The most prominent event throughout 2024 was the Newcastle apartheid off-campus encampment. In May 2024, a large group of Newcastle students joined a worldwide student encampment movement, setting up camp outside of Kings Gate to display their solidarity with Gaza.
Newcastle apartheid off-campus urged the university to divest in defense and security firms, cease all relations with Israeli universities, help fund the rebuilding of Gazan universities, disclose all investments with BDS (Boycott, divestment, and sanctions) companies, and call for an unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
2024 will also be remembered for the demolition of Castle Leazes. Castle Leazes was a staple of student life at Newcastle University for 56 years, first opening in 1968. Castle Leazes holds a special place in the hearts of many graduates, including the daughter of Prince Andrew, Princess Eugenie.
While quite necessary, the closure of Castle Leazes will certainly be disheartening for students who wanted to live like a princess.
More recently, 2024 saw a disastrous Newcastle University budget which caused anxiety across the student population. This was due to a loss of around 1000 international students, causing around a £35m budget deficit. The impact of this budget will reverberate throughout 2025 and further.