What it is really like to be an international student in Newcastle

The UK has become one of the most popular destinations for international students when it comes to higher education. Newcastle, with two universities in its heart and thousands of internationals, is becoming a truly multicultural city.

Newcastle is such a great city with what seems like an infinite number bars, shops, clubs and things to do, on paper, it really is a great place to live. There are however, still some things that it takes a while to get used to in this weird place known as the Toon.

Living in a foreign country makes you instantly more patriotic

Geordie Accent

Even though you think you are fluent in English, Geordie will prove that you have still a lot to catch up on. It's not just the sentences or words that don't make any sense but the accent is so strong that it takes you to another level of concentration.

Geordie is definitely not taught at schools and sometimes it is questionable as to whether people here are speaking English. If you don’t understand literally the only thing you can do is to smile and nod. In most cases it works, well, not when someone asks you a question.

Homesickness

Newly gained independence and finally doing everything you wanted to do such as extensive partying, can be quite satisfying for some time. However, after a few days, when you get enough of junk food, you will start missing your mum whose cooking skills are a little bit more advanced.

What’s more, your pup who used to lie next to you whenever you were falling asleep is suddenly too far away which tempts you to buy at least a small fish to feel that there is some "pet" at home waiting on you. It is not as easy for us international students to jump on a quick train.

But maybe one of the worst parts of being far away from home is missing the food from your home country. There are no equivalents in British cuisine and cooking it yourself is far too dangerous.

Partying

No one would have questioned you if you thought that people party only on weekends – not in Newcastle. During Freshers' Week, it's expected that students will be out every night celebrating their freedom from parents’ supervisory. However, it might not be as well known that when uni starts this doesn't stop. Clubbing remains right at the top of the priority list. In Newcastle even elders go out and get mortal – every. single. night.

What’s more, the weather tells us how to dress up to prevent sickness, this is what forecast is for right? In Newcastle, nobody really seems to care about what temperature it is and girls are going out half naked. As an international student you will probably find yourself still head hidden under numerous layers of scarves and the warmest coat you own, whilst others are wearing shorts.

Money

International friends don't receive any financial support apart from their student loan. In translation this means that being careful with money is pretty important. While rich Newcastle kids are spending an unbelievable amount of money on alcohol, we are sat here waiting until someone buys us a drink – not for being a girl but for being broke.

It's not just the alcohol but the huge signs outside shops which entice international students to check out the British fashion and do some shopping and give up dinner. There are some events where you can get free food, so you don’t have to feel too depressed about your recent Primark haul. Freshers' fair is a great example where you can get some – think eight pancakes, a pizza, chicken wings and popcorn for free two days in a row. Poor belly.

Photo credit: Aaron Shaquille-Carlton (Swingers)