History/Politics at Newcastle University

[HeSangOfTimesLongPast]

Does anyone have any experience of History and/or Politics at Newcastle, or of the city/uni in general? Obviously, we’ve not been able to visit, but DS likes the sound of the uni and the course seems to offer plenty of choice.

If your DC is at Newcastle (for any course), how are they enjoying it?

I live in Newcastle and my partner did his masters at Newcastle. Happy to help on the City of I can. What do yuu wnat to know? Where do you live now? What is your dc into doing?

Thanks, Okbussitout. We live in a quiet, rural area so DS is wanting a lively city with lots of shops, bars and entertainment! I understand that the uni is in the city centre, so assume that there is plenty to do within walking distance?

He’s also very sporty and does a lot of running and cycling. Whereabouts would be the best place for that? Is it far to get into the countryside? He’d either be cycling or using public transport to get there.

Both mine went to Newcastle, albeit graduated 6-8 years ago.
One did history.
Great place, lots of sports, close to countryside, very very busy nightlife in normal times, good course.

DD is a History fresher at Newcastle this year. Course is going really well - she enjoys it and feels well supported I think despite current circs. She's looking forward to being able to meet people IRL - online learning is tough and no substitute. She hates having to do almost all of her reading online. I really hope there will be plenty of F2F teaching next year.

DD is at Newcastle, and loves the city, and has made loads of friends. She isn't studying politics so I can't comment on that, but she says that everyone in her house is feeling fed up and unmotivated across a variety of courses simply because it is all online. She is hoping that she can find work there so she can stay as she loves it so much. We are rural and live a long way from the sea, and having everything on the doorstep and the beach just a metro ride away is a big plus.

Because lectures aren't being timetabled to be delivered in real time in a lecture theatre they are being sent randomly, so one week she will get 5 lectures, and another week 27. Last term was a short term as they started late, but they had to get through the same volume of work. She ended up working all through the Christmas holidays except for Christmas day and Boxing day.

Thank you, good to hear that your DC enjoyed/are enjoying Newcastle, despite the online learning. Having everything on the doorstep with nightlife, sports, countryside and even the beach nearby sounds brilliant!

What’s the accommodation like? I think Newcastle is one of the places where you list preferences but it’s allocated randomly after results, is that right? Any advice?

You are correct. DD was in park View for her first 6 months year. It is really nice, and only 3 years old. They are flats of 8, with en suite rooms. It is right next to the medical school.

She has friends who were in Castle Leazes, and they said it was horrible. We looked at Castle Leazes and I thought it was a bit grim as well. Apparently if you take the catered option the food isn't very good, and you have to rush back after late lectures. One of her friends managed to get a room in Park View after Christmas when someone dropped out.

Thanks RampantIvy that’s really helpful.

Castle Leazes also has a bit of a reputation as somewhere where all the "rahs" (privately educated students) go to to slum it, and also has a party reputation. This is what DD and her friends have told me.

In terms of sport there are lots of running clubs all around Newcastle and the park runs at various venues. Cycling is v popular and lots of cycling routes around Northumberland. See lots of cycling clubs out and about at the weekends.