Meet the Team: iQ Collingwood, Newcastle

One of the newest additions to the iQ network, Newcastle’s Collingwood opened its doors in 2018 down by Manors Metro Station. Well-connected to the rest of the city and within a short walk of both Northumbria University and Newcastle University, it’s packed with facilities including a cool cinema, gym and a roof terrace which forms a very special social space – especially when the sun is shining.

Today, we meet two of the team keeping our international student community happy in Newcastle – Charlotte and Courtney.

Hey, it’s Charlotte!

Hi, I’m Charlotte and I’m the Assistant Manager here at iQ Collingwood and soon-to-be opened Stephenson House.

What are your favourite places to go in the local area?

Newcastle is such a buzzing, friendly city. We have amazing restaurants and bars – strolling along the quayside on a sunny day stopping for a beer here and there is a real treat. But when I need some peace I take the 20-minute drive down to the coast and walk my dog along Whitley Bay beach to the lighthouse.

What’s the nicest thing a resident has said to you?

So many of our residents have told me that they are staying again this year because it feels so much like home here and they couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. It makes me proud that our students feel so safe and comfortable here, and that we’re doing our job right.

Where is the best place you have travelled to recently?

I’ve just got back from a long weekend in Seville – the food and red wine was to die for! Such a pretty, clean, friendly city with stunning parks and beautiful buildings. Highly recommend to go and see a Flamenco show!

What makes your iQ a special place to live?

It feels like one big happy family at Collingwood. As we only opened in 2018, I feel like we have a really special relationship with our students as they are our first. They know they can come to us with any issue and we are always here to help – it’s going to be hard saying goodbye to so many of them! On top of that we have amazing facilities, the best rooftop views, and we’re located on the city centre’s doorstep.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Anything with cheese on it.

Sum up the atmosphere at your iQ in one word.

Warm.

Hey, it’s Courtney!

Hi, I’m Courtney and I’m the Customer Service Advisor here at the wonderful iQ Collingwood.

What makes your iQ a special place to live?

I would have to agree with Charlotte, it really does feels like one big happy family at Collingwood. The students make great use of all the amazing facilities and that is always great to see.

What are your favourite places to go in the local area?

Newcastle is amazing for shopping and has a variety of different restaurants and bars. The Tyne Bar is a very unique place and great for live music. I am always recommending students to visit Tynemouth as it has beautiful beaches and the best fish and chips.

What’s the nicest thing a resident has said to you?

Just recently a few students moved out and gave the team a card which said, “Thank you for bringing a little ray of sunshine into our day and leaving us the happiest of memories behind.” A student has also said that moving to iQ Collingwood was the best decision she has ever made. ?

Where is the best place you have travelled to recently?

I have not had a holiday for a while, but the best place I’ve been is Mexico! The place is just beautiful and there is loads to see and do.

Sum up the atmosphere at your iQ in one word.

Cosy.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Chocolate all day!

Thanks Charlotte and Courtney for telling us all about Collingwood’s first year. Find out more about Collingwood here and look out for another iQ team to meet soon.

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