‘Avoid flatcest at all costs’: A 2024 freshers’ guide to Newcastle University

The do’s and don’ts of first year

2 months ago

In honour of A-Level Results Day (the nations dreaded date), we welcome our new freshers joining Newcastle University in 2024!

Students, past and present, have provided advice about Newcastle University 2024, including a number of do’s and don’ts for our new bout of silly freshers. We’ve compiled it into a guide for you especially. These wise lines of advice will be something to refer throughout your ups and downs at Newcastle. We are the angel sitting on your shoulder x

‘Join a team or society, you will make friends for life’

Now this piece of advice is my personal favourite. I felt so lost in first semester because I didn’t join any societies – but when I found my intramural netball team in second semester, I felt so much more involved in uni culture.

‘Don’t underestimate £1 jägers’

The same goes for trebles! Student deals will be a lifesaver, and hopefully keep you from having to go into your overdraft too soon. Plus, who doesn’t love a shot of an energy drink once they get into the club? It adds to the silly fresh genre in my opinion.

‘No long distance relationships’

As I’ve witnessed, going to uni in a relationship tends to be a rocky end to a romance. But have no fear, if you go out on Sports Night then you’re bound to find a Wednesday wife or hubby.

‘Flatcest is mint’

Tiptoeing into each others rooms, watching films together, chatting in the kitchen way past your flatmates have gone to bed…. Some find these sneaky endeavours thrilling.

‘Avoid flatcest at all cost’

Although couples can arise from the convenience, the awkwardness that can follow almost makes it not worth it. Nothing can match the uncomfortable feeling felt by your flatmates, however, who you have forced to witness your “relationship” at every stage.

‘Be nice to the locals, otherwise we’ll hate you’

Although Saturdays aren’t the most popular nights to go clubbing amongst students, the local Geordies take to the floor on weekends. Their friendly spirit and desire for fun is eminent, and is something that us students are aiming to perpetuate ourselves. Lets keep up Newcastle reputation for a good night out!

‘Be prepared to use your overdraft’

As heartbreaking as it is, your overdraft will be VERY handy when you need to pay your rent (and for purchasing Blinkers tickets and attending Loosecrawls of course!).

‘Please please please priorities friendships and not men!!! You’ll look back and regret it!’

This goes for all genders. Everyone within that older age bracket bangs on about meeting their friends for life in university. Newcastle, one of the top student cities in the country, will help you to find your people. But only on one condition, which leads me into the next piece of advice….

‘Say yes!!! Never know who you might meet’

Say yes to every opportunity that you can squeeze in to your schedule. Make yourself present at Freshers’ events, society fairs, …. Follow event companies such as Stage One Events and LooseDays so you can get yourself involved in all the upcoming events, and of course, follow The Tab Newcastle so that you can soak up the latest hot gossip and news around our Toon. The people you meet will introduce you to more people, who present you with more opportunities. It’s an upward spiral really.

‘Don’t eat your flatmates food it will cause war’

Trust me, they WILL find out it’s you. You do not want to make enemies of your flatmates. If they don’t set up a tiny camera in the corner of the kitchen to catch their thief, they are guaranteed to walk in on you at some point, and that will NOT be a fun conversation.

‘Always wash your dishes’

Always wash your dishes. Repeat after me. Always wash your dishes. We want to avoid your flatmates whispering behind your back.

‘9ams aren’t that deep’

You have a higher chance fo doing well in your exams if you actually attend your lectures. However, they are all available on ReCap if you so happen to have a lie in….

‘Get a pop card immediately’

£1 fee for every trip you take on the metro?? Yes please. It will be one of the most useful long term investments you make during your time at Newcastle. Alongside Tupperware and a costume collection.

‘Bring every single random fancy dress item you own, saves you spending a fortune’

That superman cape you’ve not touched since you were five? Bring it. The plastic gold medal from sports day? That too. You never know what themed parties or sport socials you’ll be attending – so be prepared for every eventuality. Freshers at Newcastle University in 2024, brace yourself.

‘Learn to cook, it doesn’t have to be particularly fancy but, a reasonable number of meals that are healthyish’

As a student, its sometimes hard to think of meal possibilities beyond simple and delicious pesto pasta. Here are some easy meal recommendations for a healthy lifestyle: Eggs on toast, porridge, a tuna sandwich, spag bol, baked beans on toast.

‘You’ll probs be lonely/sad at first but really put yourself out there and give it time’

The first time you’re sat in your newly decorated room in this foreign city is often when the penny drops. Isolation is one of the most common experiences of a first year student, but you are not alone in feeling this. Everyone has a constant feeling of FOMO (fear of missing out) as a fresher. It’s almost as if you feel as though you’re missing out on an activity or opportunity that hasn’t even happened yet. You feel as if you’re supposed to have met your lifelong friends in the first few days of uni and, although some people do, for many it will take time and patience.

Keep going! You’re not alone!

‘Don’t get blackout every night, find your sweet spot’

I wish someone had told me this one. Sometimes, remembering the night out can rid the hanxiety of your antics the night before….

‘Don’t stress about sorting second year housing out super early!! It’ll work out’

If you can, get ahead of the game and start scouting for housemates early. Some people decide after just one week at uni, which meant they got a cheap house in West Jesmond (the holy grail). However, it is more important to live with people who will look out for you, and most importantly, clean up after themselves!!!!

‘Freshers’ Week won’t be the best part of uni’

If anything, be prepared for the possibility of it being the worst. The only thing I remember from my Freshers’ Week was the awkward first “hello” to my flatmates and having to repeat my name and where I’m from 50 times a day. The Newcastle University 2024 experience will improve every single day, so don’t hold on to the unrealistic expectation of Freshers’ Week being the best week of your life.

‘Join The Tab!!’

Enjoy writing? Are you a bit of a gossip? Need a CV boost? Would you like to be the first to hear about and disseminate news? Want to meet people with similar interests to you? Join our lovely team and reap the benefits!

Congrats on getting into Newcastle University 2024!