
Tom Martin
Staff
Student Living Plus
Our People

David Fordyce
Staff
Student Living Plus

Tracey Smith
Staff
Student Living Plus

Jarod Szulc
Staff
St. George's Tower, Leicester
Where would you recommend visiting nearby your property?
King Richard III Museum as his body was found under the Leicester car park and the National space sector (museum), they're both fantastic places.
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
That I used to be a Pastry Chef in 4 star hotel in Ireland, i love baking and cooking and I grow my own fruit in my back garden.
What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?
I would tell myself to stay true to myself and not be what other people want me to be.
What’s your most memorable work/ university story?
All the travelling i did with the Navy, i joined when i was 20.
Tell us something about yourself
I decided to move from Poland to Ireland about 12 years ago, and then move over to England after few years which is now my home. Now I’m happily married.

Leah Charles
Staff
Christopher Court, London
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.

Adam Parkes
Staff
Bath Court, Birmingham
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.

Jill Sarginson
Staff
Oxford House, Newcastle
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.

Vishalini Nava
Student
University of Greenwich
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!

Hong Hayden
Staff
Oxford House, Newcastle
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

Sue Dawson
Staff
Oxford House, Newcastle
Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting?
What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?
Try and save more money, you’ll need it

Richard Bolger
Staff
Student Living Plus

Vicki Holland
Staff
Bath Court, Birmingham
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

Matt Goodbourn
Student
University
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

George the Dog
Staff
'Official Oxford House Dog'

Georgia Hastie
Staff
Northumbria University, Newcastle
What’s your most memorable Newcastle/ Student living by Sodexo/ Oxford house story?
Donating students old bedding to Newcastle Cat and Dog shelter. Its great seeing the difference that we can make to the community
Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting?
Dabbawal, The Great British cupcakery, Tyneside cinema, Bemish Museum
What piece of information do you know that you don’t think anybody else knows (that you don’t mind sharing)?
I finished last year’s 2-mile great north swim, I finished in last position, but I am still very proud of myself
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
I’m a big sci-fi and fantasy fan. I go to lots of conventions. In 2017, I won the Newcastle comic con cosplay contest. I worked as a model maker or Star Wars: The Force Awakens and sat in the real millennium falcon cockpit.

Michaela Ford
Staff
Bath Court, Birmingham
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.

Dragan Bogzaru
Staff
Avery Hill, Greenwich
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.

Ben Schofield
Student
Northumbria University, Newcastle
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

Anna Robson
Student
University
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.

Vicky Chisholm
Staff
Christopher Court, London
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!

Mukhtar Uppal
Staff
Bath Court, Birmingham
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

Chanel Brown
Staff
Northumbria University, Newcastle
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.

Chyna Vesey
Staff
Riverside, Canterbury
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.

David Duffy
Staff
Northumbria University, Newcastle
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.

Shrihari Maddieneni
Student
Northumbria University, Newcastle
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!

Natalia Fernandez Navarro
Staff,
Bath Court, Birmingham
When did you first visit Birmingham
Although I had been to the UK before, I moved to Birmingham back in 2017, when I was only 18 years old, ready to start my university journey. I have just recently become a tourism and business grad and started my master’s in translation.
What would people be surprised to find out about you
I am a triplet! Yes! I have a sister and a brother that were born on the same day, just 2 minutes apart!
What advice would you give to your 18-year old self
Don’t stress! Enjoy your time at university as it will go quicker than you think. Meet new people, explore and try different things. Get out of your comfort zone! And don't be afraid to fail. What sometimes seems like the end is just the beginning of new opportunities. Don't compare yourself to others as there are a thousand different paths and a place for everyone.
Tell us something about yourself
I was born and raised in Spain, but I have also lived in Ireland and now in the UK. Travel and food are my best combination. I have tattoos and a dog. I am also mad about decor!

Jordan Johnson
Student
University
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

Mickey Kainth
Staff
Bath Court, Birmingham
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.

Rachel Glendenning
Staff
Oxford House, Newcastle
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

Terry Lapsley
Staff
Trinity Square, Newcastle
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

Lewis Mahoney
Student
University
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!

Maddie Brookes
Student
University of Greenwich
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

Caitlyn Quinn
Staff
Oxford House, Newcastle
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.

Agaliya Tharmarajajingam
Student
University of Greenwich
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

Lynn Keily
Staff
Northumbria University, Newcastle
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

Keloi 'Ki' Hoang
Staff
Bath Court, Birmingham
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...

Lorna Brudenell
Staff
Trinity Square, Newcastle
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

Ollie the Dog
Staff
Support Team, Trinity Square, Newcastle
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

Dayna Hopkins
Staff
Bath Court, Birmingham
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!

Neal Russell
Student
University
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

Ashley Ward
Staff
Christopher Court, London
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!

Fiona Stewart
Staff
Student Living Plus

Deborah Miller
Student
University of Greenwich
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.

Lacey Malin
Staff
Northumbria University, Newcastle
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!

Bill Lightburn
Staff
Student Living Plus

Zahid Majid
Staff
Bath Court, Birmingham
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.

Stan the Dog
Staff
Support Team, Trinity Square, Newcastle
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

James McGourlay
Staff
Northumbia University, Newcastle
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

Nicola Newman
Staff
Sodexo

Simon
Staff

Ian Hendry
Staff
Sodexo

Daniela Lakatos
Staff
Avery Hill, Greenwich
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

Kim Hewetson
Staff
Christopher Court, London
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!

Basam Ali
Student
University of Greenwich
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!

Robin Grant
Commercial Business Partner

Lisa Turner
Staff
University
Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting?
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

Fabian Shaw
Student
University of Greenwich
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.

Loraine Hudson
Staff
Avery Hill, Greenwich
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.

Kim McGirv
Staff
Avery Hill, Greenwich
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

Sandra Smith
Staff
Oxford House, Newcastle
Where in Newcastle would you recommend visiting?
Eldon Square is great!

Fiona Livingstone
Staff
Newcastle University
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.

Darren McKeown
Staff
Northumbria University, Newcastle
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!

Alan Parry
Staff
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

Simon Smart
Staff
Northumbria University, Newcastle
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.

Garry Bowering
Staff
Trinity Square, Newcastle
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

Lynda Wood
Staff
Sodexo

Mark Thorpe
Staff
Northumbria University, Newcastle
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!