Why you should go to uni in the North, by a Southerner

If you’re currently considering where to apply to university, the North is, or at least should be, at the top of your list. For years, I was bombarded with reasons why being in the North is so “bloody brilliant” from my Stockport born mother, and I can admit that she definitely has a point. I now can’t imagine having as good a university experience in the South as I have in Sheffield.

So, let’s delve deeper into why you should venture up to northern territory for university…

Three words: Chips and gravy 

It may be fair to say that my insatiable appetite for chips and gravy has got slightly out of hand. Having been deprived of it my whole life down South, its not difficult to see why. Any Southern born folk out there will know the struggles of returning home for the holidays and going to the local chippy only to find no gravy and yet curry sauce on everything. It’s a concept that can lead one to tears.

So Dan Bean and the Broomhill fiery team, if you’re out there, please send rations to the gravy-less Southerners.

The shine from the gravy is a thing of beauty

The pies 

If you can even find a pie down South you can bet it’s only half-filled with soggy pastry, and it is still guaranteed to cost an arm and a leg. It’s no secret that the North only supply proper pies with crisp pastry and a dreamy filling that the likes of Mary Berry would be proud of. Sheffield students will no doubt tell you that for Yorkshire’s finest pie, you don’t need to look any further than the Notty House pub. Best. Pies. EVER.

And let’s not forget the Henderson’s Relish

Constantly being called ‘love’, ‘duck’ or ‘pet’

On the bus, in the shops, walking down the street – there is always some friendly fellow using the phrase “you alright love?” or “how do, duck?” It is widely known that people north of Birmingham are generally friendlier, though I believe the friendly lull of a Northern accent plays a significant role in this one. Regardless of whether you support this claim or not, you won’t experience the thrill of being called ‘love’ or ‘pet’ or any other monosyllabic greeting with the same effect in any Southern uni. ‘Mate’ just doesn’t have the same ring to it.

The colder climate 

Cold climate = excuse to go crazy in the vintage shops on Division Street for jumpers and coats.

You can never have too many warm clothes when travelling up North, or at least that’s what I told my mum when doing my first uni shop. Her priority was utensils and bedding; mine was a new coat and stack of jumpers. You’ll also never be able to understand how northern lasses can go out without wearing any tights or a jacket in the middle of February. Northern girls are made of stone.

Why not add a touch of glamour to your winter attire by adding some sparkly gloves?

You’ll finally be able to get rid of your southern slang

Time to be honest and admit that the southern slang really is horrendous and can be a tough habit to get rid of, but all hope is not lost. Going to university in the North is a proven solution to help you sound ‘normal’. Great news for Southerners travelling north, however, let this be a warning to any Northerners travelling south for uni. No matter how ridiculous you might perceive our slang to be, the words ‘peak’, ‘allow’ or maybe even ‘butters’ will sneak their way into your previously untainted vocabulary the moment you step onto Southern soil. And that is the definition of peak.

Perhaps Southern slang should be classified as a foreign language

The breathtaking views

The North may have Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and of course Sheffield. But among these and other great northern cities, there lies some of the most picturesque places you will ever see. You won’t find anything in or around London quite like the Peak District with its peaceful atmosphere and insane views, made possible by the complete lack of flat land in Sheffield. I can sympathise with Sheffield students who might feel like they’re constantly walking up hill after hill just to get to the local Co-op. But can we really complain when we have this abundance of nature on our doorstep?

The North is cheaper 

Like, a lot cheaper…

Yes the rumours are true, Gregg’s sausage rolls really are 10p cheaper in the North. But seriously, when it comes to nightlife, free entry and one pound shots are something I am yet to come across living in the South. I can’t imagine ever having to spend a tenner or even more than six quid to get into a club in the North. When it comes to the sore subject of living expenses, it’s certainly nice knowing that you can get a decent flat or house with working facilities that won’t break the bank.

So if you’re currently a Northerner considering travelling south, shame on you. And to my fellow Southerners if, after all of this, you still feel glued to your Southern roots, I guess I’ll see you lot in the holidays.

(Just a final note to anyone from the Midlands: pick a side and then we can talk).