If you’ve done any of these 13 things, you’re definitely a Newcastle Uni graduate

Now you’re officially a part of Newcastle’s alumni, it’s time to look back at your time at university. From wholesome to horrendous, here’s a compiled list of everything you should have done to make your experience of the Toon worthwhile.

If not, put off looking at grad jobs on LinkedIn and start ticking off the bucket list – this is way more fun.

1. Visited Jesmond Dene

Whether it’s a hot girl walk or a cute day out with your housemates. Thousands of students have trodden Jesmond Dene’s paths, mainly for the cute aesthetic and change of scenery from the Jesmond strip and campus.

The refreshing air changes the damp and cold student houses we spend thousands upon thousands on yearly, a tiny bit of free compensation I suppose?

2. Securing a seat window in the Phil Rob

I highly respect those who wake up at the arse crack of dawn waiting to secure a window seat, I forever envy you. For most grads, think about the times when you were sat here popping multiple forehead veins trying to finish your dissertation. I suppose the window seat was comforting in a way, seeing a word outside of the library and praying for the days you can sit in a sunny beer garden, stress-free.

3. Having a Pret subscription

Think I’m part of the minority here of Newcastle students who don’t have a Pret subscription. But, best believe even as a non-coffee drinker, sometimes I feel like I’m missing out. However, Pret is a bit too rah for my liking (no offence) xxx

4. Hobo Tuesdays

Now this, I can get behind. Even during exam season, I refused to miss a Tuesday at Hobo – it showed. There’s nothing better than being up on that stage with your best mates and odd strangers sometimes and proving why you’re not a holistic vocal like Ariel Burdett.

5. Post-night out Maccies

Whether you choose Grainger Street or Northumberland Street, chaos will occur. The Maccies are sometimes my favourite part of the night out, devouring 20 chicken McNuggets in the space of five minutes and watching people fight with the bouncers is entertainment like no other. Pure bliss, or violence.

6. The Great North Run

The moment you move into student houses in second year, you’re hit with the running epidemic. Everyone and their nan gets a boner from using Strava and before you know it they have an Instagram highlight dedicated to their Great North Run preparation.

All jokes aside, I highly respect anyone who chooses to do this (could never be me) it’s always for a good cause and gives you a new hobby outside of destroying your liver with alcohol and feeling stuck in a rut at uni. Congrats hun x

7. Hanging upside down from the Soho pole

Just one of the many atrocities to occur in Soho. As an individual who has participated in this, all I can say is it builds character that’s for sure. The photographic evidence itself is enough to make me cry.

8. Going to Cake Stories (rip)

Converting to a Jesmond yummy mummy after a trip to Cake Stories is standard. Very cute vibes all around and is sorely missed by the rah community.

9. Having a hungover brunch

Arguably one of the best things to come out of being a student, with a discount too = life is worth living. Having a plate full of carbs for brunch after hanging your head over the toilet hours prior feels like an accomplishment. The places to be for brunch are Jam Jar, Olive & Bean, Dot Bagel and Queens Café.

10. Taking a trip to all of the markets

If you graduate from Newcastle without visiting at least one of the many markets, did you even leave the house?

Grainger Street is the most notorious amongst freshers getting to know areas of the Toon and seemingly getting lost at every turn (relatable).

Another staple is the Quayside Markets open every Sunday which is home a multitude of food options, clothes and souvenirs in Newcastle – many of which will be reminders of your time at uni, how heartbreaking.

There’s also the Jesmond Food Market which takes place on the 1st and 3rd of each month. Another good shout for all things food and drink, this reminds me that I should probably take a trip down before I graduate (the hypocrisy).

11. Running back from the club

To be honest, Jesmond isn’t even that much of a far walk from town – I say this so I can spend more on food than an Uber home and walk back with it whilst the birds are tweeting at the crack of dawn.

The pure adrenaline rush from running when you’re drunk is unbelievable, now I must take the time to apologise to my friends who I love to run away from as a funny game, my bad x

Hot girls run back from the club am I right?

Great North Run ready.

12. Celebrating varsity

The pure hatred for Northumbria is exemplified more than usual around varsity. The tensions are so high it often feels like the Purge.

For recent graduates who attended varsity earlier this year, I hope your stress was relieved by the sheer verbal abuse given to the opposing team.

Newcastle on top, ALWAYS.

13. Been robbed of your damage deposit by your landlord

Niche but relatable…

Cleaning your second/third year house is arguably like The Hunger Games, fighting for your own money back. Then being humbled by the deductions of £70 for a broken sofa which was already broken when you moved in. May or may not be speaking from experience.

Related articles recommended by this author:

• ‘Getting with a whole friendship group’: Asking Newcastle graduates their biggest regrets
• Here are the 10 painful things I learnt as a second year student at Newcastle Uni
• ‘Dinosaurs noises and coffee’: Here are the strangest diss ideas from Newcastle students