A student insider guide to being a northerner at Warwick Uni

Everything I’ve learnt about London has been against my will

5 months ago

When I decided to come to Warwick, I never thought being from Newcastle would become my entire personality. Since arriving here, I knew immediately that finding my fellow northerners was going to be like a game of Where’s Wally. The good old north-south divide is still going strong, so here’s everything I’ve learnt as a northerner at Warwick Uni.

The accent

Being from Newcastle, I’m fully aware that we all have distinct accents. And although I’m no Cheryl or Ant and Dec, mine’s still pretty strong. As a friend of mine put it, it just sounds like you stick loads of unnecessary vowels into your words. As a result, my housemates will use any opportunity to take the piss, especially when I call my mum “mam” on the phone, or when I’ve bought skimmed long-life milk. As my friend loves to point out, whenever I speak to another northerner or come back from home, I sound like I’ve gone down a coal mine. I do think a bit of “Howay the Lads” is better than all that “rah” nonsense, but all in all, nothing beats coming home from reading week to my mum asking why I’ve developed a strange Essex accent. I do love my southern pals.

Oh… you’re from Newcastle?

I’d love to count the number of times I’ve got the fun dirty look after saying I’m from Newcastle – I hope my fellow northerners can relate. Whether it’s being asked “Is Newcastle still a desperate place?”, or even the words “I can’t trust you… you’re from Newcastle”, it’s an exciting introduction experience. My friend recently told me someone asked her if “there was a McDonald’s up north” which was too funny not to share. Sometimes I don’t help myself tbh – I am very open to an argument when someone even suggests Warwick is north (argue amongst yourselves). But luckily for me, the second I say Sam Fender goes to my local pub, it’s all sunshine and rainbows.

The weather

The age-old story is true – us northerners don’t feel the cold, it’s in our blood. Come rain or shine, even snow, I will be out wearing a dress or a sleeveless top. As a result, I have adapted to the tropics of Leamington Spa, and can still get away with any circling outfit in winter. My main issue is that I refuse to say when it’s cold and many a time I’ve gone out in a crop top when my friends have coats on. Trust me, if you’re ever feeling cold before a night out, just have a drink and the world is your oyster.

The nightlife

In Newcastle, the reputation speaks volumes, and yes, we love a drink. Luckily, you have to respect that Newcastle is a great night out – we have a 24-hour Greggs (imagine that after Smack Tuesday). Although the classic Warwick clubs don’t match a typical Newcastle night out, POP and Skool Dayz do have the same chaotic vibe of the Geordie Shore experience. One thing that being northern has taught me is that southern drinking is expensive. A night out at home includes three trebles for £9, and although Fifteen’s £1 Stoli shots have done the trick, it’s not the same. No way a pint is £6 – Leamington needs a classic £2 pint night.

How many parts of London are there?

I’m so clueless on this, but how are there so many parts of London, and why do all you southerners know exactly where they are? I have had to get my maps up so many times to figure it out. But luckily for you Londoners, if you try to claim your random village (like Watford or something) is secretly in London, us northerners will be clueless and believe you.