Firming Newcastle University was completely the right decision. I love it here and it will forever hold a special place in my heart, but of course, there are things I had no idea about before arriving, and I wish I did!
As a girl from West Yorkshire I didn’t think it could get much colder than the wet moorland, but oh I was wrong. Whether the sun is shining and the weather forecast suggests it isn’t too cold outside, it will always still feel at-least 5 degrees colder than anywhere else, especially at the coast and by the River Tyne.
"The freshers’ flu from the Howler’s ball pit will hit you like a truck!"
2. People love a night out
You might be thinking, well of course they do it’s Uni! But trust me, Newcastle students and locals truly go crazy for Bigg Market, pubs, any form of drinking really! The freshers’ flu from the Howler’s ball pit will hit you like a truck! Take some vitamins and berrocca when you’re packing for university, trust me.
3. First year - Second year transition isn’t as daunting as it may seem
This differs based on your course but in my case as an English Literature girlie, the only difference is that second year counts towards your final grade. You’ll still go out, still have fun, still find yourself rushing to finish your essay in the Philly Rob. But at-least this time around you know what you’re doing to a greater extent. So the crowded libraries and campus during exam season isn’t a huge shock!
"I think we should campaign to get a red pint logo to represent the University."
4. Red pints are delicious
Why did no one tell me the best thing to come out of university would be a cider combined with black current cordial. I think we should campaign to get a red pint logo to represent the University. This one requires no preparation but just know it is a ridiculously easy concoction that tastes fabulous and will become a university staple!
5. Friends can change
This one isn’t as specific to Newcastle University but it is still prevalent to the university experience. Don’t be disheartened if you lose friends from first year, sometimes change is necessary and it helps you meet incredible new people!
6. What Wednesday socials are really like
Wednesday socials are their own mystery. You don’t know what the atmosphere of being in Tup Tup dressed like a cow or pea is like until you’re in it. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love it and have had some incredible memories dressed as an Ibiza Final Boss, a police officer, a cat, you name it I reckon a university student has dressed up as it. However, when envisioning your university schedule, you don’t tend to factor in time to find a costume a day before a social, and some yellow face paint as someone forces you to be a banana. I could’ve potentially prepared a little bit better, if I’d have known the extensive amount of costumes I needed to pack before starting uni.
"...get yourself a pop card - it took me far too long to get mine and I would’ve saved so much money if I did!"
7. The Metro
One thing I never knew before coming to Newcastle was how often I would use the metro. As someone who comes from rural Yorkshire where each bus takes over an hour to show up, having a metro on hand to go shopping, to the beach, or as an easy route to university, is amazing. One piece of advice though, get yourself a pop card - it took me far too long to get mine and I would’ve saved so much money if I did! It is your pass to cheaper metro tickets. As someone who lived in West Jesmond last year and spent rainy Thursday mornings dreading the walk to uni, the metro was my saviour.
8. Jesmond
Speaking of Jesmond, I had no idea that one of my favourite parts of the university experience wouldn’t be spent inside the city centre, but actually in a small town. Jesmond is built for university students, it has a whole road dedicated to drinking, which I was thrilled to find out on my first trip in first year. But secondly, it holds all the places needed to cure a hangover. Starbucks for a coffee, Greggs for a sausage roll or pizza slice, Tesco’s for your hangover supplies and a Chinese, for if the hangover rolls into the evening and you need a takeaway that doesn’t take an hour to arrive on Deliveroo. Aside from the cure it does for hungover students, it is also a beautiful place to live; Jesmond Dene is a great spot for a stroll and there are so many hidden gems to explore.
9. The Beach
Another amazing feature Newcastle has to offer, is the beach. How can one place have an amazing city centre, lovely outskirt towns, a shopping centre and a coastline. It really is the gift that keeps on giving! The beach that really sticks out to me is Tynemouth, it has cosy bonfires throughout the winter, wellness walks and yoga sessions. Then when the summer comes around the beaches are packed with students, speakers, drinks and anyone brave enough to swim in the sea. It is one of my favourite parts of my uni experience.
" ...after writing an article for The Courier, I realised my love for journalism."
10. The Courier
Finally, I can’t go without mentioning the incredible opportunities The Courier brings. I had no idea when coming to university that by this point I would want to be a journalist. I have always loved writing and reading, but after writing an article for The Courier, I realised my love for journalism. The endless opportunities this newspaper brings are incredible. Not to mention the amazing community we have; you can make friends for life and try new things. Whether it be a podcast, a news article, an Instagram reel or anything really, there is always someone giving a helping hand and new opportunities and experiences arising. I am so glad I discovered The Courier because it has transformed my university experience massively.
Overall, being a student at Newcastle University has brought endless surprises. Some have shocked me, like the harsh winters and freezing weather, but others just make the university experience even better, like the opportunities open to students and the large amount of places to go to and try around Newcastle. It really has surprised me in the best way possible, and become a second home.