Nine unwritten rules every fresher needs to know before joining the Toon this September

Newcastle is known for many things; the nightlife, the angel of the north, and of course- Sam Fender.

Needless to say, there’s always something going on and freshers can expect a lot when moving to the city. Whether it’s a Scotty T sighting in Shaker or a new Greggs opening along Grainger Street, there’s never a dull moment in the Toon. Having said that, it can also be a bit overwhelming at times and so it makes sense to come prepared. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the nine unwritten rules you need to know before joining Newcastle this September:

1. The metro is your best friend

The metro is undoubtedly the most popular mode of transport in the Toon and there’s no wonder why. Not only is it convenient and easy to use, but it’s also relatively cheap for us students. Coming a close second, however, are the residential scooters you’ll find lying around campus 24/7.

2. Using Geordie slang doesn’t make you special

Unbeknown to most freshers, using the terms “howay” and “canny” doesn’t actually make you a local. Instead, it just gives off extreme ‘pick-me’ energy and further proves you’re not from Newcastle. Do yourself a favour and stick to those southern roots.

3. You’re not a true Newcastle student unless you have a Pret subscription

No matter your background, Pret is something which brings us all together. In all seriousness, nothing screams “Newcastle student” more than a monthly subscription to this coffee chain. You simply have to see Northumberland street to believe it.

4. Coats don’t really exist

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Despite being ranked the most rainy city in the UK, you’d be surprised to know that nobody in Newcastle really wears a coat. Perhaps it’s a local thing but I’ve genuinely never seen a puffer past 6pm. That’s not to say you shouldn’t still bring one as hypothermia is very real and nobody wants to increase their chances of freshers’ flu more than normal.

5. A treble a day keeps the doctor away

Ah, trebles. Every fresher’s first love. If you don’t know what I’m referring to, then go away and do your homework.

Similarly to Pret, trebs are something you won’t be able to live without during first year. I still can’t function properly without a weekly trip to D&P.

6. Wednesdays are the most chaotic day of the week

Sports social? Check. Soho pole? Check. Severe hangxiety? Check. A Wednesday night is the best kind of mid-week crisis a Newcastle student can have.

7. Live, Love, Greggs

If you’re new to the Toon, you’ll quickly understand why Greggs is so popular. After all, there’s one on every corner and it makes for affordable scran after a night out (even Sam Fender’s a fan).

8. Don’t go to the Robbo if you actually want to get work done

The Philip Robinson shouldn’t really be classed as a library. Instead, it’s where you go to socialise and distract your mates from getting a degree. I have to say, it’s up there with the Soho smoking area.

9. There’s a cycle lane for a reason

I can’t stress this enough. Much-like Saturdays are reserved for football fans, cycle lanes are reserved for cyclists. There’s honestly nothing more embarrassing than being dinged in broad daylight. Please just stay in your lane, it’s for your own safety.

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