Classist attitudes are nothing new at Newcastle University, as seen in the ‘Posh Vs Poly’ bar crawl, which was a battle of the cities' two universities in which ‘posh’ students would wear distasteful T-shirts that read, ‘Ur dad works for my dad’. Many of these privileged individuals seem to view Northern Universities as playgrounds for reinforcing their superiority, to live it rough and mock the culture they claim to embrace through their charity shop fashion.
Within Newcastle University student culture, there are stereotypes surrounding students that live in Jesmond being ‘Rahs’ who are characterised by their class affluence. With the local supermarket choice being a Waitrose, Jesmond is a commune for privately educated students to flourish, with overpriced coffee shops and a strip of student bars at their disposal. However, many students paint a romanticised picture of Jesmond and university life in the North, ignoring the harsh realities of poverty and homelessness in nearby areas.
The stark contrast between the gentrified atmosphere of Jesmond and the struggles of nearby communities serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted class divisions that persist in the city. The illusion of a charming Northern town distances them from the realities of local working-class communities, reinforcing a sense of privilege.
Students from working-class backgrounds comprise approximately 20% of the undergraduate population over all 24 Russell Group universities, with individuals eligible for free school meals representing less than 4%. Falling into both these categories, being surrounded by peers discussing their gap years abroad and hearing how “skint” they are despite having thousands in a trust fund left me feeling inadequate. I’ve had experience being told I am “lucky” to receive a bursary, yet it feels more like a pitiful compensation for the systemic disadvantages.
Working-class students would benefit more if they were provided with real resources such as
networking events, industry experience and mentorship, which will put us on the same footing as our wealthier peers when we go into the workforce. One of the most challenging aspects of being a working-class student is the uncertainty of whether we will reap the rewards of our degrees after graduation due to the lack of connections, especially for me in journalism, where individuals from upper-class backgrounds account for 80% of employees, according to the NCTJ.
The Newcastle University class divide is hard to ignore, with data revealing the striking underrepresentation of the working class. The institution must work harder to make the campus a more inclusive and enjoyable space for working class, local and state-educated students.