The long Northern winter: what I do to keep happy

With temperatures between 0 to 10, continuous rainfall, and a lack of vitamin D, it is hard to stay content as a University student. As a student up North, it can feel convenient to de-socialise, stay in bed, and wack the heating on. However, I’m here to pass on a few tips to keep happy in this long northern winter.

Although inflation is rising, clothes shopping is turning into window shopping,  and broke uni student season is relentless, I somehow always find myself compelled toward an overpriced coffee.

Getting an overpriced coffee , without fail, feels like the ultimate prize. A personal favourite of mine is the brand new cafe located next to the Philip Robinson library, The Neighbourhood. Pretending it is summer, sat on the outside chairs with an iced coffee, helps push through this Arctic weather. A new coffee shop, Lita, has recently opened and sells classic coffees and hot chocolates with exquisite sandwiches, also suitable for vegetarian students. This Jesmond coffee shop is suited for second and third year students, being located in near Jesmond and Sandyford.

After the picking up a coffee, like many students, I reccommend a walk in Jesmond Dene. This vast outdoor park is located in the heart of Jesmond. Generally it is swarmed with students going on 6am runs, first dates, visiting the animal farm, and hot girl walks. But not only is this perfect for socialising and getting your steps in, but in the morning, with a coffee, this is a perfect way to start your day off.

Juxtaposing these healthy and ‘aesthetic’ University student activities, a pub trip is always a necessity during the week. With Osborne Road bars, and The Hancock outside areas containing heating lamps and long tables, I discovered these are ideal places to unwind. A classic red pint, a foster and lime, a pack of cards and inside jokes; the ideal way to end the University day with your friends. The serotonin boost attained when the words ‘pub trip’ in the Long Northern winter is uttered, I believe, is a universal northern student experience.

Staying happy in the Long Northern winter may be exasperating with the brutal weather, but finding routines and following these activities with your friends will equip you with all the happiness you’ll need.