But most memorable thing here is how friendly and welcoming all the staff were to me from day one.

Tell us something about yourself

I love going on holiday and visiting new parts of the world.

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Find a course you love and choose it first 

What’s your most memorable work/ university story?

Meeting people at University with similar interests to me

What’s your most memorable Newcastle/ Student living by Sodexo/ Oxford house story?  

Intake... its always fun and inviting

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting? 

If you fancy a cheesy night out and a boogie, Flares is the place

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I can speak Farsi

Where in Birmingham would you recommend visiting? 

The Jewellery Quarter, lots of independent pubs, bars, and eateries, as well as galleries and museums. There's something for everyone.

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

That I'm over 40...

What’s your most memorable Birmingham/ Student living by Sodexo/ Bath Court story?

Managing to hit nearly 50,000 steps on my first day by running around the building with Zahid locating and rectifying little faults in order to successfully get the building ready to accept residents. It was a fun first day.

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Drink less, save more. People's expectations of you matter far less than you think.

Tell us something about yourself.

I'm genuinely a happy person. It's just that my face doesn't cooperate sometimes...

What’s your most memorable Newcastle/ Student living by Sodexo/ Oxford house story?  

I love visiting the seaside in South Shields, with my grandsons, it’s a great day out

When did you first visit Newcastle?

I first came to Newcastle 5 years ago as a student and actually lived in Trinity Square

What piece of information do you know that you don’t think anybody else knows (that you don’t mind sharing)? 

I can sing every lyric of every Hannah Montana song and know every dance move for Highschool musical. Also, Anna Wintour once saw my fashion designs.

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, it’ll help you grow as a person.

When did you first visit Newcastle?

I first visited Newcastle to support Children in Need 2 years ago

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting?

If you are missing your furry friend, visit The Dog and Scone in Pudding chare

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I love crisps and can open a bag for myself

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting?

Shijo - They do the best food in the North east

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self

Make friends in first year, its great living with your friends in second year

Where would you recommend visiting nearby your property?

The Dome 

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Always believe in yourself 

What’s your most memorable work/ university story?

Going on a trip to cornwall in the first few weeks of University. It was such a good trip. 

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Live your life to the fullest

What’s your most memorable work/ university story?

Going to the Star Awards. We had such a fantastic night. 

Tell us something about yourself 

I have 4 children and have 7 grandchildren!

What’s you most memorable work story?

I once walked into a bedroom to do a room inspection and found the bed and desk wrapped in clingfilm!

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting?

Tynemouth Longsands on a sunny day. Or Toro's for the most fantastic steak.

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Party hard but work hard to. Make your own success but don’t be afraid of failure because it makes you who you are!

Where in Birmingham would you recommend visiting?

The Think Tank and Ghetto Golf are two of my favourite places in Birmingham

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

The first time I had a Nando’s or Greggs was in 2017 when I came to England!

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Well I didn’t go to uni until I was 19 and I felt more confident then but I would have told myself at 18 there’s no rush for uni, only do what you really want and don’t feel pressured to do something you don’t love! 

Tell us something about yourself

I am originally from Northern Ireland, and moved to England for University and have been here ever since!

When did you first visit Birmingham? 

When I was 10, it was a relative's wedding.

Where in Birmingham would you recommend visiting? 

Cadbury world of course because I am a chocolate lover!

What would people be surprised to find out about you? 

I am a poet and currently have a collection of 40 poems which I have written. One of my poems was published in a magazine. 

What's your most memorable work story? 

Whilst working in a hotel, I was called to change a light bulb for a famous singer whilst she was still in bed!

Tell us something about yourself? 

I'm a family man with a passion for food and carpentry.

What’s your most memorable Newcastle/ Student living by Sodexo/ Oxford house story?  

Meeting all the new students at the opening day, I got lots of cuddles that day!

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Don’t bury your bone where your brother can find it

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I am frightened of feathers

What piece of information do you know that you don’t think anybody else knows (that you don’t mind sharing)?

I played the bagpipes for the Queen at Balmoral Castle, at the Edinburgh TaToo and at Madison Square Gardens in New York!  

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I served in the armed forces for 14 years, travelling all over the world

Where would you recommend visiting nearby your property?

The town centre!

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Always work hard and never give up

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Be yourself and live your life to the fullest. 

What’s your most memorable work/ university story?

When i was nominated for a Star Award. 

Tell us something about yourself 

I am married and have 2 children. I have lots of grandchildren and a dog!

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Now is the time to get serious and step up

What’s your most memorable work/ university story?

The first week was great! 

Where would you recommend visiting nearby your property?

Greenwich city centre, there is lots to do there 

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Just be yourself 

What’s your most memorable work/ university story?

Working the year of the London Olympics

Tell us something about yourself 

I like to have a laugh and a joke

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting?

Nancies Bordello

What piece of information do you know that you don’t think anybody else knows (that you don’t mind sharing)?

I’m the one who gets to find out all the student’s secret stories of what they get up to

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Stress less, it usually works out ok in the end anyway

Where would you recommend visiting nearby your property?

Eltham High Street 

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Go for everything and Live Life! 

What’s your most memorable work/ university story?

We went to Cornwall in the first week of University. The group consisted of 1st years, 2nd years and PGCE students, it was a great couple of days. 

Where would you recommend visiting nearby your property?

Winter Gardens and Avery Hill Park 

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I am allergic to cats, but a cat has adopted me. So I guess I have now adopted a cat. 

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Study hard and save. 

What’s your most memorable work/ university story?

I turned a classroom into a restaurant for the V.C. lunch 

Tell us something about yourself 

I love baking and dress making. I adore looking after my granddaughters and decorating.

When did you first visit Newcastle?

I first visited Newcastle 21 years ago, for an interview at Newcastle University

What piece of information do you know that you don’t think anybody else knows (that you don’t mind sharing)? 

I once appeared in the local newspaper when I visited the only ever football game I’d been too. I commented on Alan Shearer being a manager.

Something about me:

I recently moved to Whitley Bay and love going for walks down the beach

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Life is short, do what makes you happy!

What piece of information do you know that you don’t think anybody else knows (that you don’t mind sharing)?

There are secret tunnels which run under Newcastle

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Live life to the fullest and stay in school

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I have snakes and reptiles at home, I love them

When did you first visit Newcastle?

I grew up in Northumberland, we would come to Newcastle to go to the cinema when I was a child.

What piece of information do you know that you don’t think anybody else knows (that you don’t mind sharing)?

I was the chair of Chester pride and the LGBT Society at Chester Students Union and I helped to pave the way for Chester’s very first PRIDE!

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Don’t try to plan for the future, and don’t worry so much about what other people think of you.

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting? 

St. James Park (Newcastle United)

What piece of information do you know that you don’t think anybody else knows (that you don’t mind sharing)? 

I used to play midfield for Newcastle United and still know many of the players and staff

When and why did you first visit Newcastle?

Although I now live in Newcastle my very first visit was back in 2006 visiting friends who lived here.

Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting?

South Shields Beach – it’s beautiful.

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Enjoy life!