To chat with friends – if you have a two-hour gap between lectures and want to procrastinate from your essay due in tomorrow, then Men’s Bar in the SU offers comfy seating and Starbucks, allowing you to get a caffeine kick and motivate yourself through your next lecture.
To grab a bite to eat - if you’re feeling a bit peckish, head to one of the many Eat@ outlets on campus, including Eat@Central with its legendary popcorn chicken and chips, which are, literally, as cheap as chips. If you want to splash out a little, Campus Coffee offers a panini and hot drink for under a fiver, while Subway and Domino’s in the SU offer a little post-lecture pick-me-up, especially if you got a free voucher at the companies’ fair.
To impress your parents when they come visit – your parents know enough about Newcastle, its cheap chips and its infamous nightlife – what they want to be reassured of is that you’re in a enriching cultural environment in which your learning will thrive and you have more to do than simply waste the hours away on Netflix. A visit to The Great North Museum: Hancock will prove to your parents that you came to Newcastle for more than just the trebles, and it’s free entry which is always a major student perk; similarly the Northern Stage showcases various comedians, plays and music acts with affordable ticket prices, and maybe your parents will even treat you to a meal at the restaurant inside.
To grab some fresh air – if you want a breather in between a busy day of lectures then there are many green spaces near campus to explore. If you’re feeling adventurous then you can go further afield to Jesmond Dene, Tynemouth or Durham for a walk with beautiful views, however equally as enjoyable is a quick trip to Leazes Park (though we are up north so this is very weather-dependent!). Close to Castle Leazes and Marris House with geese, sports facilities and a view of St James’ Park, you can never go wrong with a stroll around Leazes Park.
To explore the city – as beautiful as campus is, sometimes it just doesn’t cut it. Newcastle is abundant with eateries, cultural hubs and stunning architecture. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of campus, Quilliam Brothers just round the corner offers a tranquil haven where you can study, natter and satisfy any tea-related needs, while Mog on the Tyne allows you to destress by literally drinking coffee and stroking cats. And ultimately, if you need to just get away from it all and calm down from the stresses of the day, the view over the Tyne, Quayside and city centre from the viewing platform at the Baltic Gallery just can’t be beaten.
Image courtesy of Newcastle University Students' Union
