I first came to the UK in 2007 to study at the University of Sheffield and started studying at Durham University in 2010. I’ve lived in Newcastle since 2012 and in 2104 started working for Newcastle University. I love working for the University, to be contributing to an exciting multicultural campus.
I felt at home in Newcastle very quickly. I love the city, the vibrant food culture, the beautiful seaside and coast, the parks and walks. I made good friends, met my partner here, bought a flat. Until Brexit, we never seriously discussed living anywhere else.
The Brexit referendum drew a line that I was never conscious of before. As an Irish person I’ve been told not to worry, that ‘I don’t really count’ as an immigrant, but that attitude angers me. I am an immigrant and I’m a European, and I wonder what the future holds for someone with that identity living here.

Newcastle University campus