Noah Eckstein

What were you doing before you came to study at City?

Before City I could be found wandering the woods in Kinnelon, a small town in New Jersey. I have always wanted to be a storyteller and many of the experiences I had in America helped form my desire to study journalism overseas.

Why did you decide to apply to study at City?

I started doing some research and stumbled upon City’s website. I knew immediately that I had to apply. The location looked dynamic and the University had a great reputation. After I was accepted to City, I visited and realised that the course pages didn’t lie. I was greeted by lecturers who were closely linked to the industry. I was treated as an equal and not a student with crazy ideas. City is a great place to study if you have an idea and want to pursue it.

What were the most important resources for you in helping you to make a decision?

The most important resource for me was the ability to visit the university. Walking the halls and sitting in on a lecture provided a more holistic understanding of the possibility of studying at City and in London. Also, the kindness and patience of the admissions team in the journalism department at City helped navigate my confusion with the application process. I would phone City almost every day after high school asking questions on how to obtain a student visa or go about applying on UCAS. In the US, our schools don’t advertise going abroad for university. So, being able to directly speak on the phone with caring City staff really helped ease my stress.

What was your favourite thing about studying at City?

I really liked my classes. I was interested in literary journalism and was able to audit English classes. City is great because the entirety of the institution is a resource that wants to help you. I feel that if I am ever lost or confused, there is someone available to show me the possible directions to take.

What did you do when you’re not studying?

I freelanced for different media outlets. I read a lot and was always focused on becoming a better storyteller. I was a Student Ambassador for my course and started an American Culture Society at City. I met a good group of friends at City and we loved to explore London together.

Have you had the opportunity to do any work experience of internships?

Yes. City has helped me find journalism internships at the Sunday Times. I have written for the Guardian, the Huffington Post and interned at PBS in New York City. A lot of the guidance from my personal tutor and work I’ve composed as a student here has helped me in applying to internships in the industry.

What would be your top tip for our applicants?

Try and be present in everything you are doing and don’t be afraid to say what you think.