Issue 1468

Est. 1948

Image Credits: Noelia Fernández Pérez, Amy Mescus

A ‘Big Welcome’ from the Editor

Hello everyone! My name is Libby, and I’m delighted to be your Student Media Officer this year. In this role, I’m also the Editor in Chief of our wonderful student newspaper, The Courier. After being involved with Student Media for the past three years, it feels very surreal to be in this position. I started out as a regular writer, and then became Campus Comment Sub-editor in my second year and Deputy Editor last year. I can easily say being involved with The Courier was the highlight of my degree - and it could be yours too if you’re interested in joining our community...

Over the past few months, myself and the team have put together this issue to offer you a one-stop guide to all things Newcastle. Get to know the best study spots, cafes, and bars our beautiful city has to offer.

Also, take a look at some of the services we have here for you at NUSU, access support, get involved with Clubs & Societies, and find out about all the other cool opportunities available to you! From Student Council to N.E.S.T - our Students’ Union has it all. In our Welcome Edition, I hope you get a sense of what it’s like to be a student here at Newcastle. Our newspaper is passionate about highlighting all the incredible things the North East offers our students. And, if you like what you see, please consider writing for us!

Article Highlights:

Current Affairs |

What the Editorial Team love about Newcastle!

By Callum Borkowski

| Page 4

Life & Style |

Quick Meal series: meal prep chorizo quinoa salad

By

Rowanne

Holmes | Page 17

Culture |

A guide to North East film directors: from South Shields to Hollywood

By Sasha Cowie | Page 26

Sports |

European nights at St James Park: what to expect from Newcastle United By Tilly Aveyard | Page 30

NUSU |

Newcastle University Students' Union aims to boost opportunities for all

By Jess Mooney | Page 20

If writing isn’t your thing, you can host a radio show or podcast with NSR, and help out with our livestreams for NUTV. There’s plenty of ways to get involved with Student Media, so please come along to our Student Media Afternoons where we’ll have more information for you on how to get involved.

Follow our Instagram to keep up to date with all things The Courier, and join our fabulous community of student journalists @thecourieronline and @nusu_media

That’s all from me, have a fabulous time! These precious years will fly by so make the most of every moment.

Hi everyone! My name is Gabbi, and I have the absolute pleasure of being your Student media Officer and Editor-In-Chief this year. Over the summer, I’ve been working hard behind the scenes alongside the Editorial team and NUSU to bring you this Freshers’ issue. Not only will you find loads of incredible articles written by our fantastic sub-editors, you’ll also find a one-stop guide to Freshers’ week, including an introduction to the Freshers’ week assistants who have put together an amazing programme of daytime activities for you all. Freshers’ week is a time to get to know more about Newcastle University, but also the city

Want to get involved? Come see us! Wednesday, October 1 1.30-2.30pm Bamburgh Room

THE COURIER SECTIONS

Editor

Libby Griffiths l.griffiths9@newcastle.ac.uk

Social Media

Trinity Eadie

t.eadie2@newcastle.ac.uk

Current Affairs

Heads of Current Affairs

Oscar Jenkins o.jenkins1@newcastle.ac.uk

Jess Mooney j.mooney2@newcastle.ac.uk

News

Phillipp Andreewitch

Ben Moore

Katy Woods

Campus Comment

Callum Borkowski

Scarlett Palmer

Opinion

Scarlet Davies

Sophie Psaila

Emma Stephenson

Science

Charlotte Chantler

Sapphire Ling

Life & Style

Deputy Editors

Adam Lovegrove a.lovegrove2@newcastle.ac.uk

Dylan Seymour d.seymour1@newcastle.ac.uk

Heads of Life & Style

Charlotte Burley-Hnat c.burley-hnat2@newcastle.ac.uk

Ruby Tiplady r.tiplady2@newcastle.ac.uk

Relationships

Elin Auld

Ursula Monro

Blind date and Agony Aunt: Charley Dobson

Lifestyle

Erin Neal

Izzy Whitley

Fashion & Beauty

Ella Saint

Mia Wijayatilleke

Travel

Tilly Aveyard

Sophie Jarvis

Food & Drink

Rowanne Holmes

Culture

Heads of Culture

Keira Gratton

k.e.gratton2@newcastle.ac.uk

Amy Mescus

a.mescus1@newcastle.ac.uk

Music

Emma Monaghan

Milly Thompson

TV

Maddy Kendall

Kate Kennedy

Film

Charlotte Atkinson

Zoe Lett

Alex Paine

Gaming

Emily-Maisy Milburn

Keyon Snoek

Arts

Phoebe Clark

Imogen Hayes

Puzzles

Raven Orteza

Sport

Senior editor:

Noelia Fernandez Perez

n.fernandez-perez2@newcastle.ac.uk

Sasha Cowie

Megan Grimston

Aarya Shenoy

Image credit: Newcastle University Students’ Union

Libby xo

Newcastle University’s strike compensation totals £2.4

Oscar Jenkins - Head of Current Affairs

University compensation paid out to students following months of UCU walkouts.

Newcastle University has paid out compensation valuing a total of £2.4 million to over 10,000 students, as of the end of July, following strike action from the University and College Union (UCU).

Members of the UCU initially announced they were walking out for 14 days in April after Newcastle University stated it was attempting to cut £20 million from its salary bill, a figure equivalent to a loss of approximately 300 jobs. Planned strike action was later extended throughout the months of May and June until a final agreement was reached between the UCU and Newcastle University to end industrial action on June 27.

Save jobs and protect student provision or you will face sustained disruption

This agreement followed assurances from Newcastle University that no further job losses would occur until

next year. This itself came after over 250 staff members were accepted by the University Voluntary Severance Scheme - terminating their employment contracts with Newcastle University. Compensation was paid out to students based on the amount of their modules that were affected by strike action. UKfee paying students were able to claim £100 for every affected module, up to a maximum of £600. International fee-paying students were able to claim £200 for every affected module, up to a maximum of £1200. A Newcastle University spokesperson stated: “Funds that were saved from unpaid salaries due to industrial action were redirected towards the compensation scheme”.

“There was a lot of uncertainty”

In an interview with the BBC, students Anna Nix and Amala Parry discussed the effects industrial action had on their learning. Anna explained, “I was in my third year, I was writing my dissertation, so there was a lot of uncertainty”. Amala added, “It was the final semester of my third year, it did have an impact”. Anna and Amala both received £200 in compensation for impacted modules. “There was a lot of uncertainty”

UCU general secretary Jo Grady

Students affected by North East rent rises

Noelia

Fernández Pérez - Head of Sport

Students’ finances face further strain.

The North East’s rent inflation of 5.2% as of April 2025 may immediately sound modest—especially compared to steeper rises elsewhere—but for student renters, it’s far from reassuring. This increase represents a hefty and alarming spike for young people already managing limited budgets and tight finances.

However, it’s not as high as it once was: rents in the region have notably cooled from last year’s blistering 9.4% jump, so even though rent remains high, the pace of increase is slowing. Across the UK, average rental inflation has also begun to ease.

financial dependency, students must increasingly compromise. Students face an increased risk of cost-cutting in areas such as location, comfort, and overall budget - in order to manage finances.

For student renters, a 5.2% increase represents a tangible squeeze. It means higher monthly payments that could consume a larger portion of already stretched finances—making housing decisions even more challenging.

The data is clear, but what does this mean for students?

Even as acceleration slows, a 5% rent increase adds significant pressure to student budgets. That often means working more hours or depleting savings to cover the rising cost of housing, resulting in a financial squeeze that may harm the student’s well-being.

Students may also deprioritise essentials or social time, choose smaller or shared accommodations, or cut back on study-related spending to

Despite a slowdown in inflation, rental affordability remains tight. Supply pressures persist—Zoopla notes demand remains over 60% higher than pre-pandemic levels, while supply is still lagging. In this environment, students continue to face high competition and diminished options.

Even though the dramatic doubledigit rental growth of last year has slowed down, 5.2% is still steep for students. It signals that rental inflation remains stubborn, especially in traditionally lower-cost regions like the North East. With incomes and support often fixed, students must increasingly juggle work, budgets, and academic commitments just to keep a roof over their heads.

million

responded to Newcastle University’s industrial action and subsequent compensation scheme by stating: “Every senior university manager from across the UK now needs to look at what our members have achieved in Newcastle and heed the warning: work with us to save jobs and protect student provision or you will face sustained disruption”.

Dr Loes Veldpaus, secretary for Newcastle University UCU, said that it would be “interesting to see” how other institutions across the country respond to the awarding of the significant sum.

Industrial strikes come to an end

Trinity Eadie - Head

of Social Media

UCU strikes end at Newcaslte University as savings targets are met.

Industrial action at Newcastle University has ended after the institution confirmed it has met its £20m savings target without making compulsory redundancies.

The University and College Union (UCU) began strikes in March over the university’s plans to cut the salary bill by £20m, equivalent to the loss of around 300 jobs.

After four months of disruption, the dispute was settled when the University confirmed that more than 200 academics had accepted voluntary redundancy, allowing it to achieve the savings target.

Newcastle University UCU described the outcome as “a massive win for the branch” on their social media platform, stating the action could serve as “a blueprint for other branches to resist the job cuts that are affecting nearly every single university in the country.”

Newcastle University released a

statement stating “both parties have agreed terms to end the current industrial action” but warned on an NUConnect noticeboard that “financial challenges we are responding to have not gone away”. The cuts came amidst reports that the university was facing a £35m shortfall in funding, linked to a decline in international student numbers - a drop which has been seen across the UK following changes to student visa requirements.

Students affected by the strike action were offered compensation for the disruption to teaching, with over £2.4m being claimed to date. The scheme offered £100 per disrupted module for home students, and £200 per module for international students.

With other universities across the country facing similar disputes over redundancies, the success of Newcastle’s 44-day strike action and the consequent compensation scheme could set a precedent for industrial action in the higher education sector in the future.

British flags appear in streets across the country

Jess Mooney - Head of Current Affairs

‘Operation Raise the Colours’ gains nationwide

traction.

Rows of St George’s and United Kingdom flags have been spotted across Newcastle and other UK cities this August, with many attached to lampposts and rooftops.

While some initially appeared during the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 campaign, thousands more have gone up in recent weeks under a grassroots movement known online as Operation Raise the Colours.

What began as a show of support for England’s national team has evolved into something broader, and more controversial.

“The North East is an area that has in the past been susceptible to antiimmigration sentiments ”

In Birmingham, a group calling themselves the Weoley Warriors claimed responsibility for lining streets with English and Union Jack flags, describing it as a display of pride in national history and values. Since then, similar displays have appeared in cities across the country, including Newcastle - but not everyone is on board.

Many online have expressed concern over the symbolism of the St George’s

flag, which has historically been used by far-right groups. This, paired with ongoing tensions in the UK over immigration and national identity, has led to debates over the motivations behind the displays.

One second-year Media student voiced concerns over the displays:

“I think that the North East is an area that has in the past been susceptible to anti-immigration sentiments.

“The flag has become a battleground in itself”

“My concern, as someone living in the North East, is that the animosity that is being used to fuel the flying of the flag could be a catalyst for another series of racist riots to erupt, as we all saw in North East cities such as Sunderland and Middlesbrough.”

The sudden spread has also caused confusion for local councils, including Birmingham City Council, which initially warned of safety hazards linked to unauthorised flags on lampposts amid ongoing LED streetlight upgrades. Despite that, the council later clarified it had not removed any St George’s flags during August, stressing it supports national pride but must also follow health and safety procedures.

Meanwhile, a separate incident in London’s Tower Hamlets, where flags were removed by council workers, sparked outrage among locals and added fuel to the ongoing national debate.

Even for those who haven’t encountered the flag protests directly, the impact is still being felt.

“I have not personally encountered any street demonstrations of the flag protests,” the same student added.

“However, one thing that I definitely have noticed is that the newsfeed on my phone has geared towards the more intensive coverage of the flag protests.

“This is undoubtedly due to how immigration in the current political discourse has come to rival and even overshadow issues such as the cost of living crisis.”

As one third-year Politics student put it: “It’s hard to know what the intentions are anymore. The flag has become a battleground in itself.”

“My concerns lie about the narrative of the England flag. I can’t help but think that the flag which is meant to be the symbol of a diverse and tolerable nation is turning into a symbol of hostility.”

“I think it’s important to remember that not every person who lives under the flag holds the xenophobic values of those who are utilising the

Image source: Foreign Office, Flickr

Image source: Donnchadh H, Flickr

Image credit: Lucy Bower

Campus Comment 4

Clubbing during Welcome Week

Noelia Fernández Pérez - Head of Sport

First week can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to tackle clubbing in Newcastle.

Newcastle is well-known for its nightlife, and with Freshers approaching, this is a guide on what and where to go so that hopefully you’re not in your overdraft by the end of the week.

Freshers is the moment when you will meet your friends for the next three years, so go and put yourself out there and talk to strangers, because god knows who you’ll be speaking to in the queue to the toilets.

Tropicana stands out as a constant crowd-pleaser, with free entry every night and deals like £1 bombs and trebs that cater specifically to students on a budget. It’s a lively escape right in the heart of the city, offering a beachthemed, carefree vibe perfect for winding down after study sessions. With its two floors and laid-back creative atmosphere, it’s not just a club—it’s a friendly hangout for uni nights that don’t break the bank.

Soho Rooms is a hit or miss for lots of people, but it brings the energy of weekend clubbing to another level: four floors, every genre covered, and packed to the brim by Saturday night.

Dog and Parrot (commonly known as D&P), located on Clayton Street West,

offers a real alternative vibe. Expect affordable drinks (careful with the trebs, you might end up in Bigg Market without your wallet), a cosy terrace, and amazing atmosphere.

After D&P, if you’re still looking for this kind of vibe, head to TheCut. In there, you’ll find the newest indie-pop hits as well as some classics like Arctic Monkeys and The Smiths. In a totally unbiased opinion, the best club in Newcastle.

But if clubbing is not your thing, pub culture in the Toon is as big as clubbing. With pubs such as Old George Inn, The Dubliner, The Hancock, and of course the iconic Spoons franchise all across the city centre, you’ll have a lovely time with your mates.

“There’s something for every mood and every budget”

Some tips I’d give to freshers are to use apps like Fatsoma or Fixr for ticketed events, so you have access to all events. Bring your student ID everywhere and use your student discount for everything; you might be able to save a couple of pounds per drink. But most importantly, don’t be scared about introducing yourself to new people, everyone is new to uni and is in the same situation as you!

Freshers’ Week in Newcastle is all about a balance between having fun and not blowing your entire student loan in one go. Whether you’re a fan

of packed clubs, chilled pubs, or just exploring the city’s buzzing nightlife scene, there’s something for every mood and every budget.

Embrace the chaos, get to know your coursemates (and maybe even your future flatmates), and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Newcastle is a city that thrives on its community feel and student life, so make the most of every opportunity to get involved.

At the end of the day, Freshers’ is your time to settle in, explore, and create memories that will last well beyond uni. So grab your drink, download those event apps, and enjoy everything the Toon has to offer — just remember to budget for a Greggs on the way home!

The Courier Team: Newcastle favourites

Callum Borkowski - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

There is so much to love about Newcastle from the community to our campus to the city; Newcastle truly does haves the ability to make anyone who steps foot within the city fall in love. The city feels like it belongs to each and every single resident as with a diverse culture there is truly something that everyone can find to love about Newcastle. Here is what the Courier Editorial Team love about Newcastle:

Libby Griffiths, Editor-in-Chief –

“My favourite thing about Newcastle is the community! Everyone is so friendly and loving and welcoming whether it’s students or locals or tourists or anyone. No matter what street you walk down or cafe you have lunch in or shop you browse in; everyone will always have a smile gleaming from their faces. Even if you are not from Newcastle the residents of the city have the ability to make it feel like home for

Aarya Shenoy, Sports Sub-editor – “I love the Millenium Bridge! Sitting there at night with a few friends, just talking in the city, or listening to music in my headphones sat by myself. I’ll miss living so close to it but it’s always going to hold fond memories from my first year. Although, it will definitely be a spot that I return to frequently throughout my

second year!”

Jess Mooney, Head of Current Affairs - I honestly think it’s one of the happiest places in the world. You’ll find people from all walks of life, a mix of cultures, and a wide range of experiences being shared and celebrated. Newcastle has this rare mix of big-city energy and small-town warmth, and that combination has made it feel incredibly special to me.”

Adam Lovegrove, Deputy Editor“I love how much there is to discover in the city centre. I’m heading into my fourth year in Newcastle now and still find new places every week: food spots, coffee shops, charity stores, pubs and bars, you name it. The city centre is so compact that traversing it is so easy, while also feeling so expansive that it can seem impossible to see it all. I have my selection of places that I always return to, but it’s nice how easy it is to find a new favourite spot with just a little exploring.“

Scarlet Palmer, Campus Comment Sub-editor: “I absolutely love how friendly everyone is and how welcome the community makes you feel as freshers and as university students. The campus has such a lovely feel and the flowers and bright colours make it feel so warm no matter what time of year, and of course the clubs are always a good time!”

A Map of University: Navigating the Toon Big Welcome: Your Guide to Newcastle Hot Spots

Alex Paine - Film Sub-Editor

It’s not easy navigating a new city, here’s some advice to help you tackle the toon.

One thing that all firstyears come to realise up and down the country: universities are big. Really big. This can be one of the most overwhelming parts of your induction into university. Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, you’ve also got so many other places to find. The buildings on campus where you’ll be having your lectures and seminars, where the best places to hangout are, where your other friends are livingthey’re the things that will no doubt be on your mind.

Well, my main advice is this. Explore. The amount of aimless evening walks I went on in the first few weeks, even in the cold Northern rain, is endless. That’s just because I wanted to see where certain places were, even if it was unlikely I would ever need to go in. It’s nice to at least know your surroundings as well as the places that you need to go. There will most likely be a lot of spaces and buildings that you go into during your first few weeks, that you never go into again. Whether that’s a study space, or a room allocated to you for a one-off introductory

lecture/meeting, you’ll be going to many different spaces with your new friends and coursemates as you figure out where you enjoy being, for studying or just hanging out. There’s ones that basically everyone tries out - Luther’s, the cafe at the Phillip Robbo, the various floors of the Students’ Unionbut you’ll like some and not really care for others. That’s fine.

As for the city? Well, that’s a massively different kettle of fish. The good news is, Newcastle’s campus is slap bang in the middle so you’re never too far away from anything you might want to check out. Now there’s not just study spaces on our campus - you can always study with a Costa coffee or lose an afternoon in the Lit and Phil near Central Station - but of course, if you’re out in the city studying might not be your priority! There’s plenty of great bars, clubs, shops and restaurants in and around the city centre that are frequented by students, and no matter what you’re interested in, there’ll be something for you. It can be an overwhelming experience moving to university and a new city, and you are not going to be able to check out or like absolutely everything you come across. But if you explore your surroundings enough, you’ll find great new places and great new friends.

Scarlett Palmer - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

Here are some places you should check out in the Toon this welcome week.

Starting University in a brand-new place can feel exciting but also a little overwhelming. Luckily, Welcome Week is packed with opportunities to explore, meet new people, and get a feel for both campus life and the city. From buzzing student events to hidden gems around Newcastle, here’s your guide for the hot spots you shouldn’t miss as a fresher. Starting with campus, the clubs and societies fair is an absolute must. Whether you’re into music, sport or culture, or you’re just looking for a fun community to join, this is where you’ll discover the huge variety of socials on offer, and information on how to get involved with them. Located in the sports hall at the top of campus, there really is something for everyone, whether you’re a Greggs enthusiast a Swiftie or keen to play sports, you’ll find something.

Another hot spot for freshers is the Student Union, not only can you stop by for a cheeky Wetherspoons with your new flatmates and friends, but you can also find out lots of information you need; there is information about nights out and being safe, but also,

lots of helping hands and smiling faces. And don’t forget to take a stroll around campus to see how beautiful it is!

Starting at the Student Forum, there will be lots of bright posters and fliers with information about Welcome Week, and the infamous “Big Heads”. Then, walk through the arches, stop and take in the flowers and greenery of the Quad and walk down Lovers’ Lane, taking in our campus sites.

While campus has plenty to offer, Newcastle itself is teeming with hotspots to explore during Fresher’s Week. Start with Grey Street, lined with historic architecture and cosy cafes, it is the perfect place for dinner with parents or meeting with new friends. From there, head down to Quayside to see the iconic bridges, and a laid-back vibe alongside the river. Of course, we can’t ignore that Newcastle is known for its nightlife and drinking culture, so here are some of our personal recommendations! ‘The Hancock’ is just a short stroll from campus, with a lively student atmosphere, delicious food, and great student deals. Just a short walk away, Luther’s and The Five Swans, are also student favourites, and with lots of affordable food and drink. If it’s a big Welcome Week out that you’re after,

Bigg Market is where you’ll end up.

Along with the nightclubs, student nights and loud music, Bigg Market has lots of bars and fun atmospheres to offer; Cosy Joes for Karaoke, and Tropicana’s £1 Jagerbombs, there are lots of fun spots to seek out.

There is obviously lots of choice, and as a Fresher there are many Hot Spots on campus and in the city to consider. So here is a quick Fresher’s Guide:

Start the day with a stroll through campus, making sure to see the Arches, The Quad and Lovers Lane

Then attend the Societies & Volunteering or Sports & Clubs fair, seeing the unique social groups our university has to offer! Follow this with a trip to Luther’s or Hancock for a cheeky drink, or a bite to eat

Lastly, end the evening your waywhether that’s a night out with your new flatmates and friends, or a peaceful stroll along Quayside. This is your guide to Newcastle! Spend the week exploring, socialising, and taking it all in.

We wish you well in your first moments at Newcastle University, and hope this helps highlight where to start in your new home.

Image source: zoomander, Wikimedia Commons

Freshers’ rebrands as ‘Big Welcome’

Mia Wijayatilleke - Fashion & Beauty Sub-Editor

Will the ‘Big Welcome’ rebrand have an impact on the new student experience.

This year, Newcastle University Students’ Union has welcomed a fresh new name for that famous first week of university. What does this linguistic shift mean for new students?

A quick glance at the NUSU website makes it clear that the University has erased Freshers from its vocabulary. The Big Welcome, promising “big fairs, big events and hundreds of activities”, places emphasis on the scale of the event, promoting the usual hubbub and excitement expected of Freshers’ Week. From campus tours to the Freebie Fair, The Big Welcome truly is just Freshers’ under another name.

“A new name could have a positive impact for students...”

A new name could have a positive impact for students starting at Newcastle University this September. Culturally, Freshers’ Week is associated with seven nights of feral nightclub shenanigans

in a messy attempt to bond with new flatmates. The Big Welcome focuses on actually welcoming new students into the University and Students’ Union, shifting the spotlight from partying to include equally important aspects like the Societies & Volunteering Fair, Sports & Clubs fair or getting to know the campus. The change in wording could potentially change perceptions of what to expect from the week, which could be especially beneficial for international students who are not as familiar with the term ‘Freshers’ and all it implies. Put simply, the rebrand to The Big Welcome aims to ensure that this period is unmistakably about making new students feel welcome here in Newcastle.

However, Freshers is too engrained into UK university culture for it to phase out of student vocabulary any time soon, especially because other universities, including Northumbria Students’ Union, continue to promote ‘Freshers’ Week 2025’.

There will still be the annual influx of new students striving to own their titles of ‘silly freshers’, for when else in your life can you? Realistically, I don’t see the student body changing their language the way NUSU has. If anything, this rebrand is a change that will go unnoticed by many students returning to Newcastle this year. Overall, the rebrand will likely have no impact on the actual happenings of the week commencing 15 September. However, if ‘The Big Welcome’ makes just one student feel more comfortable and welcome on campus, then it can only be a positive change.

Should students be turning to ChatGPT for wellbeing support?

- Opinion Sub-Editor

Student life can be hard. Making new friends, learning to live independently and managing academic pressures can be overwhelming. For a growing number of students, these pressures aren’t just stressful - they’re feeding into serious mental health concerns. Yet accessing support isn’t always straightforward.

Long NHS waiting lists for mental health treatment, and frankly ridiculous private care costs have created high demand for accessible therapy. And so, it was only a matter of time before this generation of AIenabled students turned to online chatbots for mental health support. AI seems to have woven itself into just about every corner of our daily lives. What began as a convenient information source has evolved into a nuanced tool that is redefining therapy culture. For students experiencing stress and anxiety, chatbots like ChatGPT or Replika can feel like a lifeline. And honestly, I can see why: they provide consistent guidance and let you engage on your own terms, without the pressures of an appointment or fear of judgment. Unlike traditional therapy, AI never sleeps - it offers 24/7 support, even during those middleof-the-night crises when no one

else is readily available for counselling support. For many, it’s simply that it’s easier to be vulnerable with a computer than with another person, regardless of their qualifications. Some research even suggests that AI-generated messages feel more empathetic and carry a more positive sentiment than those written by licensed counselors.

“AI chatbots can never truly understand the complexity of human emotion...”

The benefits are undeniable, but I still have my doubts. AI chatbots can never truly understand the complexity of human emotion, no matter how sophisticated their responses may seem.

Their guidance is ultimately generated from data patterns that predict what you want to hear most, rather than from lived experiences or professional judgement. Thus there’s always a risk of guidance

Reform UK on the rise: What are students thinking about politics in 2025?

Alex Paine - Film Sub-Editor

Is the recent rise of Reform UK having any affect on their popularity with voters our age?

At the moment, the hard-right political party Reform UK is witnessing a surge in popularity.

According to many national polls, they would win the most seats if a general election was held today. Of course, we can assume it will be a while until the next election (one isn’t needed until summer 2029) but, for those of us who are scared of what Reform might do, and the increase of xenophobia in the country, it’s certainly a troubling political outlook.

“Less than 6% of those under 30 voted Reform in the 2024 election...”

However, what does it look like for people our age?

Well, all data tells us that Reform are not terribly popular among

people our age. In a July poll by YouGov gauging the voting intentions of 18–24-year-olds, Reform came fifth behind Labour, the Green Party, the Lib Dems and the Conservatives.

Less than 6% of those under 30 voted Reform in the 2024 election, and the majority of under 30’s who took part in a recent study by the University of Exeter have ruled out the possibility of ever backing the party in the near future.

Evidently, Reform has a lot of catching up to do if they want to win over our age bracket. However, there is clearly a vocal minority of 18- to 24-year-olds who support the party.

“However, there is clearly a vocal minority of 18-24 year olds who support the party”

Exeter is one of a handful of universities across the UK with a Reform UK society, with others in Durham, York and Lancaster.

How many members these societies have is unknown, but reactions to them being present on campus doesn’t sound positive. YouTube channel PoliticsJOE interviewed students at the University of Lancaster about the Reform society at their uni, and the vast majority think that the society, and the values they stand for, have no place on their campus.

Even the effort that Reform has gone to to get the young vote doesn’t seem to

be working. An active TikTok account has about 300,000 followers, with Farage himself having over a million, yet it doesn’t seem to have translated in any spike of support. I’m beginning to wonder how many of those followers are just there out of curiosity to see how the party runs social media.

So, that’s the current outlook. What could happen now? Well, there’s a common adage - a week is a long time in politics. If that’s the case, four years is an eternity. If that’s how long we have to wait till the election, then there’s a good chance the tides could completely turn. It’s often the case that the party in charge can receive substantial criticism during a term before pulling things back in time for the election. Reform have recently announced some very controversial policies, including the notoriously unpopular reintroduction of fracking.

Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana recently established a new leftwing party currently gaining a lot of traction. At the moment, it’s way too early to call. I do hope that the current wave of support for Reform ends up dissipating, but for now there’s at least the solace that the party will not gain a majority in our voting demographic any time soon.

being generic, misleading, or even harmful. And say something does go wrong, who is accountable? A therapist can be held responsible for harmful advice, but who takes the blame when a chatbot gives guidance that makes things worse? Regulation isn’t keeping pace with the rate of development, leaving students in a sort of grey area where support is offered without the proper safeguards. We already trust AI with vast amounts of personal information, but should we really hand over something as personal as our mental health? Licensed therapists are bound by confidentiality, but who ensures our protection here?

This isn’t like sharing your shopping habits; it’s intimate details shared in moments of trust and vulnerability. Reducing them to just another data point feels, frankly, unethical. Now, I’m not suggesting we should completely dismiss the use of AI in student wellbeing. There’s no denying that it can provide shortterm support and ease some of the strain on overstretched public services. But equally, it would be harmful to encourage a reliance which could affect our real copingmechanisms.

Instead, we must find a balance: use AI as a supplement, not a substitute. Because the bottom line is that, at its core, AI lacks what makes human support irreplaceable: genuine human connection and understanding.

Are rising rail fares having a detrimental impact on students?

Charlotte Atkinson - Film Sub-Editor

Could the rising costs of trains have an unfair impact on Northern students?

In a new consensus forecast by City economists, rail fares are set to rise next year by a staggering 5.6%, having already risen 4.6% in March of this year. With this increase comes the fear of passengers being priced out of rail travel, but how will this affect the students of the UK?

Train travel is often a vital aspect of student life; as many make the decision to explore new cities, how will this news affect their university experience? With the UK’s increasingly unsteady political landscape and frequent reports of a narrowing job market, this rise in train fares will take yet another severe toll on the lives of students, in both a practical and emotional

of Students (NUS) on the financial impact of travel on students found that 52% of students expressed concerns over the cost-of-living crisis and its resultant effect on the cost of travel. With the cost of travel resulting in 20% of students missing out on attending class - and a shocking 21% of students missing six or seven classes –their fears are not unfounded. In addition to this, 32% of students have skipped meals due to travel costs, and 35% have missed seeing family as a result of these debilitating costs.

A study conducted by the National Union

These statistics are not to be underestimated: when considering the already hefty costs of the university experience, this added pressure could lead to increased negative effects on student communities. For many students both current and future, their education has already experienced the adverse effects of COVID 19, repeated strike action and increased fees – this newest obstacle in their path further contributes to a culture that appears to be narrowing our prospects. Without functioning public transport that is both accessible and affordable, young people and students will not be able to access a wider range of opportunities in various parts of the country, preventing an exchange of culture and knowledge. As student living becomes more and more fraught, our government continues to strip back vital public services, affecting myriad aspects of our lives. These increasing train fares are not the first, and certainly won’t be the last, in a long list of services rendered inaccessible to the student population.

Sophie Psalia

Image source: Jty33, Luis Prado, Wikimedia Commons

Image source: Dcoetzee Wickicommons

Edited by: Oscar Jenkins & Jess Mooney

Berry Early? What shifting seasons say about climate stress

Rowanne Holmes - Food & Drink Sub-Editor

You may be wondering how the usually autumnal activity of berry picking and jam making has made it into our summer holidays with blackberries sprawling the hedgerows and apples falling already. Has autumn come early?

Surprisingly, this array of early fruiting is not due to an early autumn as temperatures continue to remain high with the many heatwaves the English weather has thrown at us this year.

“Provisional Met Office statistics show that summer 2025 will almost certainly be the warmest summer on record” says Emily Carlisle, a Met office scientist.

Key findings from the Woodland trust show that many spring events were earlier than average, with the warm weather beginning as early as February contributing to this unusual seasonal occurrence.

The prolonged dry weather not only brings concern regarding seasonal cycles, but the immediate effects that the drought is having on the environment.

The Northumberland Wildlife Trust have put out an alert for wildfires regarding reserves in Newcastle, Northumberland and north Tyneside. It is highlighted that this not only affects

the landscape, but also the wildlife that depend on the mosses.

The Director of Conservation Duncan Hutt explains “Changing weather patterns, including longer, drier spells, means wild places are much more susceptible to wildfires. These events are devastating for wildlife and communities, destroying precious habitats, and costing enormous of money.”

Fires due to the hot weather have also broken out on the North York Moors national park with Langdale Moor being battled by both the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and surrounding farmers in order to maintain the moorland.

“As the impacts of our changing climate becomes clear, it’s important to reflect on lessons learned from upland management while also recognising the vital support needed for those who work tirelessly to care for vulnerable landscapes like our upland moors,” says National Farmers Union Deputy President, David Exwood.

The National Drought group have defined the lack of rainfall as a “nationally significant incident" with the hot weather calling for measures such as hosepipe bans from Yorkshire Water because of an exceptionally dry spring earlier in the year

The Yorkshire Water hosepipe ban has appeared to have made an improvement

to water supplies, therefore protecting local rivers and wildlife with a 10% reduction in domestic demand

Not only are the berries reacting to this climate stress, but concerns from farmers highlight the effects of this weather on all plants. Crops are bringing harvest earlier in the year than usual with 10% of winter barley harvested by July with the contrasting five-year average being 6% by the same time of year.

"Forage has been particularly hard hit"

The National Farmers Union also adds “Forage has been particularly hard hit with livestock producers having to feed winter rations early or buy in feed to make up for poor grass growth.”

The Met Office anticipate a wetter than average end to the summer, particularly for the western areas. This follows a ‘false autumn' which replicates the signs of autumn with trees withering and fruit dropping early, but this does not mean that autumn is in full swing just yet, but that the dry summer has taken its toll on our plants and what we are witnessing is their method of survival.

Kielder Observatory launches brand new stargazing residency near Hadrian’s Wall

Kielder Observatory has launched a new residency just a stone’s throw away from Hadrian’s Wall and the Sycamore Gap.

They will be taking over at the Twice Brewed Inn - a much loved stargazing spot in Northumberland. This marks an exciting milestone in opening up opportunities for people across the North East to engage with Kielder’s world-class astronomy outreach.

Nestled at the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, the Twice Brewed Inn offers a fantastic 30-seat planetarium and over 20 high-powered telescopes.

Kielder will build on the foundations laid at the Inn, continuing its legacy of expert-led stargazing events which have captivated visitors for years.

it even easier for communities to immerse themselves in the wonders of the universe and inspiring young people to pursue astronomy and other sciences. Locals will now be able to explore the night sky on their doorstep, using Northumberland’s famously dark skies as a shared resource for learning and discovery.

Leigh Venus, CEO of Kielder Observatory, shared his excitement:

“The Twice Brewed Inn gives us an amazing new way to share the night sky. Imagine stepping out from their cosy pub or luxury accommodation straight into a stargazing adventure… with great food, great beer from an award winning microbrewery, and the whole universe waiting overhead.”

Plenty is in store for both students and locals; from planetarium presentations and educational talks to outdoor telescope sessions Northumberland’s renowned dark sky condition. In other words, forget about your horoscope - now’s the time to really discover our universe!

For people in Newcastle and the wider North East, this residency adds to the region's growing network of stargazing opportunities, making Image source: Rawpixel.com, zoonabar, World History Encyclopedia

The science behind chocolate: how microbes shape flavours of your favourite sweet treat Medieval migrations:

chocolate would lack much of the complexity that makes it so appealing.

Revealing the magic behind the world's most popular sweet treat.

From cocoa pulp to complex flavour, microbes are the hidden chefs behind the world’s most beloved sweet treat.

Chocolate is one of the world’s most beloved foods, but its signature flavours do not come from cocoa beans alone. The transformation from a bitter seed inside a tropical fruit to the smooth, aromatic confection we recognise depends on a hidden cast of characters: microbes. When cocoa beans are harvested, they are surrounded by a sweet, sticky pulp. Farmers heap the beans together and leave them to ferment. During this stage, communities of yeasts and bacteria feed on the pulp, producing ethanol and organic acids and raising the temperature of the fermenting mass. These reactions alter the chemical structure of the beans, setting the stage for the nutty, fruity and coffee-like notes that roasting later enhances. Without fermentation,

A team led by David Gopaulchan, a plant geneticist at the University of Nottingham, recently investigated how fermentation conditions influence flavour. Working with farms in Colombia, they compared beans from Santander, Huila and Antioquia. Although the beans were genetically similar, tasters found striking differences: Santander and Huila samples carried layered notes of berries, nuts and roasted coffee, while Antioquia beans tasted simpler and more bitter.

"Behind every bar of chocolate is a microscopic community quietly shaping flavour"

The researchers discovered that the differences were driven less by genetics and more by microbial activity, temperature and acidity during fermentation. Fungal species such as Torulaspora and Saccharomyces were strongly linked to the more desirable flavour profiles.

To test how far this process could be controlled, the team designed synthetic microbial communities in

the laboratory. By managing temperature and pH, they recreated the high-quality flavours usually associated with Santander and Huila beans. According to chemical engineer Andrés Fernando González Barrios, this approach could give producers more control over consistency and help increase the value of cocoa.

Food scientist Heather HallenAdams claims the research shows potential for what she calls “designer chocolate” — chocolate whose flavour can be intentionally tailored through controlled fermentation. Instead of flavours being determined mainly by region or tradition, science could allow producers to reliably create beans with specific profiles, from intensifying fruity or nutty notes to developing entirely new taste combinations. For farmers, this could mean more consistent access to premium markets, and for consumers, it points toward a broader spectrum of chocolate experiences shaped by microbial precision.

Behind every bar of chocolate lies a microscopic community quietly shaping flavour. Far from being a simple indulgence, your favourite sweet treat is also a testament to the power of fermentation.

DNA reveals African roots in England’s early medieval history

University of Lancaster research reveals racial diversity of the Middle Ages.

Think that Middle Ages England was purely Caucasian? Think again! Over summer, the University of Lancaster released a statement suggesting that there has been racial diversity in England dating back to the Middle Ages.

Two separate studies took place on seventh-century cemeteriesone in Updown, Kent and the other in Worth Matravers, Dorset - where the DNA analyses indicated that two individuals possessed African heritage.

As part of the study, multiple other individuals were examined, all having European, British or Irish bloodlines, except for two, a young woman and a young man. It is believed that they have a paternal grandfather born amongst a tribe in sub-Saharan West Africa, making these two individuals mixed race.

If we dig further, looking into geographical location and the time period, the findings make sense. At the time of the fall of the Roman Empire, many migrated out of mainland Europe and over the English Channel to, what would later be called , Great Britain. As we know, the Roman Empire thrived on their use of chattel slavery, some of which were taken from Africa, even back in the Middle Ages.

“This discovery shows England's population is, historically, more diverse than commonly percieved"

Due to the rise of Christianity and the move away from paganism, beliefs arose that those who did not follow Christianity were lesser and so it was easier to 'rationalise' the capture and slavery of other races and their movement throughout Europe.

The discovery of these two individuals with mixed race ancestry (as well as other potential relatives), shows us that England’s population has historically been more diverse than is commonly perceived and it wouldn’t be surprising to find more such cases in the future!

Aarya Shenoy - Sports Sub-Editor

Sapphire Ling - Science Sub-Editor

Sophie Pasila - Opinion Sub-Editor

Image source: Pixabay, PICRYL

Image source: Wannapik, Raxpixel

Image source: Collection, PICRYL

New Clothing Line. Coming Soon.

20252026

Amy Mescus Head of Culture

Jess Mooney Head of Current Affairs

Trinity Eadie Head of Social Media

Ruby Tiplady Head of Life & Style

Charlotte Burley-Hnat Head of Life & Style

Keira Gratton Head of Culture

Oscar Jenkins Head of Current Affairs

Noelia Fernández Pérez Head of Sport

On Air, On Campus

Meet the 25/26 Station Manager of Newcastle Student Radio

Telected, and now, as the 25/26 year begins it’s time to introduce everyone to the frontwoman of the operations. It's time to meet Katy.

“I want to improve the station for its volunteers and listeners” Katy opened with, when asked about her role as Station Manager. With an extensive history both in and out of NSR, she explained she has had an “amazing time finding out what Student Media has to offer” and that she’s made “lots of friends” along the way. Beyond that Katy has dreams of becoming a Radio Journalist, working alongside Hits Radio at a desk as a News Reporter. As well as introducing

who Katy is, we felt it extremely important to share a small insight into what she has planned for the station this year. “We have a lot coming up this year!” she exclaimed, as well as reminding everyone to keep an eye on the radio's social media on Instagram). From a studio refurb to bids for national awards or even things like socials, NSR is about to become the next big hit with Katy in charge. Beyond that, there are going to be roles for everyone: audio editing, graphic design, podcasts, and broadcasting “NSR wants you involved!” Katy expressed.

"...keep an eye out for show and podcast sign ups... "

With clear plans for the year ahead, Katy has jumped head first into her role as Station Manager. However, one thing seems to have stood out so far, “My favourite an executive team”. She hopes the updated team with brand new roles, will “make NSR the best it can be”. While Katy has experience in NSR

already, stepping into a senior position in Student Media can be daunting. Though, gratitude beamed from Katy as she explained “Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful” and that she thinks her time in the role will fly by this year.

"If you have any questions I can always be contacted via my email..."

Finally, she wanted to use this as an opportunity to tell people how to get involved beyond social media. “Check out our website… this should become our new vibrant hub!”. She also explained that introducing a new 'Communications Officer' will hopefully make any information about NSR easier to access across the year. As well as this, NSR will be at the Socities & Volunteering fair on September 16, so as Katy has encouraged everyone to “come down and have a chat!”

If you can't make the fair, then come along to the first Student Media Afternoon (October 1) to find out everything NSR. She reminds people to keep an eye out for show and podcast sign ups, and everything else that makes the radio come together. Finally, she wanted us to share “If you have any questions I can always be contacted via my k.johnston3@ncl.ac.uk”.

On Campus

As the first weeks of term appear on the horizon, Newcastle University prepares to welcome another cohort of First Years onto its campus. However, from the 'Societies & Volunteering' to ' Burnin' Big Welcome' there are opportunities to peak everyones interest.

Societies & Volunteering Fair 16th September, Sports Centre

Clubs & Sports Fair 17th September, Sports Centre

N.E.S.T Bake Sale 17th September, Outside SU

Big Welcome Day

22nd September, Main Campus

Burnin' Big Welcome

22nd September, Student Forum

Crafty Micro-volunteering session

23rd September, INTO

Freebie Fair

24th September, The Venue -2

N.E.S.T Language Cafe

29th September, History Room

Nightline Active Listening Workshop

1st October, 2pm, Students' Union

One-off Volunteering

For anyone who wants to get involved in short-term volunteering then come along to any commitment-free volunteer events. For more information about these events go to nusu. co.uk/volunteering/events

Want to advertise your event?

The

remaining space in the new ‘On Campus’ column provides a chance for you to advertise your own events to the wider student population.

What can be advertised:

• One off events that are open to the entire student community.

• Concerts/performances/shows

• Fundraising events

• Guest lectures (Must be organised by societies - not the school!)

What cannot be advertised:

• Taster events, (these should be advertised through Give it a Go)

• Club/Society Balls

• Externally organised events (e.g. Fight Night, Student Races)

To advertise your event here, M.Grimston2@ncl.ac.ukcontact

Megan Grimston - Communications Co-Ordinator

Image credit: Kyuss Timbs

Aquarius Aries Taurus

January 20th - February 18th

September is here, and with it comes Virgo season, bringing in a period of renewal. The sooner you face your fears this month the better. Stability is limited, don't let that limit you. Wreckless is okay sometimes, when you trust

Gemini

Gemini, this is a powerful month for your career progression. Look out LinkedIn warriors! It's time for you to take initiative and take what's yours. Leave behind what isn't, it won’t do you any good to carry dead weight.

Pisces, this month Saturn re-entered your sign. Good luck. Move on from past relationships, it’s about time you quit letting the past drag you down. You may feel moody and idle this month, but it’ll soon pass - better days are coming.

Aries, this month your subconscious wants to be heard. Pay attention to your dreams when they talk to you, there's opportunities eagerly waiting for you, it’s time to cast all that baggage aside.

As Virgo season gets underway, things might start feeling a little turbulent in your relationships, Taurus. This month, take some time to consider your role within friendships, are you sure you like the direction they're headed? Hesitation is an answer too.

This September you're feeling extra confident, Cancer. Now is the time to try something new. You might start to feel restless in past philosophies. Jupiter falls in your sign this month. That's code for listen to your heart over your head for once.

Leo, what are you so afraid of? This month is for handling your truths. You might've been hiding from yourself but not anymore. Are you going to choose missed chances or wealth? Start to buck those ideas up and screw that head back on.

Happy birthday, Virgo! This month starts with the Sun travelling through your sign, bringing extra attention to yourself. It might be scary in it’s unpredictability but success and pleasure are heading your way. Get ready to receive them with open arms and a big grin.

Libra, September is all about routines and boundaries for you. Avoid conflict by laying the law down and creating clear boundaries. Don’t let anyone fool you this month, you know what's right. Say 'no' when you need to. No FOMO is worth burning yourself out over.

Welcome back, social Scorpios! Your voice wants to be heard this month. It's time for you to take charge. Internal inspirations are itching to be set free. Get creative, and keep your skills nurtured.

People might begin to look at you differently this month, you're growing with (or perhaps against) the foundations of your relationships. It’s a month to figure out what it is that you really want. It might just come your way too.

This Virgo season is all about using you, Capricorn. Your self image is in focus this month. Doubts are clearing. If you have a chance to experiment, then take it. Break your mould. September is all about selfdiscovery. Whatever you’ve been contemplating, just try it on for size.

Calling all single Newcastle students!

Tired of dating apps? Want a fun and interesting way to meet someone new?

Sign up with the QR code to enjoy a unique date at a discounted rate!

Our expert matchmaker will pair you with someone who matches your ideal partner and plan your blind date - all you need to do is show up and tell us about it after!

Agony Aunt returns to The Courier

Whether you're stressed about assignments or not getting along with your flatmates, Agony Aunt is here to help!

Send us your anonymous dilemmas using the QR code!

How to meet like-minded students at Newcastle Uni

Elin Auld

- Relationships Sub-Editor

While the first week is an important time, it can be very overwhelming. If you don't find your people, there are plenty of other chances...

To be clear, no one should have their social life sorted out in the first week of university. Though there may a underlying internal pressure to meet your people and make a multitude of friends, there is no reality behind this. You will meet people organically throughout the year and find friendship in the most unlikely places, not just your flat or in induction week. All this aside, here are a few starting points to meeting new people and finding friends.

University societies are the best place to start. There are over 160 societies to pick from, ranging from politics to poker and beyond. If you are not sure where to start, joining your degree subject society can connect you with people in your course, creating a support system within your day to day life as you attend lectures and seminars.

“Don’t be put off because you didn’t join in the first week...”

Most of these societies memberships are £5, and a list can be found on the Newcastle University Student Union website with information and prices detailed. Don’t be put off because you didn’t join in the first weeksocieties will be welcoming to members all year round. There are volunteering opportunities, too, including Student Media - The Courier, Student Radio, and NUTV.

Sports Clubs (and fitness-focused societies, like Pilates Society) are a fantastic way to make friends and get active, which is also a sure way to improve wellbeing. Most clubs have regular socials which gives you plenty of opportunities to meet people and create friendships. Check with the committee of the club, but some sports societies will accept new members after the first week, and if not, you can join at the beginning of the second semester in February. Also, within certain societies there are sports teams, such as the Architecture society's netball and football teams which can are perfect for people who want to play sport more socially. Approaching people after lectures and seminars can feel daunting, but it is important to remember that everyone around you is in the same boat and wants to make friends. Asking if someone wants to get coffee, lunch or drinks is a great way to begin a friendship and after the first time, it becomes much less nerve-wracking the more you do it. Ultimately the Student's Union here at Newcastle provides so many opportunities to get involved even part-time positions within the SU. If you ever feel lost or isolated, website for events

Newly long distance: how to sustain your relationship now you’re not together

Zoe Lett - Film Sub-Editor

Moving away from your partner often means losing the feelings of ease and comfort that comes with seeing each other regularly. However, distance does not have to correlate with disconnection.

My boyfriend studies in Manchester while I study in Newcastle, and after a year of living apart, I’ve found that the experience has strengthened our relationship rather than weakened it. The key has been reframing the distance, viewing it not as an obstacle and something to ‘get through’, but as a different way of being together, and that shift in perspective is what makes it work.

Learning to enjoy your own space is the foundation of maintaining long-distance. When person you love isn’t nearby, easy to want to close every gap with calls, texts, or constant updates. But in my opinion, a relationship flourishes most when both people feel confident and fulfilled in their own lives. University is the perfect time to discover your independence –joining societies,

making new friends, exploring hobbies – and that growth not only enriches you but also gives your relationship more to draw on when you do see each other again. For me, reframing the distance as a chance to grow as an individual has helped me find a new sense of confidence and contentment.

Although communication doesn’t have to be constant, it does need to be intentional. Having a routine and a rhythm means you always know you’ll hear from each other, even when you are busy.

Visits are, of course, the highlight of longdistance, but they don’t always have to mean long and expensive journeys. With student railcards and travelling by coach, travel can be surprisingly affordable if you book in advance. Meeting halfway is also a great option and makes a good spot for a day trip if you are particularly busy. Exploring a new place together can break the routine and give you shared experiences that feel exciting and fresh. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve learned is to always set a date for the next time you see each other before saying goodbye. Having something concrete to look forward to always makes the in-between period feel more manageable and positive. It is easy to compare yourself to couples who see each other daily, but distance forces you to value the time that you have together. In the end, longdistance isn’t about waiting until you’re finally in the same place again, but rather about learning how to grow both separately and together.

A letter of advice to my first-year self

Atkinson - Film Sub-Editor

Our Film Sub-Editor has learned a lot at university, and reflects on her time here in this letter...

Dear 18-year-old Charlotte, Six years of stress and hard work has finally paid off – you’ve done what you always said you would. And now you’re stood in the poky little Windsor Terrace bedroom with an Aladdin Sane poster and a fern Mum bought to liven the place up. I know you’re about to be blinded with the sheer excitement of living alone in the city but before you do, sit down for a second and read this letter.

it generates good conversation! You don’t need to feign ignorance for fear of getting it wrong or abandon the things you love just because someone else doesn’t like them. Stay true to yourself, always.

"There is no shame in admitting you’re struggling and reaching out for help."

Have faith in yourself and your tasteyou’re about to meet a whole lot of new people, some older and wiser, some younger and dumber, and they’re going to have strong opinions on your opinions. That’s okay,

Confidence in your first week

Callum Borkowski - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

The first week of first year is built up to be the 'make or break' of your university experience. It's so important to clarify that while you should definitely put yourself out there at the start of university, do not stress if you do not have the first week of university that you envisioned. Hoping that you would meet your best friends for life and go clubbing with them every single night is normal, but there are plenty of other weeks in the university calendar where you will have the opportunity to meet new people who truly are your future lifelong friends, and make memories that you will cherish.

An integral part of navigating first-week friendships in university is knowing that it is common for people to latch on to one another before they have found their 'core' group. Since everyone is scrambling to make friends, the connections you make might not last, but that is okay! Your flatmates are your first port of call for making friends, as you will likely end up spending your first night out with them. But in all honesty, there is only a 50/50 chance of being friends with your flatmates, considering it is pure luck who you are paired with.

"The

first week of university will undoubtedly be a week of developing a strong tolerance for rejection."

You’re going to lose your way – a good few times – so don’t beat yourself up about it. This is university, and it’s a learning experience in more ways than one. The mistakes you make don’t define you as a person, it’s how you move on and learn from them that does. People will come and go, but the good ones will stay –connection can be found in the most unlikely of places, and you don’t need to become friends for life with the first people you meet. You’ll still live with the people you met in the flat above you when you’re 22 years old. It’s not cool to not take care of yourself – there’s no shame in cooking (albeit poorly) a big meal for yourself or staying in when the Fresher’s flu is kicking your butt. There is no shame in admitting you’re struggling and reaching out for help. It’ll take you a while to realise it, but don’t worry you’ll get there in the end.

I wish I could reach through the years and give you a massive hug, tell you that everything will be alright and that you will get everything you wanted and more out of the university experience. We got to the end, and we even managed to get onto a master’s course in the process. I love you with my whole heart, now go do your washing up.

Yours forever and always,

Graduate Charlotte

The first week of university will undoubtedly be a week of developing a strong tolerance for rejection. But as the Geordies say, “shy bairns get nowt” (if you don’t ask you don’t get). One thing that you should try and build up the courage to do is message on your accommodation group chat and either offer to host pres, or ask if anyone else is. Nights out are, inevitably, a vital part of first-week friendship development, so when it comes to preparing for the first week of university, try to get tickets in advance for freshers club nights, as they will be considerably cheaper. No matter where you go, it will likely be crowded, because most students will want to be out and explore the famous nightlife that the Toon has to offer.

"...your future best friend could be sitting at the same table..."

Make sure that you go to your induction sessions; albeit they seem like a boring waste of your time, your future best friend could be sitting at the same table as you. When first meeting people, give them a chance to tell you a little something about themselves and return the favour - you could both realise that you both have a common interest.  A hotspot for making friends during the first week of university is going to society and clubs fairs to uncover the plethora of groups that you can get involved with while at Newcastle. Taster sessions present themselves as the perfect opportunities for you to try something that you have always wanted to or find likeminded individuals to share your hobby with.

Every single day at the beginning of uni you will uncover more opportunities and events to put yourself out there. It feels as though, too quickly, cliques start to form in university, and that the longer you progress into the year, the more difficult it becomes to break into social circles. Yet you have to remember that there are thousands of people in the same position as you. Do not be your own barrier to making friends. Trust me, as scary as it is trying make new friends all over again can be, there is always someone out there who is going to be your friend - you just do not know them yet.

Charlotte

Image source: Katamaheen, Pixabay

Image source: Cindynhiart, Pixabay

Image source: Mohamed_hassan, Pixabay

Edited by: Charlotte Burley-Hnat & Ruby Tiplady

Lifestyle 14

The complicated geography of Northern identity at university

Jess Mooney

- Head of Current Affairs

Our small corner of the world is rich and varied - and defining what it means to be "from" here is complex...

To be Northern is to inherit a layered identity, part pride, part defensiveness, romanticised from the outside, contested within. It’s not just a question of where you're from, but how you’re from there. Northern identity is both shared and fiercely local, familiar yet fragmented. And for many students, leaving home for university, especially when moving further North, can make the complexity impossible to ignore.

For those raised with a strong sense of Northern-ness, university life often prompts a quiet reckoning. You arrive thinking you know who you are, shaped by mill towns, council estates, bus routes that run more in theory than in practice, and a political memory that still side-eyes Thatcher. You come with the accent, the humour, the hard edges and soft loyalties. But then, suddenly, you're surrounded by others with their own versions of what it means to be Northern. And they might not

Take Newcastle, for instance, often mythologised kind of Northern capital. For students arriving from the North West, Yorkshire, or the Midlands, it can feel at once familiar and alien. The city wears its industrial past on its sleeve, and its sense of place is strong, sometimes so strong that it can make newcomers feel like outsiders in a region they thought they already belonged to.

This is where Northern identity reveals its contradictions. It isn’t a simple category or a neat box you tick. It’s a contested space. You can be Northern and still have your credentials questioned.

The idea of a unified North quickly falls apart when tested by local loyalties, Bolton is not Byker, Wakefield is not Whitehaven. The North is not one place, and its people don’t

At university, these tensions often play out in shared kitchens, lecture halls, and late-night

Are wristbands worth it: how should you plan your Freshers' Week?

The first week at uni is like stepping into a whole new world. One second you’re unpacking pots and pans you’ll never use, the next you’re being asked if you want to buy a wristband for “the biggest week of your life.” It can be overwhelming — everyone tells you this is the event that will make your uni experience, but which ones are actually worth it?

The classic band - most famously, Loosedays

The Loosedays' band specifically helps you quickly work out which clubs you like, which ones you’ll never go back to, and which ones you’ll end up in every week.

Loosecrawl is an event included on the

suddenly you’re mates for the night. It’s chaotic, it’s sweaty, and it’s exactly what you need as your introduction to Newcastle. However, it gets very expensive, very quickly, especially the closer you get to term - so you might not get your money's worth. The same story unfortunately goes for many other wristbands.

Free NUSU and University event

The truth is, this week has so much happening at once that you can’t do it all. You’ll meet new friends who want to do different things, you’ll get invited to random pres, or you’ll just be too tired to go out again. If you know you’re the type to commit and go out every night, it's still worth trying to make some of the on-campus events. You can find all events on the NUSU site, but the highlights include the Freebies Fair, the Sports & Clubs fair, and the Societies & Volunteering fair.

My Top Tips for your first week: Don’t burn out. It’s tempting to go out every night, but Freshers’ flu is real and it will take

Say yes to things. You don’t need to love every event, but trying them helps you meet people. Free food is your friend. You’re a student now — take every voucher and sample you can

Don’t panic if you don’t meet your best mates instantly. Some people click in their first week, others later — both are normal.

Don’t feel bad if you skip the big-ticket things - you won’t miss out as much as you

Remember: this week is supposed to be fun, not stressful. Whether you’re the type to hit every club night or you’d rather spend the week bouncing between fairs and freebies, the important thing is to do it your way. You don’t need every wristband going to have a great time - sometimes the best nights (and best memories) come from the

debates. Identity becomes performative as much as it is authentic. People compare accents, swap stories about high streets in decline, argue over what counts as a chip butty or when exactly the North begins. There’s pride, but also competition, about who had it tougher, who stayed more “real,” who’s from the “proper” North.

“It can make newcomers feel like outsiders in a region they thought they already belonged to."

The truth is, there’s no consensus. For some, the North begins at the Watford Gap. For others, it’s a particular stretch of A-road, or wherever the first Greggs appears on a high street. It’s as much about feeling as geography, an emotional map built from dialect, class, politics, and memory.

And while some students wrestle with imposter syndrome, wondering if they’re Northern enough, others find comfort in the shared contradictions. University becomes a space to reflect on how identity is formed, not just by place, but by history, perception, and the stories we tell about where we belong.

Ultimately, Northern-ness isn’t something that

can be precisely defined. It’s a patchwork stitched from solidarity and rivalry, pride and pain. It’s shaped by what was lost to deindustrialisation and austerity, and by what communities have held onto despite it. You don’t need to be from the furthest reaches of Cumbria or Northumberland to claim it, but you will likely have to defend it. In the end, perhaps being Northern at university is less about proving your credentials and more about recognising the diversity within the label. You hear someone say “aye” in a seminar room

Slowing down: fitting selfcare into uni’s busiest week

Our Relationships SubEditor stresses the importance of intentional self-care...

The first week at university is always busy, whether you are beginning first year, ending your degree or somewhere in the middle. Taking care of your mental health is so important in this sometimes stressful time and fitting selfcare into your routine will help. Recognising when to step away and do something personally fulfilling is the most valuable self-care.

Particularly as a new student, there is so much pressure to be doing

“If you’re not big on thrifting, ... simply search for clothes and filter the brands to your usual favourites.”

Self-care doesn’t have to be a daunting gesture of intense self-love and can appear in the form of little routines throughout the week to ground yourself. A few easy to incorporate rituals I have found to be helpful are putting on your headphones and cooking yourself a delicious meal. Cooking is a time where you have no obligations to anyone but yourself and can truly detach from the frenzy of first week with homemade food and a good playlist. Other small acts might be following a short meditation designates only a few minutes in the day for you to detach; reconnecting with or taking up an old hobby like painting, writing, crafting or baking; taking a walk outside is a proven method to raise mood, and there are a plethora of lovely spots in Newcastle such as the Jesmond Dene, Leazes Park, Exhibition Park and more, so make the most of the green spaces. Remember, there is so much time to make friends, and join societies and establish an academic routine. Slowing down and relaxing by doing something fulfilling will give you a much better foundation to have a fantastic university experience.

Sasha Cowie - Sports Sub-Editor

Elin Auld - Relationships Sub-Editor emotionally vulnerable and drained.

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Fashion & Beauty

Less stress, more dress: the student’s guide to creating a capsule wardrobe

How to create infinite outfits without owning infinite clothes...

It almost feels like a rite of passage; bringing far too many clothes to university. I remember convincing myself that if I didn't bring every last item of clothing I owned, I was doomed to finding myself wanting to wear it later on. With my parents' car stuffed to the brim, I soon realised while unpacking that maybe bringing the entire contents of my wardrobe was highly unnecessary. But, a girl has to have options right?

“...building a capsule wardrobe does not mean you have to sacrifice the bolder items of clothing you possess.”

You can still have infinite outfit choices with far fewer pieces of clothing (a hard pill to swallow, I know). Realistically, you won't be dressed like Serena van der Woodsen for all of your lectures. If you want to go big, you have to start small. I recommend starting with high quality, every-day basics. Basic items, that may seem boring on their own, will be the building blocks of your capsule

wardrobe. Clothes in a neutral or complimentary colour palette work best as they can easily be combined with other items, particularly if they're with statement pieces.

Speaking of statement pieces, building a capsule wardrobe does not mean you have to sacrifice the bolder items of clothing you possess. However, keep in mind that without your 'boring' basics, your statement pieces almost don't even matter. It's all about striking the right balance and what best reflects your personal style. You can have those days where all you can be bothered to wear is a tracksuit or that cute active wear set that looks like you put a lot of effort in but you only wore it because it matches and required minimal brain effort to put on. But, you can also have those days where you actually want to make an effort in your appearance. That's where your statement pieces get their time to shine.

My personal favourite trick is having a staple coat or jacket that you can wear with everything, but it's still cool enough to elevate even the simplest of outfits. A trench coat always looks effortlessly cool, but my favourite will forever be an oversized leather jacket. Having a staple outer layer can also

become your own personal trademark - my friends can vouch that you will rarely ever see me without my black leather jacket.

In short, building a capsule wardrobe does not automatically mean you have to purge your entire selection of clothes. Just prioritise quality

Autumn 2025 fashion trend predictions

Keira Gratton - Head of Culture

A/W 25 goes back to the future, with looks that will make you say "Great Scott!"...

Gilmore Girls on the TV, The Mamas & The Papas on the radio, and warm, broody silhouettes on the runway – the autumn 2025 fashion season is underway.

After a summer of capris and 2010s callbacks, the fall runways have taken a step back in time to an even bolder decade. Whilst the 1980s influences aren’t immediately obvious, the return of midi-length skirts, faux fur, high necklines, and tasteful lace are putting a modern spin on the disco decade.

The pencil skirt:

Tight-fitting skirts falling just above the knee feature on a range of models this season, from Antoine Flament for Saint Laurent to the Fendi Ready To Wear collection. This silhouette contributed to the “renaissance in power dressing” that Eggenberger noted this fall, with wide-shouldered duster coats and mid-calf dress trousers featuring alongside corporate chic pencil skirts. In a style that combines the aesthetics of the frazzled English woman trend and the eighties love of asymmetrical profiles, this autumn promises to play with shapes the haughty English way.

Lacy and sheer:

Earth

Sustainably styled: how to build perfect night-out looks that don't cost the

Mia Wijayatilleke - Fashion & Beauty Sub-Editor

Your guide to curating the ultimate second-hand goingout wardrobe...

Aversatile collection of goingout clothes is a must-have for starting university. If you’re a new student looking to curate your clubbing collection, do yourself and the planet a favour and shop second-hand!

For the majority of nights out, jeans and a fun top will be your go-to. If you already have a couple of pairs of jeans, then you’re all set for bottoms! If not, now is the time to invest. It’s up to you whether you buy these new or used –prioritise what’s comfortable and find a pair that will last.

“If you’re not big on thrifting, ... simply search for clothes and filter the brands to your usual favourites.”

Night out tops can be as plain or as daring as you’re comfortable with. I’d recommend getting a few black tops in some different styles: think Little Black Dress, but jeans-and-a-nice-top edition. Different materials (sequined, silk, cotton), necklines (strappy, halter, bandeau, cowl), and lengths will give you lots of options to play with, and keep even your most basic outfit rotation feeling fun.

Getting a couple of brightly coloured tops too will be handy for socials; you never know what you’ll be dressing up as. That plain pink

tank top could become the base of your Percy Pig costume, and that blue t-shirt will be perfect when you’re a Smurf for the night.

Vinted is the best place for accessible secondhand shopping. If you’re not big on thrifting and bargain hunting, you can simply search for clothes

will be cheaper and less wasteful – it’s a winwin. Bershka, Pull & Bear and Urban Outfitters often have trendy going-out tops, all of which can be sourced through Vinted!

“...vintage

and y2k pieces can be the coolest addition to your night out look.”

If you’re willing to spend a little longer scrolling, vintage and y2k pieces can be the coolest addition to your night out looks. Try searching “strappy top” or “[colour] top” then filtering the brands. E-vie, Etam, Pilot and Karen Millen are my favourites for embellished tops. Old label Next, New Look and M&S also have some beautiful silky and sequined pieces, although these can be hard to find for low

Remember to add clothes to your favourites if they’re cool – even if you’re not going to buy them – as it will train the algorithm to keep showing you what you like. Soon, your Vinted home page will have more to offer

See-through blouses and lacy maxi-length slips were bringing back bohemian on the runway, striking a balance between Kate Bush vinyls and flowy vampiric chic. Fashion houses like Maison Margiela showcased a range of NSFW chiffon shirts, whilst Cecille Bahnsen embraced fully nude nightdresses in allusion to eighties Victorian-gothic subcultures. Paired with slouchy bags and increasingly formal footwear, timeless lacy accents are back in circulation.

“Jungle style continues to be the way to announce your individuality in 2025.”

Animal influences:

One of the hardest trends to miss this year, animal prints like leopard and zebra are still going strong in A/W 25 collections.

Ella Saint - Fashion & Beauty Sub-Editor

Image source: Ahmed Hossam, Unsplash

Image source: Publikado89, Pixabay (leopard print), Vicki Hamilton, Pixabay (lace)

Image source: Edward Howell, Unsplash (tiles), Appshunter.io, Unsplash (phone), SavanasDesign, Pixabay

Multiple writers

Summer in review: where The Courier team spent their summer Souvenir Stash: A deck of memories

Ever wondered what our editorial team gets up to when they're out-ofoffice? We're looking back at this past summer and reflecting on the places our editorial team visited over their well-deserved summer breaks.

Amy Mescus - Head of Culture

After pining for years, this summer I finally dipped into my savings and sent myself and my boyfriend to the country rich in history and blessed in geography, nestled along the Adriatic Sea; Croatia! Now the savings weren’t exactly abundant, so we opted for the cheaper coastal city in Croatia, Zadar. Zadar is relatively small, with it being easy to explore the entire Old Town in a singular day, but the amount of activities in and around the city are immense and we parted Zadar after seven nights with no regrets, feeling completely satisfied with everything we did and saw.

We took a boat trip out to Telašćia and Kornati where we arrived first to the most stunning salt lake, basking in the brief moment we had the scene completely to ourselves. We were also fed and watered by the kind staff on board.

On another day we indulged in a guided tour around Plitvice Lakes National Park to admire Mother Nature’s finest work with serene lakes and Croatia’s tallest waterfall.

Our final full day in Zadar was arguably the best; we tackled Zrmanja River with nothing but a kayak, a bit of overconfidence, and a dream. As it turned out, we were a pretty good team.

Our in-between days were spent exploring the

Alex Paine - Film Sub-Editor

After many years, me and my family returned to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, and we really indulged in the full Shakespeare experience. We were lucky enough to see the fantastic new production of A Winter’s Tale, our first time seeing a Shakespeare play in his hometown, and we revisited the Shakespeare Birthplace Museum, of which the undeniable highlight is seeing actors perform excerpts from selected plays out in the garden. Stratford truly is a beautiful place to just have a walk around, but it’s even better for those who choose to immerse themselves in the culture of the town.

Sophie Psaila - Opinion Sub-Editor

First stop was Northumberland, for a week of beautiful countryside hikes and more pub trips than I care to admit. We stayed in Amble, a cosy harbourside town, but most of our time was spent exploring neighbouring villages. Bamburgh Castle was a real highlight, although my most memorable moment was finally seeing a Highland cow (lifelong goal complete).

quite the nightlife scene - of course we had to experience the infamous free bar at Crozziesbut we spent most of our time wandering around Diocletian’s Palace and the Green Market. One day we took a boat trip to a nearby island, Trogir, swam in the Blue Lagoon, and snorkelled around a shipwreck.

From there, I was lucky enough to jet off for ten days with my boyfriend to Split, Croatia, a hub of history and breath-taking architecture. Split has

Next up was Brač. We stayed in Bol, home to the famous Zlatni Rat (‘Golden Horn’) beach. While this beach was packed with tourists, the island had plenty of hidden gems. My favourite was a tiny beach tucked right beside a monastery. Korčula, though, stole the show. This little island felt like a secret getaway and the old town was straight out of a medieval fairytale. I could’ve stayed for weeks. We spent a day in Lumbarda, a nearby region covered in vineyards, where we basically did a wine-tasting pub crawl. Grk, a wine exclusive to the island, was the standout - though by that point, after several tastings, everything tasted pretty delicious! Finally, we made our way down to Dubrovnik. For any Game of Thrones (GoT) lovers (like myself) this was exactly what you’d imagine it to be like. Endless streets filled with cobbled buildings and beautiful churches. We even did a self-guided tour of filming locations from GoT

Refresh after Big Welcome week: nature spots near Newcastle

Mia Wijayatilleke - Fashion & Beauty Sub-Editor

Need to touch grass after the Big Welcome? Newcastle is the city for you...

From sandy beaches to rolling hills, Newcastle is a perfect base for exploring the beauty of the North East. Here’s some scenic spots to revitalise you for the semester ahead.

Tynemouth

There’s nothing that a bit of sea air can’t fix. Just a 30-minute metro ride away is the picturesque King Edward’s Bay, a gorgeous cove in Tynemouth that is a favourite among locals and students. Grab some chips, have a picnic on the sand, and take in the views. If it’s too cold, a windy walk along the coast will be just as refreshing.

Jesmond Dene

There’s a woodland, waterfall and even a petting zoo just a 15-minute walk from West Jesmond metro station. Whether you want a big day out in nature or a quiet stroll in the

woods, Jesmond Dene has it all. If you’re up for a long walk, you can follow the River Ouseburn all the way down the Dene and immerse yourself in natural beauty. There are also guided nature trails to follow that will take you through all the best bits.

The Lady of the North

This land sculpture in Cramlington is not as widely known, but she’s absolutely stunning.

The Lady of the North is a huge piece of art made of mounds and winding paths that make up the figure of a woman when seen from above. It’s a peaceful and unique day out that’s perfect if you want to truly

train, but a 20-minute walk from Cramlington station, so best to go with a friend (and Google maps) if you’ve not been before. Leazes and Exhibition Park Too hungover to face the metro? Not to worry, as nature is at your doorstep (literally, if you live in Park View). The most accessible green spaces in the city are Leazes Park and Exhibition Park, both of which are a short walk from campus.

Leazes Park is great if you’re after a bit of alone time, as you can reconnect with nature without straying too far from campus. Both parks have ponds with plenty of ducks

Jess Mooney - Head of Current Affairs

How souvenirs finally made sense to me...

For the longest time, I didn’t understand the point of souvenirs. Growing up, my family was never particularly sentimental about things. We didn’t collect fridge magnets or display little figurines on shelves. Nobody I knew was ever the “souvenir type,” and those shops crammed with “I heart [insert destination]” trinkets felt like tourist traps designed to relieve you of your last few coins before the flight home. The only thing I ever really came back with was a sunburn and, occasionally, a braided anklet that I wore for three weeks before forgetting it ever existed. That changed once I started travelling without my family. Having control over your own travels is liberating, exhilarating... and, weirdly, it’s made me care more than ever about what I bring back with me.

At first, I wasn’t sure if this new fascination with mementos was a sign of growing appreciation or just an attempt to justify my spending habits. “See? That weekend getaway was worth it. I got this mug!” But over time, something unexpected happened. A pattern emerged.

Across my last eight holidays, ranging from seaside staycations to European escapes, I’ve returned with the same thing, every single time: a new deck of playing cards.

They started appearing almost by accident. A set from the airport to make the most of a delayed flight. A ceramic set from Holland that caught my eye at a market. A sleek metallic deck from Switzerland that looked too good to leave behind. A birdwatching-themed pack from Berwick-upon-Tweed somehow ended up in my suitcase - though that one was, admittedly, the only choice available.

At some point, I realised it wasn’t just a souvenir collection - it had turned into a bit of a habit.

My boyfriend and I found ourselves reaching for the cards almost instinctively. Waiting for dinner, killing time in a hotel room, winding down after a day of sightseeing - out came the deck. With friends or family, a casual hangout often turns into a games night. It’s worked its way into both our travels and our day-to-day lives.

Now, whenever we travel, tracking down a new deck has become part of the adventure. We’ve even started thinking about revisiting places just to find the perfect set we missed the first time around.

What I love most about this accidental collection is how personal it feels. These aren’t generic souvenirs bought out of obligation; they’re tied to a shared, quiet joy. They’re beautiful, functional and full of stories. Each one reminds me of a place explored, a memory made, a lazy afternoon spent playing cards on a train or terrace.

I used to think souvenirs were just clutter. Now, I understand they can be something much more, something naturally into your something that tells a story only you would know.

So no, I still don’t want a shot glass with a city skyline on it. But a deck of playing cards?

That, I’ll treasure.

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maze that is the Old Town or at Kolovare beachrenowned for its diving pier.

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Impress

your flatmates this

week: Newcastle's best pubs, restaurants, and cafés to look like a local

Jess Mooney - Head of Current Affairs

If you've just moved into your new flat and want to make a solid first impression? Whether you’re bonding over a pint, grabbing a late brunch, or suggesting somewhere cool for a coursemate’s birthday dinner, these Newcastle spots are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Tyne Bar - NE6 1LP

Quite possibly the best drinking spot in the city. Tucked under the bridge in Ouseburn, Tyne Bar has outdoor seating by the river, regular live music, and a buzzing, friendly atmosphere that feels exactly how you imagined uni life would be. Perfect for that first flat trip out when everyone’s still figuring each other out - cheap drinks, good vibes, no notes.

Mother Mercy - NE1 1EE

If you’re trying to impress with a bit of class, this is your move. Hidden in an unassuming basement, Mother Mercy serves up beautifully crafted cocktails without the (too) inflated price tag. It’s the kind of place that makes you look like you’ve got your life together, even if you absolutely don’t. Highly recommend bringing your parents here when they visit... and they’re paying.

Olive and Bean - NE1 5PN

The perfect city centre brunch spot. Big slices of cake, hefty sandwiches, and coffee that actually

tastes like coffee. Great for a lazy Saturday debrief with your flatmates - especially if you're still recovering from a chaotic Friday night. Bonus points included for the cozy atmosphere and generous portions. This is literally the café that sold me on attending Newcastle.

Aiden’s Kitchen - NE2 1RH

A Jesmond gem with a cult following. Think stacked pancakes, Turkish eggs, and artisan coffee in a chill, Instagram-worthy setting. Get there early or expect a queue, but trust me, your flat will thank you for it.

Tiny Tiny - NE1 6UF

It may be small, but Ideal if you’re after vegetarian or vegan food. Perfect for a midweek flatmate catch-up or a solo lunch that somehow turns into a group outing.

Toasties, salads, iced coffee - all next-level.

Pizzeria Francesca - NE2 2NA

A true Newcastle institution and a total budget-friendly win. Just off Osborne Road in Jesmond, this place lets you go half pizza, half pasta - ideal for the indecisive or anyone trying to maximise their meal. Cozy, chaotic, and loved by generations of students.

Portofino - NE1 1DE

Planning a birthday dinner or a “we survived Week One” celebration? Portofino delivers classic Italian trattoria vibes without wrecking your student loan. Great pasta, hearty portions, warm lighting, fancy enough to feel like a treat, but casual enough that you don’t need

Honourable Mentions: No explanation needed - just go: Brack Burger, Alfie's, Mowgli, Little Dumpling House, Scream for Pizza,

Parents-in-town level places, AKA when someone else is footing the bill: Victor’s, The Muddler, Lola Jeans, 21, Khai Khai, and Gino’s. Whether you’re flexing your foodie knowledge or just trying to avoid the dreaded “where are we going?” group chat spiral, these spots will earn you instant respect, and probably a few IOUs for future recommendations.

The big shop: what not to forget on your first solo trip to the supermarket

Ruby Tinkler - Food & Drink Sub-Editor

Bread, butter, eggs, and cheese - but what else?

Whether you’re going with your parents, new friends, or on your own, your first big shop is a rite of passage as a uni student and a tradition on the first week’s to-do list. Scanning the shelves with newly independent eyes, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of no longer being tied down by mum’s shopping list - though you’ll soon be missing it, as you sift between the thousands of options and attempt to avoid the frustration of getting home and realising you’ve forgotten something crucial. This is especially painful as there isn’t a big supermarket in Newcastle city centre, and you’ll probably need to travel a bit further out.

So, here are some things to keep in mind that will make your life a lot easier. Don’t be too optimistic

Everyone starts off excited to cook for themselves at uni, but be careful not to overestimate your motivation as a chef. Remember, it’s three meals a day, every day from now until Christmas. Trust me, the novelty soon wears off. There are bound to be days when you really can’t bring yourself to get a pan out of the cupboard, let alone prepare all the ingredients and then wash the dishes. There’s no harm in buying some easy freezer foods (if you have the space) or a couple of ready

meals to prevent takeaways from eating away at your budget. I personally love a good potato waffle and chicken nugget combo!

Seasonings (aka your secret weapon)

There’s no such thing as being a bad cook, you just need the right seasonings. Otherwise, even perfectly cooked meals taste bland. You don’t need a fully stocked spice rack either; my go to staples are:

• Salt and pepper (obviously),

• Mixed herbs (perfect for pasta sauces),

• Garlic (either in powder or paste form),

• Chilli powder or flakes

• And finally, though it might sound weird, my biggest recommendation is celery salt. It doesn’t taste of much itself, but, like gravy on a roast dinner, it makes everything taste better.

Tin foil, it's boring but needed Speaking from experience, please make sure you buy some tin foil! It took me almost a month to remember to buy some, and each time brought another week of scrubbing at baking trays. It’s the ultimate kitchen lifesaver. Packing a sandwich to save on a meal deal? Tin foil works great. Keeping leftovers covered in the fridge for tomorrow night? Tin foil can do that too. Haven’t got enough oven trays for

Quick Meal series: meal prep chorizo quinoa salad

Rowanne Holmes - Food & Drink Sub-Editor

This pack-lunch prep will keep you going all week...

When you don't have time to pack a lunch before you rush to uni, batching a lunch recipe in one go is a great way to ensure you have something delicious and filling ready to go. This recipe is perfect to prepare for those long days on campus!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of quinoa

• 1x can of chickpeas

• 1x dry-cured chorizo ring

• 1x large avocado

• Half a cucumber

• 2x large tomatoes

• Feta (optional)

• A glug of olive oil

Method

1. Use a sieve and rinse your quinoa thoroughly before adding to a medium sized pan with 2 cups of water, making sure there's room for the quinoa to expand.

2. Bring to a boil, add a lid, and simmer to reduce for 15 minutes while you prepare your other ingredients.

3. Chop your chorizo into small pieces and add to a frying pan until it releases some fat.

4. Add in your rinsed and drained chickpeas and fry together until the chorizo reaches the desired

Drain your quinoa and leave the chorizo mixture to cool while you prepare your veggies.

6. Chop your cucumber, avocado and tomatoes into small pieces and add to a large storage container.

7. Add in your chorizo mixture and quinoa and drizzle some olive oil, salt and pepper. You can also add in some crumbled up feta at this stage. Give a good stir or pop the lid on and shake!  Store in the fridge and transfer to a smaller container for those days with back to back lectures or long days in the library! Now just try not to

You can read more of the Quick Meal series on our website - search Quick Meals on our website.

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Sabbatical Officers

Lily Allan

Wellbeing & Communities

L.Allan4@ncl.ac.uk

Hello lovely people! I’m Lily and I am so thrilled to be your 25/26 Wellbeing and Communities Officer. So, a little bit about me: I have been actively involved with NUSU for all 3 of my undergraduate years, as part of the Newcastle Northern Angels Cheerleading club, with one of my most exciting achievements undoubtably being re- elected as a coach for the incredible Level 2 team Sapphires!

Alongside this, I love going to the gym, drawing, going on walks with my friends and of course, live music haha, who doesn’t love a bit of Katie O’Brien’s!

Within my role of WCO, I want to ensure that YOUR truth is heard and that YOU have a platform in which you feel represented. I know I am far from perfect, and that I will never truly be able to relate to everyone’s situation nor experience- but I don’t intend to. What I aim to do is to listen and to support you in every way I possibly can- that is a promise! No matter how big or small you feel your struggle is, please talk to me: it doesn’t have to be formal, we can just go for a coffee catch up and check-in. You are not alone, and I’m here every step of the way over the next year, my emails and the office will ALWAYS be open <3.

I am so excited to meet some new and existing faces this year, and would love to see as many of you as possible at my first wellbeing event on the 6th of October outside the SU from 11am :) Come along for a coffee-catch up or a tea and talk & share something you may be excited about or slightly aprehensive for, over the next year. It will be a great one, and if at times it doesn't feel like that, it's okay- you will never be alone.

James Geary Opportunities

J.Geary2@ncl.ac.uk

I'm the Opportunities Officer and in my role I am responsible for overseeing activities of all students ran societies at the Students Union, and facilitating and developing t. I am also the lead sabbatical officer for volunteering projects in the Students Union.

As a student I studied Maths and I've been involved in: Socksoc "Good Socks, Better Socials!", Climbing Club, Music Society, Student Radio and well as the Student Brewing Society.

The opportunities team and I are here to help with your day to day running as well

Hi everyone! I'm Ilsa, and I'm your Union President for the next year. As President, it's my job to represent students' voices to the university, whether that be in meetings, or through targeted campaigns on issues facing students.

Before starting this role, I've been a course rep, an SSC secretary, a society president and a club treasurer... if you can do it at NUSU, I probably have done! I'm excited to put all of my previous experience into practice to elevate your voices.

Outside of work I am a keen chef and baker, so I spend most of my wage on

Image Source: Paul Robson, Wikimedia Commons

Sabbatical Officers!

Libby GriffithsStudent Media

L.Griffiths9@ncl.ac.uk

Welcome! I'm Libby, and I am very excited to be your Student Media Officer for 25/26. In my role I oversee our three branches of student media; The Courier (our wonderful newspaper you are reading now), Newcastle Student Radio, and Newcastle Uni TV.

I've been involved with Student Media since I started university, and it has easily been the highlight of my degree. If I'm not working, I'm either eagerly awaiting Wicked: For Good to be released, cooking a big meal for friends, or FaceTiming my

Gina Tindale Academic

G.Tindale2@ncl.ac.uk

My name is Gina and I am your Academic Officer for the next year, which is a fancy way of saying that I sit in on University meetings and point out any glaring issues which are impacting the quality of your educational experience.

If you recognise my face, it's probably because I used to work at the Student Union Co-op before taking on this role!

The thing I am most excited about this year is delivering on my election pledge to help students present their work at a Newcastle based conference. I got to present my own

Alex Duggan Sports

A.S.Duggan1@ncl.ac.uk

Hello hello! I’m Alex, back again for Year 2 as your Sports Officer! After an incredible year as AU Officer in 2024–25, I’m buzzing to keep leading on all things sport at Newcastle, from AU clubs and intramural leagues to gym users and everyone in between.

A bit about me: I graduated in 2024 with a degree in Zoology (shock I didn’t study sport science I know!!), and I spent a placement year split between Australia and Ireland. I’ve lived in Newcastle for 5 years now, so I know all the best spots for food, a walk, a run, or a night out (I’ll admit, I was once a sucker for Soho… but I’ve matured… sort of). I’ve played rugby since I was 9 years old, still love a game of netball, and you’ll usually find me with either an iced coffee or a treb in hand (depending on the time of day)!

This year I’m focusing on grants, committee training, and boosting our social media presence. I won’t bore you with the detail here but keep an eye on @ nusu_sports for updates on the pledges that got me this role! Nationally, I also get to represent Newcastle on the big stage – helping shape student sport across the UK as a BUCS Student Director and Trustee, and by leading the network of Sports Officers from unis nationwide.

And of course … varsity is back! Fixtures kick off in November, building to the big clash in March. Mostly, I just want to make sure sport is fun, welcoming, and thriving for everyone. Let’s have an amazing year, bring it on!

Newcastle University Students' Union aims to boost opportunities for all

Jess Mooney - Head of

Current Affairs

A review of the recent NUSU restructure...

Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU) has undergone a major internal restructure in a bid to tackle a projected £164,000 deficit by the 2026/27 academic year - but leaders are confident the student experience will be protected and even enhanced as a result.

The changes, which include the redefinition of staff roles and the streamlining of departments, are centred around improving the student offer, particularly within the Opportunities department, which supports everything from societies and sports to volunteering and student media.

Chris Drummond, Head of Opportunities, will now oversee the Athletic Union, student media, and a reimagined Opportunities Officer role.

He said the reorganisation offers a “connected structure” that will “enhance our student offer, enabling easier access for students to discover and engage” with NUSU.

The rebrand from “Activities” to “Opportunities” is also part of a wider visibility push.

“We hope to maximise exposure so more students understand what they can get involved in - from societies to volunteering to student-led initiatives,” Drummond added.

Becky Newton, who leads the volunteering strand of Opportunities, said students shouldn’t notice any difference to the level of support they receive.

"We have over 200 amazing volunteering opportunities, from longterm placements with national charities to one-off placements to give back to the community,” she said.

“The restructure hasn’t affected how volunteering operates - the support and the opportunities we provide remain the same.”

"The restructure hasn't affected how volunteering operates - the support and opportunities we provide remain the same”

The only change? The volunteering fair will now run alongside the societies fair, offering students a one-stop shop to explore all their options.

Eloise McGeady, Inclusive Opportunities Coordinator, highlighted how the restructure will help make

access to these activities even fairer.

“Students shouldn’t be able to notice the restructure at all,” she said.

“Positively, the restructure will mean that there is more understanding of how Clubs and Societies work so the access funds can be allocated better.”

McGeady supports initiatives like the Activities Access Fund and Disability Inclusion Fund, and oversees the Inclusivity Award.

“Over the summer, I’ve been updating the Inclusivity Award to hopefully make it easier for Clubs and Societies to complete,” she said.

“We’re also hoping to include Student Media and volunteering projects, which will be a great opportunity to recognise work that’s already being done and support development too.”

“There are literally hundreds of opportunities available,” she said.

“So whether it’s to find new friends, relieve some stress after a busy day, try a new activity, do good in the local community or rekindle a new hobby, there is literally something for everyone.”

Senior Opportunities Coordinator Conor Munro-O'Brien also confirmed that the restructure won’t affect any of the 190+ student societies currently supported by NUSU.

“The Opportunities department gives students the chance to enrich their university life beyond just lectures and exams,” he said.

"The restructure won't affect any of the 190+ student societies currently supported by NUSU”

“These opportunities are invaluable, as they help students find their sense of belonging, build lifelong friendships, and develop skills and confidence that will support them long after graduation.”

elections through the NUSU website, designed to make life easier for student group committees.”

He added that these developments would reduce admin and allow committee members to focus on what matters: building student communities.

Ben Procter, Opportunities Administrator for BUCS sport, said one of the most exciting aspects of the restructure is the expanded remit of the Sports Officer role.

“Alex’s role has changed from AU Officer to Sports Officer - so now she covers intramural, gym-goers, and anyone doing sport at any level,” Procter explained.

What does the NUSU restructure mean for Student Voice ?

Mia Wijayatilleke - Fashion & Beauty Sub-Editor

An interview with Student Voice Manager Laura Callaghan...

NUSU has made changes this academic year, and Laura Callaghan, Student Voice Manager, gives us an insight into how the restructure will impact the Student Voice team. Whilst the restructure was instated primarily to benefit NUSU financially following a predicted deficit, Callaghan assures us that students will continue to be supported, represented, and prioritised under the changes.

The Student Voice team is made up of Student Voice Manager, Student Voice and Representation Coordinator, and Student Voice and Action Coordinator, as well as the elected Liberation Officers and the NUSU President, Academic Officer, and Welfare and Communities Officer. As Student Voice Manager, Callaghan supports the entire team in achieving their goals, and leads Student Elections.

'[We] work to uphold NUSU’s commitment to empowering students to shape their university experience, influence the SU, and have their voices heard locally and nationally. We do this

by recruiting, training and supporting more than a thousand student reps in effective representation, and facilitating the Student Elections every year, where you get to vote on who you want to be your incoming Officer team.

'We also work with our Officers and student leaders to bring about studentled action to make the changes that matter to you. This is done largely through ACT (read more about this online to see how you can get support for your campaign!) or Student Council. Student Council is the cornerstone of student democracy at NUSU – it's your place to propose ideas, debate them and vote on whether they're taken forward. If your motion is passed, the SU has to act on it. So, we're here to learn what you want to see changed and then work on making those changes!'

year, and 'we are excited to see what insights these two new recruits will bring and look forward to working really closely with student colleagues.' She believes this is a positive change, stating 'they'll help us deliver training to our 1,000+ Reps, write up Student Council minutes and give us two new student perspectives to inform our day-to-day work.' She also thanks everyone that applied for the

"One of the main changes is the introduction of two student interns onto the team ”

Under the restructure, one of the main changes is the introduction of two student interns onto the team. Callaghan says that the team are 'trialing the addition' of interns this

role, and reminds students that they can find other opportunities on the NUSU website under “Work for Us”.

"Student Voice is now based on Level 1 of the Students' Union in the Planning Room”

Another key change is the relocation to a new office: Student Voice is now based on Level 1 of the Students’ Union in the Planning Room, alongside the Opportunities Team. 'You can pop in between 9-4pm Monday - Friday or email studentvoice.union@ newcastle.ac.uk to speak to one of us.' There have also been some title changes for members of the team, which Callaghan claims are 'for the better'. For a restructure mainly focussed on reducing financial burden on NUSU, it so far looks to be a positive and productive outcome for Student Voice.

“It’s really nice for students who aren’t in clubs but still take part in sport to have more of a voice.” Committee training has also been overhauled.

“It used to be really generic, just getting talked at, but now it’s a conference style half-day, tailored to each specific role. It’s going to be a massive improvement.”

Looking ahead, the clubs and societies fair will be split over two days for a more tailored experience, and Varsity has been confirmed for March 20th, with rugby taking place at Kingston Park.

As the Union adapts to financial realities, it seems students can still expect a broad, and now even more accessible, range of opportunities to enhance their time at Newcastle.

Dylan Seymour - Deputy Editor

Image credit: Newcastle University Student's Union

source:

Image credit: Newcastle University Student's Union

University Students Union

24-25 Sept 2025

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Location: Venue, Floor -2

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Is the TV licence killing interest in British television?

Erin Neal - Life & Style Sub-Editor

Another price hike hits BBC viewers

According to Ofcom’s annual study, less than half of 16-24-year-olds were recorded to be watching broadcast TV in an average week in 2024, down sharply from 76% in 2018. With young people becoming increasingly disconnected from traditional television formats, it raises the question of why this is the case when older generations remain consistent in their viewing habits.

"A

TV licence for a household is currently £174.50 per year

One unnerving culprit behind the disinterest is the infamous TV licence, a legally enforced annual fee for watching live television or streaming on BBC iPlayer. It is most wellknown for dispatching ominous bi-weekly

letters threatening to forcibly enter your home and catch you in the act if you refuse to pay. Following a harsh price increase in April 2025, the cost of a TV licence for a household is currently £174.50 per year. If the menacing mail wasn’t enough to put people off, the price definitely finishes the job. In comparison to on-demand streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, the TV licence seems far less justifiable. Most platforms charge between £75 and £100 annually, depending on the subscription tier. For many young adults, especially those living alone or in rented accommodation, this means shouldering the full cost themselves, which makes it disproportionately expensive. This naturally transitions to the question of value: is the content funded by the TV licence worth the hefty price? While the BBC has been known to produce high-quality programming such as Sherlock, Doctor Who, and Blue Planet, it doesn’t always align with the preferences of younger audiences. Increasingly, young adults are finding the content they want elsewhere. And that’s not to say interest in visual media has been killed; in actuality, far from it.

Streaming services provide more freedom and diversity in addition to the competitive prices. The digital-native generation is far better served by on-demand libraries which offer 24/7 access and the flexibility to binge, pause, or skip. In contrast, traditional television continues to function on

Are we too woke for Love Island now?

Mia Wijayatilleke - Fashion & Beauty Sub-Editor

Love Island 2025 was one of the most talked about series in years – but for all the wrong reasons. From TikTok comments to an official Women’s Aid statement, the public have not been quiet about the problems in the villa.

As viewers, criticising islanders has always come with limitations. As families of contestants like to point out, we only see one hour out of 24, so viewers never really know the people we’re watching on screen. However, I’d argue that this goes both ways: if we’re witnessing manipulative behaviour from men who know that they’re being televised, how bad must they be outside the villa, behind closed doors?

The behaviour of three men in particular stood out: Harry, Dejon, and Harrison were repeatedly bashed on social media for their manipulation and general disregard for the women’s feelings. Their attitude throughout the show gave the message that they could do whatever they wanted to women, because they’d get away with it anyway.  Harrison’s treatment of Toni and Lauren even prompted Women’s Aid to join the discourse. Their official Instagram post highlighted the “lying, gaslighting, emotional manipulation, and disrespect” and stated that “what we tolerate on screen influences what we tolerate in real life”. (Instagram). Cosmopolitan has since interviewed Lauren and Harrison, and asked for Lauren’s response to the statement. Lauren claimed that “it was blown out of proportion”, “everyone makes mistakes”, and “it’s a shame

that [Harrison]’s being portrayed in this way” (TikTok - Make Your Day). It seems that these islanders think we are, in fact, too woke.

“There were 14,000 Ofcom complaints this series”

Furthermore, there was an extremely apparent divide in the villa between the girls, with many viewers commenting that one group were victims of bullying from the other. Criticism went beyond just ranting online – there were 14,000 Ofcom complaints this series. The highest number of complaints for one episode was 3,547, when Shakira broke down in tears, seemingly exhausted from weeks of hurt in the villa.

(Love Island: Ofcom rejects 14,000 complaints about ITV reality show - BBC News)

Whilst the public is clearly not reacting well to Love Island, the show is notorious for generating income through brand deals with names like Boots, Ebay and Nescafe, so it’s unlikely that this series will be the last. However, it will be interesting to see how both the producers and the cast next series will navigate the criticism that has arisen this year.

Conversations have been irrevocably opened up, and viewers won’t tolerate hurtful behaviour forever (many people claimed to stop watching mid-series this year as they had simply had enough of watching people be mistreated). In a world where Love Island will continue to be aired, it’s increasingly important that we recognise and criticise abusive behaviour. In 2025, we are not too woke for Love Island, we are finally woke enough

regular schedules and limited selections, making it restrictive by comparison.

Short-form content platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts also play a major role in this shift. Designed for engagement and quick consumption, they offer a kind of instant gratification that traditional TV simply can’t match. Scrolling through bite-sized videos tailored to individual interests has become the norm, firing up your dopamine sensors every few seconds and making an hour-long episode seem tedious.

“Failing to produce television that represents the young adult demographic”

Although it's not just how content is delivered that is causing the decrease in interest, it's also about who it’s made for. Traditional broadcasters are failing to produce television that represents the young adult demographic. In recent years, they’ve made attempts to bridge the gap by bringing in online personalities. TikTok Comedian GK Barry’s appearance on  I’m a Celebrity, KSI’s judge role on  Britain’s Got Talent, and YouTube Creator George Clarkey announcing he'll join Strictly Come Dancing  are all examples

of this strategy. Meanwhile, reality shows born from online platforms like Netflix’s Inside or YouTube’s  Footasylum: Locked In  have built massive followings, with viewership numbers rivalling legacy live TV shows like Big Brother. As a whole, in an economy where cost of living is already a harrowing factor in many young people’s lives, the TV licence has certainly become outdated. However, it isn’t killing interest in television, merely redirecting audiences to other places.

North East TV to help you blend in with the Geordies

Tilly Aveyard - Travel Sub-Editor

There's more to Geordie TV than just Geordie Shore!

When thinking of the representation of Newcastle and the North East, many minds go to the reality show Geordie Shore, due to its comedic depiction of what people think Geordies are like. The strange relationships between the housemates and their conversations on the show create a poor representation of Geordies, and I would love to present some other shows that may help you to gain a more positive portrayal of the North East.

Originally based on the Vera Stanhope novels by Whitley Bay local Ann Cleeves, Vera is a crime drama series that ran from 2011 to 2025, telling the story of the lead detective and her team investigating murders around the North East. With beautiful cinematography and even more stunning settings, the show captures the essence of the North East in a lovely manner.

“Beautiful

back in 2011.

“A

perfect portrayl of the typical Geordie middle-aged man...”

cinematography and even more beautiful settings.”

While Brenda Blethyn, Vera, is not an authentic Geordie, her accent is acceptable, and the majority of the supporting actors and extras are from the North East. Vera also boasts some big names, including Paul Ritter, Paul Kaye, and even Sam Fender, who was the body in the very first episode

Another show with Geordie A-listers is Byker Grove, which is the place in which Ant and Dec met and claimed their fame at just 13 years of age. Byker Grove is a teen and coming-of-age drama about a group of teenagers who were part of a youth club in Byker. Despite it running from 1989-2006, it is still available to watch – for free – on STV Player, should you want to see Ant and Dec in their earliest form! It was an amazing show that spotlighted young adults dealt with, such as drug addiction, teenage pregnancy, and child abuse, all of which were taboo in the late 80s-early 90s. Finishing off this list with a comedy-drama, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet is a show from the 1980s in which three Geordie bricklayers jet off to find work abroad. Despite the characters not being shown in Newcastle until the second season, it is a perfect portrayal of the typical Geordie middle-aged man, of which the stereotype is rather accurate to the show. Tim Healy, as you may know from Benidorm or as ‘The 1975’ frontman Matty Healy’s father, also plays one of the lead characters, and Bill Nighy also joins in with the fun as a disgraced politician. The first two of five seasons are available on ITVX, so, if you would like to get a feel for Geordie slang and culture, give Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and the other two shows a go!

Image source: Mohamed_hassan, Pixabay

Image source:Ethan Wilkinson, Unsplash.

Image sources: febrianes86, Pixabay (TV), Antony Gormley, Wikimedia Commons (Angel)

Your guide to the North East music scene

Charlotte Atkinson - Film Sub-Editor

Everything every music fan needs to know after moving to the Toon!

You’ll have heard all the big names – Sam, Sting and Knopfler have undoubtedly taken the North East music scene global. You may have attended concerts in the famed St James Park, Utilita Arena or the Stadium of Light, some of the largest venues in the county, witnessing the biggest stars in all their glory. But everyone has to start somewhere, and our grassroots venues are cherished staples of the music scene, as are the independent artists that help it thrive. Here, we take a look through some of the great artists and venues we have for you to explore in the North East.

The Cluny (venue)

Originally built in 1848 as a flax spinning mill, the Cluny transformed into the go-to place for up and coming artists from across the world. Located on 36 Lime Street in Ouseburn, the venue itself has hosted a colourful variety of artists; from Solange to the New York Dolls, this venue needs to shoot to the top of your list of must-visit spots.

Labyrinthine Oceans (artist)

Grunge? Shoegaze? Angry rock? These guys really have it all. This alt rock group formed in 2023, with their debut EP everyone was alive releasing in April of this year. With their captivating visuals and mesmerizing guitar solos, they are going from strength to strength in what I’m sure will be a stratospheric rise to the top.

The Grove (venue)

Trust me when I say this; The Grove has everything. Pizza, fries, two bars, 18 taps and some of the best live music the North East has to offer. Tucked away in a Byker corner, this venue has cemented itself as one of the must-see spots of the city, with the likes of Kneecap and AJ Tracey gracing its stage. It’s multifaceted nature makes it one of the best places to have a cheeky night out – you never know what you might find.

Dunes (artist)

A personal favourite of mine, this desert rock band are known for hard-hitting riffs and electric live shows. Having signed with American label Ripple Records, they released their latest album Land of the Blind back in January this year, and have since done a country wide tour as well as international shows. With their next performance at the Lubberfiend as part of Tonehenge, I highly recommend you don a bandana and QOTSA t-shirt and get yourself down there.

The Lubberfiend (venue)

Speaking of Tonehenge, the North East music scene wouldn’t be complete without the Lubberfiend. A non-profit DIY venue championing independent artists, the Lubberfiend is a new addition to the scene, opening as recently as 2022. The venue itself holds myriad possibilities – they have their own radio station Slacks Radio, as well as hosting quizzes, poetry readings, club nights and film showings. Located at 81 Blandford Street, this venue is a great place to find community here in the North East.

The Oasis reunion tour: what's

Alex Paine - Film Sub-Editor

Incase you

been the story, morning glory?

missed

it, because you probably did...

Oasis might be here now, but might they still be back next year?

On July 4th, our worries that this whole thing was just some biblical dream were proven false as Liam and Noel buried the hatchet, brought some old and new faces along, and took to the Cardiff Principality Stadium for their first concert since 2009. The first leg of the tour has now finished, with a quick reprieve in the middle of August before taking it all around the world and spreading the word: Oasis are back.

“Liam's voice is the best its sounded live in over 20 years.”

I decided to not get involved in the laborious Ticketmaster war, but in hindsight I wish I’d have braved it, as these concerts have been more than we could have hoped for. Liam’s voice is the best it’s sounded live in over 20 years. Noel

Rave,

looked a little overwhelmed early on but now he looks like he can’t contain his glee at being back, and the backing band (made up of original bassist Bonehead, 2000s members Gem and Andy, and touring drummer Joey Waronker) give all the classics the punch and power they need to really go off live.

So, as the tour extends worldwide with rumours of even more dates to come in 2026, we need to ask ourselves: now what?

Personally, I’d love to see some tweaks to the setlist. The UK setlist was fantastic, with some unexpected additions like 'Fade Away' and 'Cast No Shadow', but it stayed exactly the same throughout and, apart from 'Little By Little', every song came from the first three albums. I’m not asking them to perform tracks from the 2000s that no one remembers, but I’d love it if they could fit in 'Lyla', 'Go Let It Out', or 'The

Importance of Being Idle'. There’s still so many other 90’s songs they could do as well: a stadium of fans jumping along to 'Step Out' or 'Round Are Way' would be an amazing sight. While nothing has officially been confirmed for 2026, the rumours of more dates creates speculation that this reunion isn’t just a oneoff thing. Are Oasis actually back as a regular band? Will we get new music? That still seems unlikely to me, but then again, we all thought a reunion was completely off the cards, and here we are.

“Are Oasis back as a regular band? Will we get new music?”

In amongst all this jubilation and further speculation, my only worry is that the novelty will wear off. Oasis being back and the Gallaghers now getting along again should be a cause for celebration, but all celebrations can’t last forever. The more time goes on, the more old feuds between the members could potentially re-ignite.

Still, the signs seem good so far. Liam and Noel are really enjoying each other’s company, the shows are selling out, and there is a really positive atmosphere about the long-awaited return of Oasis. Whether it continues this way for long, we don’t know, and we don’t care.

riot, repeat: the 2025 festival season in review

Emma Monaghan - Music Sub-Editor

Looking back on an unforgettable summer of music...

Summer 2025 gifted us an exceptional and eventful festival season, with iconic headline sets, viral moments and political uproar. If there was ever a year to feel like festivals were back, this year was it.

Glastonbury, on its last year before the fallow break, was the centrepiece as always. The 1975 provided a nostalgic, eventful and energy filled first headline, whereas Olivia Rodrigo fed crowd pleasers, even bringing the iconic Robert Smith to the stage. It was chaotic and luminous in the way only Glastonbury can be - one of those moments that proves why it is the UK’s biggest festival.

But if 2025 gave us unforgettable performances, it also tested the fragile relationship between festivals and politics. Glastonbury’s West Holts stage became a flashpoint when Bob Vylan launched chants against the Israeli military, followed swiftly by Kneecap, who tore into Keir Starmer and British policy over Gaza. The fallout was immediate: BBC live coverage cut, police investigations opened, and the debate over free expression reignited across headlines. The controversy didn’t silence Kneecap, thoughtheir Glastonbury set went viral through TikTok, amassing millions of views, fuelling their later appearances supporting Fontaines D.C.’s summer shows.

Dance music had its own moment this summer, with Boomtown and Creamfields both doubling down on spectacle. Boomtown returned to its sprawling Winchester site with a new district layout and a dazzling mix of underground electronic, drum and bass, and theatrical

storytelling. Creamfields, meanwhile, proved why it’s still the titan of UK dance festivals - pulling in an iconic back-to-back set from current house music superstars Josh Baker and Chris Stussy, which went viral for all the right reasons. Both festivals made it clear that, in a year when live music felt politically heavy, the electronic scene still offered its purest form of release.  Reading and Leeds also carved out new territory in 2025, trialling a reimagined layout after years of criticism about overcrowding and disjointed stages. The twin-site festival shifted its staging system, placing main headliners - Bring Me The Horizon, Hozier and Travis Scott -across rebalanced fields to create more flow and fewer crush points. However, there is debate on the success of the adjustments, as a crowd surge of 400 people still took place at Sammy Virji's Reading Festival set, injuring many. The move was divisive among die-hard attendees, but the energy was still there, as it always is for the controversial yet iconic festival.

“Its embrace of unapologetically mainstream pop made a statement...”

On the continent, Primavera Sound in Barcelona underlined what many called the “pop girlie” takeover of summer. The lineup leaned fully into the moment, with Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter fronting a bill that put women at the cultural centre of the festival’s identity. Primavera has always

prided itself on forward-thinking curation, but this year its embrace of unapologetically mainstream pop made a statement: that the “guilty pleasure” label is obsolete, and that pop belongs at the top.

“Many UK festivals couldn't withstand 2025's economic struggles.”

At the same time, a darker truth revealed itself: many UK festivals couldn’t withstand 2025’s economic struggles. Cambridge Folk Festival’s 60th anniversary was scrapped, alongside Camp Bestival (Shropshire), Sundown, and a string of grassroots gatherings. Britain had almost 900 festivals a decade ago, but this summer only around 600 remained. Rising costs in energy, staffing, and taxes left organisers struggling to survive in a market dominated by companies like Live Nation. For many, the spirit of independence was at risk of being priced out. Looking ahead, 2026 already promises shifts. Reading and Leeds are rumoured to have locked in two of their headliners, while immersive festivals like Boomtown and Lost Village are expected to rise further as audiences lean towards experiencedriven weekends. Glastonbury’s fallow year will leave a gaping hole in the calendaran opportunity for other festivals to step forward and follow in the footsteps of the 2025 festival season.

Image source: Ralph_PH | Flickr https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Gaming

The most anticipated videogame releases of the upcoming year

Emily-Maisy Milburn & Keyon Snoek - Gaming Sub-Editors

This academic year holds one of the strongest lineup of videogames the community has seen in a long time. It's going to be a battle trying to find time to study admist gaming season.

Hollowknight: Silksong, 4 September 2025

Despite this game releasing a week before our Academic year begins here at Newcastle, it is one of the most highly anticipated games of the decade and was most certainly at the top of my to-play list. Coming 8 years after its predecessor Hollowknight, Team Cherry teased Silksong at the Nintendo Direct this summer after years of speculation and rumoured cancellation. Hollowknight is a Metroidvania style game with souls-like elements, and Silksong is expected to follow suit in terms of gameplay. Silksong’s protagonist is Hornet, the former princess of Hallownest, who is fought twice in the original game. Fans are expecting to see a greater focus on movement, combat , a larger in-game world and even a quest system as Team Cherry has stated that “Greymoor”, an area in Silksong, is the largest they have ever created. With a whimsical colour palette and captivating earthy tones, Hollowknight: Silksong will be the perfect game to settle down with during our winter term here at Newcastle.

Skate, 16 September 2025

Another entry in a beloved franchise rolling onto

game stores soon is the new Skate game. This game was announced all the way back in 2020 and now five years on it seems like the free to play soft reboot of the series will launch soon. Skate will introduce many new mechanics such as more parkour elements to pull off some insane gameplay tricks as well as focusing on online play with a live service format. The live service aspect has fans worried since this means that unlockables in the game such as character and board customisation might be heavily placed behind a paywall, unlike previous games where cosmetics came with purchase of the game. Hopefully, this new instalment can capture the pure joy and essence of the original games when it fully releases.

Mewgenics, 10 February 2026

Described as an ‘Endless Cat Breeding RPG’ via its Steam page, Mewgenics is an upcoming tactical roguelike, life-sim developed by Edmund McMillen, the creator of The Binding of Isaac and Super Meat Boy. Announced originally in 2012 by Team Meat, Mewgenics has had a long and tumultuous development period and was eventually reacquired by Edmund McMillen and Tyler Glaiel in 2018. Mewgenics gameplay is said to be slightly akin to that of Magic: The Gathering, as players acquire and breed cats before sending them out to fight with equippable items that boost stats and provide your cats with weapons. McMillen and Glaiel say that it will take an astounding 200 hours to beat the final boss

in Mewgenic’s story. It is known that McMillens games are often full of content (it takes around 600 hours of playtime to 100% The Binding of Isaac) so expect Mewgenics to take a similar route in terms of hidden puzzles and secret bosses.  Announced via IGN’s summer stream with a trailer created by Meat Canyon (a fellow Newgrounds veteran), Mewgenic’s trailer embodies the outrageous and bizarre themes repeated in McMillen’s previous titles and promises a fun, almost flash-game-like experience.

Lego Batman: Legacy of The Dark Knight, 2026

Recently announced at Gamescon was Lego Batman: Legacy of The Dark Knight. This news is exciting to many video game fans since a lot of fond memories were crafted whilst playing the original Lego Batman trilogy. With the most recent Lego Batman game being released in 2014 it is great to see Lego going back to its roots when it comes to video games. From what was shown at Gamescon it is evident that the game will have an open world playstyle featuring a much-upgraded fighting mechanic like the Arkham games that videogame and Batman fans are very fond of. On top of the new combat the game will feature new ways of exploring a brick-built version of Gotham including gliding and zipline/grapplehook mechanics. So far only seven playable characters have been announced diverging from previous Lego games which sometimes included over 100 playable characters. It will be a great gaming experience when it hits all platforms in 2026.

Gaming events happening in the North East

Keyon Snoek - Gaming Sub-Editor

When it comes to gaming events across the UK, most people think of EGX, Insomnia Gaming Festival, the UK Games Expo, and the London Games Festival. However, the Northeast certainly has some great events to satisfy a lot of videogame enthusiasts.

NUSU Nintendo Switch Social

In the coming weeks, on our very own campus, Newcastle University Student Union (NUSU) are hosting regular Nintendo Switch socials. These afternoons are taking place at 12:00pm on Friday 19 September, as well as every Wednesday until the semester ends. With iconic Switch games such as Mario Party, Mario Kart, and Super Smash Bros available to play, this is a great opportunity to meet people with similar interests to you.

Middlesbrough Comic Con

What videogames The Courier team played this summer!

When you're left with three months of no university and insufficient funds to travel all summer, video games are the best way to pass the time.

Emily-Maisy Milburn - Gaming Sub-Editor I finally got around to trying the Half-Life series this summer (after my partner had been bugging me for months), and I definitely enjoyed it much more than I thought I would! My favourite chapter was 'We Don't Go To Ravenholm'; the atmosphere was so intense, and the use of puzzles and the gravity gun was very innovative. I also played Portal 1 and 2 and I thoroughly enjoyed those too! It has been a very Valve-oriented summer for me!

Keyon Snoek - Gaming Sub-Editor Assassin’s Creed Origins managed to occupy countless hours of my time this summer. Set at the end of the Ptolemaic period, specifically from 49 BC to 38 BC, you play as Bayek, a member of the Hidden Ones, as he travels a huge map of Egypt to hunt for vengeance. The blazing desert setting was amplified by the summer weather, creating a more immersive playthrough of the fantastic mechanics. My personal favourite was the bow and arrow mechanics, which felt snappy and satisfying. The game features the stereotypical Assassin’s Creed play style of stealth and parkour, but revamped the combat to be played similarly to a souls-like RPG, with rewarding boss fights and an intuitive levelling system and skill tree.

Jess Mooney - Head of Current Affairs

This summer, I’ve found myself deep in a very specific kind of nostalgia - the kind that instantly brings back memories of 2016 YouTube videos and glows with the gentle pastel chaos of Slime Rancher. Originally released in 2016 (or more crucially, introduced to me via an LDShadowLady video), Slime Rancher had an iron grip on my 13-year-old self. The blend of adorable chaos, open-ended farming, and just enough challenge to make my brain feel

accomplished? It checked all the boxes. And now, almost a decade later, with more free time than I’m willing to admit, it’s back, this time on my Switch, and somehow even more addictive. I’ve spent an embarrassing number of hours running around my ranch, determined to create a cat hybrid of every slime imaginable. There’s a lot to show for my dedication: intricate enclosures, strategically placed auto-feeders, a frankly unhealthy amount of plorts… just nothing that will help me survive the looming reality of my third year of uni.

Still, there’s something oddly comforting about returning to a game that once defined an entire summer of being thirteen. It reminds me that joy doesn’t always come from shiny new releases, sometimes it’s about rediscovering the weird, cosy corners of gaming that made us fall in love with it in the first place.

Amy Mescus - Head of Culture

My last assignment of the semester is finally submitted, the second year of university is officially complete… cue the most grueling, boring limbo until the new academic year starts. So I did what any other normal (insane) person would do. Restart my Animal Crossing: New Horizons island for the potential sixth time (I lost count a while ago).

I entered this Animal Crossing phase with good intentions, determined to make incredible progress and to be even more committed than I was during the lockdown of 2020 when the game was initially released. My expectations were low but I am pretty impressed with myself looking back on the last few months on my island.

I don’t think that New Horizons is a bad game but I do think that it’s definitely designed for a more casual playstyle. Instead, I am my own worst enemy and my greatest flaw is that I pressure

myself to log on everyday, shake every tree, find every money rock, collect every fossil, talk to every villager, and collect my bonus nook miles. The strict, daily routine sucks the life out of the game for me very quickly and I catch myself in a rut of, “I haven’t played in forever… I should… but there’s so much to catch up on.”

However, this summer I’ve found that taking everything at its own pace and taking a break from usual island life to play Happy Home Paradise has restored my adoration for the franchise that I’ve garnered over the years since my childhood. Though my Switch 2 and I are sitting waiting patiently for that new Animal Crossing announcement, Nintendo.

Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to try to force Barold and Chadder off of my island.

Adam Lovegrove - Deputy Editor

For all the games I played over the course of this summer, the release of Chapters 3 and 4 of Deltarune left the biggest impact. As someone who played Undertale all the way back in 2015, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the next instalments. Diving into a new Dark World for the first time in four years had me instantly smiling, and no doubt in thanks to Chapter 3’s charismatic antagonist, Mr. Ant Tenna. Things take a turn quickly though, abandoning the storytelling structure for a much darker, but more intriguing tone. While I enjoyed Chapter 3 for its dialogue and gameplay variety, Chapter 4 became my favourite, setting a new standard for Deltarune chapters. The church makes for a hauntingly atmospheric Dark World, accompanied by breathtaking sprite work and an ethereal soundtrack. Its story is both narratively rich and emotionally poignant, with the game’s core trio growing closer than ever before as they discover the secrets behind the Delta Rune. And the combat reaches an all-time high, with encounters that vary from exciting, to hilarious, to seriously challenging. The secret battle harkens back to a fan-favourite fight from Undertale: a sweet reminder of just how far Toby Fox and his team have come.

Creed Conventions are hosting their own Comic Con event in Middlesbrough's Sporting Village on 20 September. This event has an emphasis on all things sci-fi and has an incredible range of things to do including various photo opportunities, cosplay competitions, guest speakers, gaming zones, and more!

Newcastle Anime & Gaming Convention

On 4-5 October, there is also the Newcastle: Anime & Gaming Convention. Hosted by Animeleague, this event is the UK’s number one anime convention, which travels the country. Besides having multiple events for cosplayers, much like Comic-Con, this event also seems to hold live gaming tournaments of various competitive fighting games, such as Tekken The event will also feature handson experience with multiple retro consoles such as Atari, NES and Original Xbox consoles. As the event quickly draws closer, the organisers will soon be announcing their celebrity guests.

Comic-Con Northeast

One of the biggest events is Comic-Con Northeast. This event is not only about meeting your favourite celebrities from film and TV or cosplaying your favourite comic book characters, but also offers a variety of attractions to scratch your gaming wants and needs. This year, the event will take place on 1-2 November, and it will feature retro and modern gaming hubs where you can show off your skills, stalls with video game merchandise from sellers, and celebrity guests like Matt Ryan, who played Edward Kenway in Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Replay Event's Gaming Market

Earlier this year, some of The Courier’s writers and sub-editors took a trip to Replay Event's retro gaming market held in Gateshead. The event was very busy with countless vendors offering merchandise and games ranging from Japanese exclusives to games making us feel nostalgic. The vendors priced the merchandise fairly, and we had a great experience. There is currently no news on whether the event will return in 2026, but if you collect gaming memorabilia or are a collector of obscure video game titles, I highly recommend you keep an eye out for any updates on this event.

The Northeast has so much to offer when it comes to gaming events for collectors, competitors and fans of all things video game related. The coming months are stacked with things to do, so be sure keep check out the events' respective websites and get your tickets now!

Multiple Writers

Image credit: Amy Mescus

Image credit: Anime League

Image credit: Emily-Maisy Milburn

28 Years Later puts the North East on the map

Zoe Lett - Film Sub-Editor

Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later, the eagerly awaited sequel to 28 Days Later, brought the North East of England into the cinematic spotlight this June. Filmed across the region’s beautiful landscapes and celebrated with a ‘black carpet’ gala at Newcastle’s beloved Tyneside Cinema, the film has made a profound impact by generating opportunities and recognition for a region often overlooked by the film industry.

Over 80% of 28 Years Later was filmed across Northumberland, including locations like Holy Island, Hexham, Rothbury, and Newcastle. Boyle’s connection to the North East is not new, having previously filmed Millions (2004) in Newcastle. He has praised the region as both “magic” and “cinematic,” emphasising its gritty, authentic landscapes that has set the film apart from many modern productions reliant on green screens and CGI.

To support the release, VisitBritain and Destination North East England launched a creative tourism campaign, projecting the film’s biohazard symbol onto landmarks such as Penshaw Monument and Raby Castle, helping to support the region’s goal to grow the visitor economy to £10 billion by 2034.

The local impact of 28 Years Later was further

emphasised at the black-carpet gala screening held at Tyneside Cinema the day before the world premiere in Leicester Square. Organised by North East Screen in partnership with Sony, the North East Combined Authority, Destination North East England, and Tyneside Cinema, the event celebrated the local film community alongside cast and crew. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness highlighted the gala as one of the region’s “biggest film events in recent years”, emphasising its global reach and the growing recognition of the North East in the film industry. The event marked a significant milestone for Tyneside Cinema, reinforcing its status as the heart of North East cinema and ability to host major productions that bring valuable jobs and opportunities to local communities.

Beyond its artistic impact, 28 Years Later delivered a significant economic boost to the region, creating around 70 jobs including crew, acting roles, hospitality, and logistics. This underlines the North East’s talent pool and has hopefully raised the profile of the North East as a competitive and attractive location for future film projects.

The success of 28 Years Later has also paved the way for the sequel, 28 Years Later: Bone Temple, which was filmed back-to-back and is scheduled for release in January 2026. Danny Boyle confirmed the North East would continue to play a key role in the franchise, promising more stories set against the region’s landscapes.

Coming-of-age films about starting university

Erin Neal - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

From awkward beginnings to selfdiscovery, these coming-of-age films reflect the mad, messy and meaningful journey of starting university and are the best way to help you settle into your new life.

Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)

An underrated gem by Dazed and Confused (1993) director Richard Linklater, this American comedy takes a nostalgic stance on the college experience, set over a single weekend in 1980. Following freshman baseball player Jake as he moves into a house with his new teammates, the film explores the excitement, uncertainty, and personal growth that come with college and unsupervised living. Linklater has a particular talent for capturing the beauty in the mundane, mirroring the philosophy of university life to find meaning in everyday moments.

S#!%house (2020)

Cooper Raiff’s melodramatic directorial debut tells the not-so-glamorous tale of fleeing the nest to start university. Those lonely nights hunched up in your bedroom, longing for your mother's hug and trying to decode the minefield of social interaction. Drenched

in vulnerability and silent sincerity, it depicts the harsh reality that comes with moving away from home and feeling like you don't fit in. Unfortunately, not everything is as exciting as the movies make it out to be.

Monsters University (2013)

This lighthearted animated prequel to the childhood classic Monsters Inc. (2001) was many’s first introduction to the concept of university, and it set high expectations!

A playful and heartfelt story about embracing your unique strengths and not letting your differences define you, even when told you’ll never be a scarer. Mike and Sulley's journey from rivals to best friends reminds us to never judge a book by its cover, because sometimes the unlikely pairings turn out to be the strongest friendships.

Pitch Perfect (2012)

If you haven’t sang your heart out to the riff off at a pre’s, then you're doing it wrong. Pitch Perfect presents how at university you'll end up in places you least expect when antisocial, aspiring DJ, Beca, is pushed out of her comfort zone and into the world of Collegiate

A cappella alongside the Barden Bellas. With teamwork, determination and plenty of medleys, Pitch Perfect is a fun and uplifting film about companionship and finding your voice.

A guide to North East film directors: from South Shields to Hollywood

Sasha Cowie - Sports Sub-Editor

Some of the industry's most iconic films were filmed closer than you think...

When people talk about famous film directors, the North East usually isn’t the first place on the list. London, LA, Paris maybe — but Newcastle? Sunderland? South Shields? Not so much. And yet, some of the biggest names in cinema came from here. Which, if you think about it, is pretty amazing. These are people who grew up surrounded by terraced houses, docks and coastlines, and went on to shape how the entire world sees film.

It’s one of those things that makes you look at home differently. The streets you walk down every day, the Metro you take into town — someone else once did the same, and they ended up making Gladiator or Top Gun

You can’t talk about Northeast directors without talking about the Scotts.

Ridley Scott, born in South Shields, is a film legend. He gave us Alien (still terrifying), Blade Runner (arguably the most stylish sci-fi ever made), and Gladiator (which won Best Picture at the Oscars & is one of my favourite films). His films are huge, detailed, and unforgettable. You can always tell a Ridley Scott film — the atmosphere, the scale, the way everything looks like it belongs in a gallery as much as on a cinema screen.

His younger brother Tony Scott, from North Shields, was just as big a deal but in a totally different way. Where Ridley’s films feel epic and heavy, Tony’s were pure energy. Top Gun, True Romance, Man on Fire — the man basically defined 80s and 90s action cinema. His style was fast, colourful and emotional, and people still copy it today.

“ Two brothers from Tyneside became two of the most important directors in Hollywood?”

The fact that two brothers from Tyneside became two of the most important directors in Hollywood? Wow. And honestly, it makes you think: if they could do it, who’s to say it can’t happen again? The Scotts aren’t the only ones who deserve attention. Take Franc Roddam, from Norton in County Durham. He directed Quadrophenia in 1979 — the ultimate Mod film. If you’ve ever seen the parka jackets, the scooters, the fights between Mods and Rockers on the beach, that’s all down to Roddam’s film. But he didn’t stop there, he also created MasterChef. He’s responsible for both a cult British film and one of the biggest cooking shows in the world.

Then there’s Maurice Elvey, born in Stockton-onTees back in 1887. You might not know his name, but at one point he was the most prolific director in Britain. He made nearly 200 films between 1913 and 1957. He pretty much helped build the foundations of the British film industry. Without people like him, there wouldn’t have been space for others to come after.

More recently, there’s Chris Foggin, from Sunderland. He directed Fisherman’s Friends in 2019 — a film about a group of Cornish fishermen who sign a record deal and become famous. It’s one of those warm, feel-good British films that just makes you smile.

And then there’s Jamie Childs, from County Durham. He’s been smashing it in TV, directing episodes of His Dark Materials and The Sandman But he’s also moved into feature films with Jackdaw — and the best part is, he brought it back home to shoot in Teesside. It’s honestly great seeing someone use the North East, not just as a birthplace, but as a proper backdrop for a story.

“We don’t have the big studios or the glossy red carpets - but that’s kind of the point.”

Here’s the thing: the North East isn’t exactly known for its film industry. We don’t have the big studios or the glossy red carpets - but that’s kind point. These directors came from a place that isn’t built for film and still made it anyway. It’s proof that talent doesn’t need a postcode. I think it’s also about

perspective. Growing up here gives you a certain outlook: straightforward, no nonsense, and a bit rough around the edges but in the best way. You can see that in the work; whether it’s Ridley Scott building whole futuristic worlds or Jamie Childs shooting thrillers in Hartlepool, there’s something about North East directors that feels grounded and real.

And it’s not just the big names we already know. There are new filmmakers coming through all the time. Directors like Danielle Goff, James Craggs, Elliot Manarin and Christina Bowen are making shorts, documentaries and indie projects across the region. They’re still early in their careers, but they’re telling stories that feel fresh and modern, while still rooted in local life.

Groups like North East Screen are helping to support them, which is exactly what’s needed. If the past has shown us anything it’s that the region clearly has the talent, it just needs opportunities.

“The North East doesn’t get enough credit for the people it’s given to film”

The North East doesn’t get enough credit for the people it’s given to film. Everyone knows about Ridley and Tony Scott, but the list goes far deeper than that, and it’s still growing. From Quadrophenia to Fisherman’s Friends, from Alien to Jackdaw, the influence of directors from this region is bigger than most people realise.

And honestly, that’s exciting. Because if the North East has already produced world-class directors without a massive film industry on its doorstep, imagine what could happen if the next generation get the right support. The next Ridley Scott, the next Tony Scott, could easily be sitting in a lecture at Newcastle Uni right now, or filming a short on the streets of Sunderland.

Watch this space — the North East isn’t done with cinema yet.

Image source: Clkr-Free-Vector-Images, Pixabay (cap), OpenClipart-Vectors, Pixabay (clapper board)

Why everyone’s obsessed with DIY fridge magnets right now Crafts

Jess Mooney - Head of Current Affairs

This summer's viral hotgirl craft...

Arts and crafts have quietly claimed their spot as the go-to pastime for a relaxed, creative summer. This summer, it’s less about getaways and more about getting creative at home - and actually enjoying the process.

colouring books to bedazzling anything that’ll sit still, to designing custom notebooks with stickers, stamps, and washi tape, the creative girl renaissance is thriving, and delightfully budgetfriendly.

too. Stores like Hobbycraft, Søstrene Grene, and Amazon have everything you need, and your TikTok feed has all the inspiration.

to help you bond with your flatmates

Sapphire Ling - Science Sub-Editor

Let’s take a quick look back. In 2021, it was all about crochet. Then came the foam mirror DIY phase in 2022, with glue guns becoming household staples. By 2023, poetry notebooks took over our nightstands, and in 2024, junk journaling gave us the perfect excuse to save every receipt in the name of art and 2025 is no different.

From calming adult

Still, among all the glue, glitter, and gel pens, one particular trend has stood out. the past two months, my TikTok For You Page has been full of polymer clay fridge magnets. Tiny cereal bowls, pastel cowboy boots, miniature lobsters, fruit slices, and just about every colourful, kitschy idea you can think of.

“The best part? You can get started for under £10. All it takes is a block of polymer clay, some magnet backings, and a bit of creative energy. ”

The best part? You can get started for under £10. All it takes is a block of polymer clay, some magnet backings, and a bit of creative energy. Stock your fridge with mini sculptures that make you smile - and probably impress your guests,

"...a reminder that sometimes the best kind of summer glow-up happens right in your kitchen."

What has The Courier's Editorial Team been reading this summer?

Our favourite poolside page-turners...

No university for three months can only mean one thing. It's time to dedicated all your time and energy into achieving your finished book goal that you set back in January when you were feeling optimistic.

Multiple Writers puns intended). I adore Taylor Jenkins Reid’s (TJR’s) novels. She’s absolutely one of my favourite authors; between her illustrative storytelling, her complex characters, and her ability to transport her readers into decades ranging from the 1950s to the 1980s. By now, I’m sure you’ve heard of TJR’s Daisy Jones & The Six and its successful Amazon Prime TV adaptation (not to mention the incredibly catchy Aurora, which you can stream on Spotify - because yes, it’s a real album). Well, set in the same universe, and just as brilliant, are TJR’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Carrie Soto is Back, and Malibu Rising. And Atmosphere is an excellent addition to TJR’s impressive catalogue. It may even be her best.

The Princess of 72nd Street by Elaine Kraf Having lurked deep in my TBR pile for far too long, this summer I was finally able to read Elaine Kraf’s much-lauded fourth and final novel, The Princess of 72nd Street. Following New York based artist during her seventh period of psychosis - or “radiance”, as she describes it - Ellen transforms into Princess Esmeralda, the self-designed ruler of West 72nd Street. As she attempts to evade “capture” by authorities, ex-lovers and psychotic therapists, she unfailingly performs her “royal duties” as she glides through her Manhattan kingdom.

“ A fascinating commentary on women's struggles against societal conformity...”

Kraf’s genius lies in her dramatic depiction of the inner war between Esmeralda and Ellen; the latter wishes to remain in the radiance of psychosis, obeying any and all whims with little regard for personal safety or responsibility. In contrast to this, Ellen is worn out by her string of abusive and manipulative lovers, while she searches for a stable husband and strives for a simplicity she’s been told she requires in her art. This aggressive personality split is a fascinating commentary on women’s struggles against societal conformity and the search for a fulfilling creative existence, separate from narcissistic male tendencies.

Charlotte Atkinson, Film Sub-Editor Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest novel crash-landed onto our shelves this June, and sales will surely be skyrocketing for one of her greatest reads yet (all

“The complexity that is God, sexuality, existence, and love.”

In true TJR fashion, Atmosphere takes place on the hot tarmac of 1980s NASA’s space program, flip-flopping between two timelines. The first is set onboard a spacecraft facing some tumultuous troubles, with the crew made up of characters we come to understand, love, and root for. The second follows the protagonist Joan’s journey training for this mission. While adventure and excitement are abundant, at its heart, Atmosphere is a love story of both family and queer romance. At several points, particularly the climactic ending, I found myself in tears by the hotel pool, hiding behind a pair of sunglasses at TJR’s incredible style of writing. The complexity that is God, sexuality, existence, and love is communicated beautifully throughout this novel. You’ll find yourself in love with Joan’s love for space, even if you’ve never found yourself all that interested in astronomy.

Charlotte Burley-Hnat, Head of Life and Style

A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami

Titling a book A Wild Sheep Chase at first glance gives a misconception of what might be inside - a book about a sheep chase was not appealing. The blurb talks of a train to nowhere, meeting ordinary and extraordinary people with a girl whose ears make her attractive to a room of men. But, ignoring the title and the blurb, Haruki Murakami makes the everyday internal battle the

Not every social activity has to be a night out!

but Murakami has a clever way of surprising you. I am currently reading the second book, Dance Dance Dance, although you don’t need to read both or in this order to understand either individually. I would recommend reading TWSP first, as it has references that you might want to connect.

Imogen Hayes, Arts Sub-Editor MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios by Dave Gonzalez, Joanna Robinson, and Gavin Edwards

In a break from fiction, over the summer I’ve been catching up on a book I’ve wanted to check out for a while - MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios. This is a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of Marvel Studios from the inception of the Marvel Cinematic Universe up to 2023.

For those of us who’ve grown up with Marvel it’s a really engaging read that examines the challenges faced by key figures, such as Kevin Feige, in shaping one of the biggest media franchises of all time.

You’ll come away with a whole new perspective on the MCU, and a profound hatred for Ike Perlmutter.

Alex Paine, Film Sub-Editor

tarting a new year at university can sometimes mean living with new people, and building a good rapport takes more than just shared chores.

One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to break the ice is a craft night! Craft night isn’t about producing perfect artwork; it’s a chance to get creative together, share some laughs, and make your flat feel more like home. Here are six simple projects to get everyone involved and having fun:

Kick things off by making unique door signs! Use cardbo wooden plaques, or thick paper and decorate with names, colours, or little doodles. It’s a simple way to express personality and brighten up the flat (it also saves everyone from awkward mix-ups when friends/family visit

Grab a pencil, pen, or paint and take turns sketching each other. Don’t worry about making it look perfect, seeing how your flatmates depict you guarantees laughs and

Roll, squish, and shape some air-dry clay and make them into magnets, keychains, or tiny decorations for the flat. Add initials, quirky shapes, or even degree-related designs like a tiny book for an English student or a mini test tube for a Chemistry student. Once they dry and get a splash of colour, you’ve got little reminders of your first flat adventures and items that show off everyone’s interests and personalities.W

4. Paper garlands for your living room Turn scrap paper, magazines, or coloured card into themed or festive garlands. Cut out shapes, letters, or funny patterns and string them up! They can go above fireplaces, along stair banistairs, or above windows. This will definitely make your living room look more welcoming. Bonus: it’s a team effort, and everyone gets to include something they like.

5. DIY coasters

Take plain tiles or cork squares and turn them into fun coasters or mini decoration pieces. Use paint, markers, colourful pens or collage techniques — anything you’ve got lying around. These are practical for flat life and will add character to your kitchen or room!

Craft nights aren’t just about what you make. They’re a chance to hang out, get to know each other, and turn your flat into a space that feels a bit more like yours. With some music, snacks, and a bit of creativity, a few hours of crafting can turn new flatmates into friends.

Image source: Katsampang, Pixabay

Image credit: Amy Mescus

Image sources: RP M, Cong Wang, Unsplash

Crossword

Sudoku

Across

2) Which metal frontman bit the head off of a bat? (4)

3) What is an essential material for a NUSU Procrastiknitting session? (4)

5) What animal is Kiki's familiar in Kiki's Delivery Service? (6)

6) Which Sex and the City character is in Hocus Pocus (6)

9) A cosy drink that returns every autumn. Pumpkin ----(5)

Down

1) What is Rory Gilmore's first name? (7)

4) Autumn seed of a horse chestnut tree. (6)

7) What severed body part does Mae discover in Night in the Woods? (3)

8) Which artist sings autumnal classic 'Spooky'? Dusty ---------- (11)

Name that film:

What classic autumn film does Christina Ricci star in?

Name that film: The Addams Family

Image source: Shankbone, Wikimedia Commons

Image source: ZAIDoopro, Pixabay

Edited by: Noelia Fernández Pérez

European nights at St. James' Park: what to expect from Newcastle United

Tilly Aveyard - Travel Sub-Editor

The start of the season has been exciting for fans and neutrals, but how will it play out the year?

Newcastle’s transfer window began as many others have done, with the release of secondteam players such as Callum Wilson and Isaac Hayden. It came with the signing of four players deemed to progress the level of the newly promoted UCL (UEFA Champions League) side, including right winger Anthony Elanga and defensive midfielder Jacob Ramsey.

The Magpies have also tucked centre back Malick Thiaw and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale under their belt, with Thiaw to underpin the aging defensive line and Ramsdale to take Dubravka’s place as second choice keeper.

Of course, this changed once Alexander Isak announced that he was looking for a move to Liverpool – one

that he has supposedly discussed with other teammates in the past. LFC to be accepted, as Isak joins The Reds on a 6-year contract.

"How

would they sell their star player and find someone to fill his shoes?"

Deadline Day was very busy for the Mags, with Yoane Wissa having also been invited to the North East with a £55m deal to be the new number 9, despite Isak’s move. How does this leave them for the upcoming season? The start of Newcastle’s season has been hungry and of a losing team,” proving the hunger of the Newcastle side, despite their loss.

"The start of Newcastle’s season has been hungry and passionate."

The balancing of Premier League matches, cup draws, and Champions League games will prove difficult for the Mags this season, however, I don’t believe it will be unsuccessful. Should the Magpies manage to utilise their squad depth –of which was filled with Championship players in the last UCL run – there is no reason that they cannot manage to bump their way up to the top five and possibly even

Additionally, this year we see the return of the Tyne-Wear Derby, with Sunderland’s promotion to the Premier League after 7 years. The excitement will only build once we return from the international break... Howay the Lads!

Guess who's back? Black Cats make their Premier League return

Sasha Cowie - Sport Sub-Editor

There might not be Mackems in Milan, but there will be plenty in the Premier League.

After eight long years, Sunderland are back where they belong. New faces, new goals, more experience, but the same ambition. The Black Cats look to become a staple Premier League side once more after a longawaited return.

Paint the town red (and white): vs West Ham (H)

Opening night at the Stadium of Light crackled with energy—which Sunderland channelled into a powerful 3–0 win. Leading the lads out of the tunnel was new captain Granit Xhaka, the more experienced and accomplished signing made in the summer transfer window.

The first half was tense for both sides, seeing chances at both ends but nothing clear-cut. Omar Alderete was substituted on for an injured Jenson Seelt in the 53rd minute to make his debut in red and white stripes in the English Premier League. It took him merely minutes

to then contribute his first assist with a lofted cross to Elizier Mayenda in the 61st minute. The viper picks up where he left off last season as he leaps for the ball and redirects it into the left of the goal, Hermansen and establishing a 1-0 lead.

The second goal was well worked from the righthand side, two new signings coordinated a passage of play in which Reinildo Mandava laid a 5-yard pass to Simon Adingra, who whipped a sublime cross to who else but Dan Ballard. He rose to the occasion, beating two West Ham defenders to the ball and heading it home to put the black cats 2 goals ahead in the 73rd minute. What a way to mark their return.

A

to be able to break down the rigid Burnley defence, and their lack of end product saw them go into half-time goalless. Burnley appeared to have a game plan and it was executed finely through the first half. Opportunities came and went for both sides but nothing clearcut.

Sunderland's Eliezer Mayenda with possibly the best chance of them all, critics claim it should have been converted.

Burnley perhaps with the better chances overall, especially their goal, which was ruled out after a foul on Jenson Seelt in the build-up. With no goals at the break and words to be had by both managers at half-time. A new approach in the second half saw Burnley come out with confidence from the dressing room.

Sharp Wake-Up Call: Burnley (A)

The elation of the opener was swiftly grounded at Turf Moor. The unwanted early departure of Sunderland's promotion hero, Dan Ballard, seemingly set the tone for the fixture as he was forced off due to injury.

While having good spells in possession, Sunderland didn't appear

"Time was running out and Sunderland had yet to find their gears."

A demonstration of flair from Jaiden Anthony as he backheeled the ball into the path of Burnley captain ,Joshua Cullen, who took it nicely and wrapped a low driven shot into the far right corner from the edge of the box. Time was running out and Sunderland had yet to find their gears.

After pressing for an equaliser in the second half, Sunderland couldn't find their rhythm and they sloppily lost possession in the opponents half, outdone by their desperation.

Nine touches, three passes, one goal.

Cullen and Anthony link up again but in reverse. Cullen passes to Anthony, with Xhaka desperately trying to recover the ball, who took it round the Sunderland goalkeeper Roefs and Sunderland fall two goals behind, a mountain to climb to redeem a point from an overall poor display.

defenders and the goalkeeper held his composure and found the back of the net. Only for it to be ruled offside by the finest margins, a shoulder was all it took, but it was enough. Not a lot of noteworthy moments other than that in the first half. Brentford likely looking to build on their game and keep the pressure on, while Sunderland will look to wind their way out of the shackles Brentford cast them in.

Stoppage time scenes: Brentford (H)

Sunderland approach their 2nd home fixture of their Premier League campaign, hoping to pick up where they left off regarding their dominance on home soil in their previous outing at the Stadium of Light. The fans brought the shellshock atmosphere as usual, while kick-off approached.

Sunderland saw themselves figured out by Brentford in the first half. A quick break from Collins after Mayenda was dispossessed and saw Brentford through on goal with Ouattara.

Collins threaded a lovely through ball which split the two Sunderland

82nd minute 1-1. Game on. Chances came and went, but nothing telling for either side. 8 minutes of added time, Sunderland on the left side of the Brentford box. The ball was dropped off to Xhaka, who delivered an inch-perfect cross to Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor, who had come on off the bench and put Sunderland ahead in the 90+6 minute of added time. A newborn child and a newborn habit of scoring in the Premier League for Isidor, what a week for him and what an opening set of fixtures for Sunderland AFC in their return to the Premier League. 6 points in 3 games, not too shabby ey?

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The Lionesses have conquered Europe after World Cup Loss

Ruby Tinkler - Food & Drink Sub-Editor

The Lionesses seemed to start the tournament on the back foot, losing their first group stage game to France two to one. Though they soon found their feet with two landslide victories against Wales (61) and the Netherlands (4-0), sending them safely through to the knockouts.

Though England’s quarter-final match against Sweden was where the drama truly began. The Lionesses trailed behind 2-0 at halftime and kept the crowd on the edge of their seats until two consecutive goals from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang in the 79th and 81st minutes to equalise and push the match to extra time and, eventually, penalties. 9 out of 14 penalties were either missed or saved, but with success from Alessia

It wasn’t until added time that supersub Michelle Agyemang saved the day yet again with a goal in the 96th minute.

Chloe Kelly’s rebounded penalty in extra time then sealed England’s win and place in the final, thankfully avoiding another penalty shootout.

The final against Spain carried heavy pressure for the Lionesses, both to retain their European title and to prove themselves having lost to Spain in the World Cup final in 2023. It was, as expected, a tough match.

Spain dominated with possession and a goal in the first half put them ahead 1-0 at half time.

Alessia Russo’s equaliser put the Lionesses back in the game which then went to extra time. Though this was only delaying the inevitable: another penalty shootout.

The England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton’s impressive saves carried England to victory alongside goals from Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, and, once

again, Chloe Kelly.

The stadium erupted and players ran to celebrate with each other and the fans. These celebrations stretched far beyond St. Jakob Park in Switzerland in what was the most watched women’s football match in history.

"The Lionesses were welcomed home with a victory parade"

The Lionesses were welcomed home with a victory parade and celebration event in London culminating at Buckingham Palace, even featuring a duet between Sarina Wiegman and Burna Boy. Their dedication and the player's resilience, like Lucy Bronze who played the entire tournament on a fractured tibia, once again solidified the Lionesses as role models for all young sports players, but especially young girls in football. The recordbreaking tournament has continued to increase engagement with women’s football and promises a bright future for the sport.

Sinner Sinner, Alcaraz winner: Tennis' biggest rivalry in 2025

Dylan Seymour - Deputy Editor

Amidst both boos and cheers for the onlooking President Trump, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre played host to yet another twist in the sportdefining Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry. The Spaniard emerged victorious on the night, with a dominant 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 display levelling each athlete's Grand Slam total at 2 apiece for 2025.

Though a disappointing tournament for UK tennis, in

his defeated colleague, Jannik Sinner, poising the Spaniard for his 2nd yearend #1 rank.

Typically stronger on the hard courts of the US Open, Italy's Sinner produced an underwhelming performance, yet lost with a brimming smile, content in his victories at Wimbledon and the Australian Open.

The two have won every single one of the last eight Grand Slams between them, leaving the 'old guard' biting the dust of the new. Novak Djokovic's Olympian heroics at Paris 2024 encompassed the greatest achievement in tennis history - a clean sweep. The Serbian's trademark victory roar, however, was also the last hurrah for Tennis' golden era.

"The sport's new golden boys are here to take over, not take part."

2024 was the first year since 2002 that one of Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal failed to win a Grand Slam. With the latter players retired, and the former struggling to compete at the game's summit, this year has served only to solidify the new status quo. The sport's new golden boys are here to take over, not take part.

The rivalry between Spain and Italy's respective #1s was left somewhat blighted earlier in 2025, with Jannik Sinner banned for 3 months following

Is this how you win the championship?

Charlotte Burley-Hnat - Head of Life & Style

It is human nature to want control. In life, in sport, and especially in Formula 1. But racing has a cruel way of reminding everyone that control is an illusion. Engines blow, pit stops falter, tyres degrade faster than predicted. Fate intervenes. And sometimes, fate doesn’t care how carefully you planned your race.

Fate decided at Monza that Oscar Piastri, not Lando Norris, should finish second. Norris had been in front all afternoon, until a sluggish pit stop dropped him behind his team-mate. Had they driven for different teams, that would have been that: Piastri second, Norris third, and the Australian extending his title lead. But they don’t. They drive for McLaren, a team determined to bend fate to its will and micromanage this world championship to the tiniest detail. So, when Norris slipped behind, McLaren told Piastri to hand the place back. Team principal Andrea Stella insisted “the fair thing to do,” invoking the team’s muchdebated

a failed drugs test. Though criticised by the likes of former British No.1 Tim Henman and 2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios, Jannik's sins were judged accidental by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The Italian returned for this year's Roland Garros, and achieved crowning glory on Wimbledon's Centre Court this summer.

Following on from tennis' greatest ever era - one in which even the generational talents of Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka were second-best - was never going to be smooth for new talent in the sport. Professionals looking to carve a legacy are so often left as minnows in the daunting shadow of 'the big three'. If the last two years have shown anything, though, it's that two certain Mediterranean magicians look more than up for the challenge.

"Papaya Rules". The logic was clear: Norris did not deserve to suffer because of a botched stop. Just as in Hungary, when Piastri was told to return the lead after Norris had undercut him thanks to strategy, the team was keen to protect the spirit of equality.

"The team was keen to protect the spirit of equality."

But how fair is fairness when it always comes at the expense of one driver? At Budapest, Norris was asked to return the lead to Piastri after an undercut, even though strategy had put him ahead. At Monza, Piastri was told to move aside when a slow pit stop dropped Norris behind.

What to expect from the Women’s Rugby World Cup

Elin Auld - Relationships Sub-Editor

The Women’s Rugby World Cup kicked off a few weeks ago with nearly 43,000 people at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, the largest attendance for a Women’s Rugby World Cup match ever, excluding millions of fans watching from home. With the tournament well underway, here are the teams and players you should be looking out for.

After the fantastic opening game against the USA, winning 69-7, the England team this year are the favourites to win the tournament.

The World Rugby Women’s player of 2024, Ellie Kildunne delivered a beautiful skilled game with breathtaking tries and try assists and for this reason she is not to be missed in the rest of the tournament.

"Following their 31-31 draw, USA and Australia will be interesting to follow."

The main rivals of England as it stands are New Zealand, Canada and France, and there will certainly be some tense games played as the tournament progresses. Following their 31-31 draw, USA and Australia will be interesting to follow.

The social media sensation, Ilona Maher from the USA side was a force to reckoned with and put in one of her best performances against Australia. There is a surplus of young players entering the tournament for the first time and hoping to make an impression.

The 18-year-old Braxton SorensenMcGee made her debut with the Black Ferns in May and is a player to watch out for.

In the New Zealand vs Spain game she made a perfectly timed offload to Jorja Miller who scored her second try of the match. Also, 18-year-old Australian squad member Caitlyn Halse is a player not to be ignored as she constantly supports her teammates and has thus far scored two tries in each of her matches against Samoa and USA, expertly dodging defenders. Teammate Desiree Miller scored a hat-trick against Samoa and dominated the play throughout. Apart from the big teams, French player Pauline Bourdon Sansus, is widely regarded as one of the world’s best scrum halves, and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe from the New Zealand team returning for her third world cup, having been part of the winning squad in 2017.

Image source: Raph_PH & artokem, Wikimedia Commons

Image source: Hameltion, 350z33 & Spyro92, Wikimedia Commons

Image credit: Alex Duggan

Balancing between books and barbells: how to thrive academically and physically

Noelia Fernández Pérez - Head of Sport

University life is hectic, but carving out time for sport or the gym isn’t a luxury.

University life is a whirlwind of lectures, assignments, social events, and deadlines. For many students, fitting exercise into an already packed schedule feels impossible. Yet, physical activity— whether through sports clubs, gym sessions, or recreational fitness— can be one of the best investments you make in your overall wellbeing and academic performance. Rather than seeing exercise as a distraction from your studies, reframing it as a key pillar of success can help you achieve balance and thrive in both areas.

offer a ready-made support network of peers, while the gym provides a controlled environment that allows you to decompress at your own pace.

Time management is the foundation of balancing academics and fitness.

The key is to treat exercise like a class or seminar—something fixed in your calendar, rather than an optional activity. Start by writing down all your deadlines, lectures, and commitments. Then, find realistic time slots for physical activity. Even two to three sessions a week can have a huge impact if you stay consistent.

It’s easy to see the gym or sports field as “extra” during exam season or periods of high stress, but studies consistently show that regular exercise improves focus, mood, and memory. For students facing long days of lectures and revision, staying active helps combat fatigue and stress, as well as providing a valuable break from sitting at a desk. Physical activity also supports mental health, which is especially important for those adjusting to the pressures of university life.

“The key is to treat exercise like a class or seminar.”

Joining a sports club or making gym time a regular habit is not just about fitness—it’s about building structure, reducing anxiety, and finding a sense of community. Sports teams, for example,

Morning workouts can be a gamechanger for students with unpredictable schedules.

Hitting the gym before classes start ensures your fitness isn’t sacrificed to late-night revision sessions or lastminute social plans. If mornings aren’t realistic, try to carve out time between lectures. Many campuses have gyms within walking distance of lecture halls, making a midday session more convenient than you might think.

For sports club members, training sessions are often set at the same time each week. Treat these as non-negotiable appointments, planning study time around them rather than squeezing exercise in as an afterthought.

“Sports clubs can also provide a smoother entry point to regular activity.”

If you’re new to regular exercise, you don’t need to start with a six-day gym routine. Start small: a 30-minute gym session, a quick run, or even a stretch class can be enough to feel the benefits. The goal is to establish consistency rather than perfection. Once fitness becomes part of your weekly routine, it’ll be easier to increase intensity or frequency.

Sports clubs can also provide a

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smoother entry point to regular activity. They’re social, structured, and often led by experienced coaches, which can help you learn new skills while staying motivated. Joining a club also makes it easier to commit because others are relying on your attendance.

University can be overwhelming, especially for first-year students trying to make friends. Joining a sports club is a great way to combine exercise and socialising, helping you build a support system outside your course. Many universities offer a huge range of clubs, from football and netball to rowing and ultimate frisbee, catering to all skill levels.

“Once

fitness becomes part of your weekly routine, it’ll be easier to increase intensity or frequency.”

If you prefer the gym over team sports, consider finding a workout buddy. Having someone to train with makes gym sessions more enjoyable and creates accountability. Group fitness classes, which many university gyms offer at a low cost, are another way to stay motivated and meet new people.

But exercise isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s a crucial tool for managing stress. A short workout or training session can reset your mood and clear your mind, helping you return to your studies with fresh energy. Rather than seeing exercise as time lost from studying, view it as an investment that makes your study time more productive.

during finals week can prevent burnout and boost focus.

While structure is important, flexibility is equally key. University schedules change frequently, and unexpected deadlines or social events can disrupt your plans. Don’t be discouraged if you miss a session—just adjust. The goal is balance, not perfection.

“Juggling academics and fitness is demanding, so recovery is crucial.”

On particularly busy days, shorter workouts can be your best friend. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions, bodyweight circuits, or quick runs can deliver big benefits in little time. Likewise, sports clubs often have multiple training sessions each week, so missing one isn’t the end of the world. Juggling academics and fitness is demanding, so recovery is crucial. Prioritise sleep, as it supports both learning and physical performance. Aim for at least 7–8 hours a night, and avoid sacrificing rest for late-night workouts or last-minute cramming.

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High-pressure periods like exams often tempt students to drop fitness entirely, but this can backfire. Even a brisk 20-minute walk or yoga session

Nutrition also plays a vital role.

University life often involves quick meals and late-night snacks, but fuelling your body with balanced meals will improve both your athletic performance and your ability to Balancing university life with physical activity isn’t about cramming more into an already packed schedule—it’s about making strategic choices to support your well-being.

Exercise improves focus, mental health, and energy levels, making you more effective in your studies. Whether you join a sports club, hit the gym, or simply commit to regular walks, building fitness into your university routine will pay off both during your degree and long after graduation.

View from the AU

Alex Duggan - Sports Officer

Hello lovely people!

I hope you all had the best summer! I’m so excited to welcome back returning students and meet so many new faces soon. So, what have I been up to over summer? The big project has been a complete revamp of committee training. All the essential (and slightly boring) bits are now online, freeing up our in-person training to just half a day. That session will be lighter, more fun, and focused on what you wanted more of: workshops on sponsorship, club culture, and social media. Plus, it’s a chance to get to know me and the team who’ll be supporting you all year! Nationally, I had the absolute privilege of heading to BUCS Conference as BUCS Student Director. Highlights included delivering a session on club culture and how we can tackle tricky issues like behaviour, hazing, and initiations. I also launched the first Sabb Officer Network Meeting of the year, joined the ASK BUCS keynote panel, featured on the Sport H.E. Live podcast, and even helped present the BUCS Awards! A whirlwind week, but all about making student sport stronger, sustainable, and more inclusive. Now, I can’t wait for a fabulous year of sport here at Newcastle. You can find me out and about on campus, or in the office in the SU or Sports Centre - come say hi!

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Image credit: Newcastle University Students’ Union