Published on 21 February 2020
It can be a daunting move – leaving home, moving to a new city, starting University, and not knowing anyone.
But when you meet someone like Laura Rose, that daunting move suddenly becomes a lot easier.
Kacey Smith, 18, left her family home in Lincolnshire so she could take up a place on the University of Sunderland’s Performing Arts programme.
During her first week she met Laura, also on the programme, and the pair became firm friends.
Now, Kacey has nominated her pal for the University of Sunderland’s Rate Your Mate competition which aims to highlight the good work of students across the University.
Any student who would like to nominate their friend can email rate@sunderland.ac.uk and let us know what makes your mate amazing
Kacey said: “It’s not that she’s just such a good friend to me, she is there for everyone on the course.
“Laura is always the first person to help others, even if she’s having a bad day herself. You know that she is there for you, when no one else is.”
The pair, who are in their first year, say they are thoroughly enjoying their University experience and are receiving a lot of support and help from their tutors.
Laura, who is from High Barnes in Sunderland, said: “I love it here, the people on the course have been amazing.
“I could cry at the nice things Kacey has said about me but I just feel like we all help each other.”
Kacey is hoping to start a career in musical theatre or teaching once she has finished her programme, while Laura would like to go into TV or film acting.
Kacey added: “I picked to come to Sunderland to study Performing Arts because, outside of London, it offered me the best programme.”
Rate Your Mate is unique in that all nominations are made by friends or colleagues of the nominees who are also based at the University.
Any student who would like to nominate their friend can email rate@sunderland.ac.uk and let us know what makes your mate amazing.