The ultimate A-Z of being a Newcastle University graduate
With a new academic year about to start on campus, we’re feeling nostalgic about our own student days. And it made us realise that there are lots of unique things (26 in fact) that Newcastle students across the generations have in common...
21 September 2026
A - Arches
Whether it was crowding under them to discover your degree result or taking a selfie in front of them with your dissertation in hand, our iconic Arches are at the heart of all alumni memories of university.
B – The Boat
In 1983 on the south bank of the Tyne, history was made as students climbed aboard the Tuxedo Princess for the first time. A moored ship called the Tuxedo Princess (affectionately known as ‘The Boat’ by alumni and patrons) is a legend in Newcastle’s history, a floating nightclub featuring a revolving dancefloor and a DJ decked out in naval uniform that remained open until 2007.
C – Coat
Or should that be no-coat? Everyone knows it’s a cardinal sin to go out on the Bigg Market with one on (yes, even if it is snowing!)
D - Diamond Strip
The Diamond Strip around Collingwood Street is the go-to spot for a classic Newcastle night out. Back in the noughties, it wouldn’t be unusual to bump into a NUFC player or Geordie Shore cast member while drinking trebles in Perdu (if you could hack the long queue to get in!)
Today, the Diamond Strip is home to Katy O’Briens Irish bar, split-level club ChachaBuchi and ball pit bar Howlers.
E – Ethel Williams
Dr. Ethel Williams made history as the first female doctor in Newcastle, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. Many alumni will know her name for the student accommodation in Benton that was named in honour of her.
Opening in 1950 to serve our female student community, Ethel Williams Hall was a popular hall of residence until it was partly demolished in the 1990s to make way for the Williams Park residential development. Today however, the old vicarage and neighbouring North House have been converted back to private residences.
F - Francesca’s
A firm favourite amongst our alumni community, this Jesmond staple offers carb-loading like you’ve never seen, with half-pizza-half-pasta the highlight of the menu.
G – Great North Run
Founded by honorary graduate and Olympian Sir Brendan Foster in 1981, each September thousands of keen runners pound the pavement from Newcastle to South Shields in the world’s biggest and best half marathon. Even if you haven’t taken part, you’ll certainly remember the atmosphere and the echoes of ‘oggy oggy oggy’ under the Central Motorway!
H – The Hoppings
One of Europe's largest funfairs, the Hoppings descends on the Town Moor every summer. Legend has it that each year, the Hoppings brings rain upon its 50,000+ visitors without fail. But that often doesn’t stop thrill-seeking students from venturing down and riding the dodgems after too much candyfloss!
I – Inhaler
i.e. the vital piece of kit needed when making the treacherous climb up the Side from the Quayside to the Empress or neighbouring Tup Tup Palace. This steep cobbled street is not for the faint-hearted!
J - Jesmond Tesco
There aren’t many guarantees in life, but one is that you will bump into someone you know while browsing the shelves at West Jesmond Tesco in your pyjamas after a late night in the Marj.
K – Karaoke at Cosy Joe’s
A staple of Newcastle’s nightlife for the past 16 years, karaoke bar Cosy Joe’s is located on Groat Market in the former Macey’s bar. As famous for its sticky carpet as its powerful renditions of Sweet Caroline, a private booth at Cosy Joe’s is often the final stop on a student night out on the Bigg Market. What’s your go-to song?
L - Lovers Lane
Nestled behind the RVI, this winding tree-lined path connects the old part of campus with the more modern concrete buildings of the 1980s. Early in the morning you’ll find medical and dental students cycling down Lovers Lane to get to lectures, and later in the afternoon the lane is awash with fitness fanatics heading to the university gym.
M – Meet me at Monument
All roads lead to Monument in Newcastle city centre – it’s our North Star! Students across the generations have used the impressive column as a meeting point with friends, either for a brunch at Olive and Bean followed by a mooch around Eldon Square, or before a big night out on the Bigg Market!
N – Newcastle Brown Ale
For almost 100 years, this iconic brown nectar has been washing down stotties in the Toon. And if you were a student during the 80s and 90s, you’ll definitely recall the hoppy smell of brewing beer drifting over campus from the Newcastle and Scottish Breweries near St. James Park!
O – Osborne Road
The beating heart of student suburb Jesmond, Osborne Road has been home to student accommodation for Newcastle students since the 1950s. It’s also a lively alternative for a night out if you can’t be bothered walking into town! Alumni may remember evenings in Trotter’s Wine Bar, Bar Blanc or the infamous day sessions of St. Paddy’s Day.
P – ‘Pet’
No, not your childhood dog. The quintessential Geordie term of endearment, you may have been affectionately called ‘pet’ while buying your fruit and veg in Grainger Market or by the number 1 bus driver as you hopped on at Chilli Road.
Q – Quilliam Brother’s Teahouse
First opened in 2013 in the Claremont Building on campus by local brothers Sam, Patrick and Tom, Quilliam’s offered tasty treats and an extensive tea menu to students for over five years. The challenge to make the way through the full tea menu was competitive, whether it was fuelling a dissertation writing session or you were enjoying an artsy film in the basement cinema at the venue. Open until midnight and with an array of board games available, Quilliam’s was also a great sub for a night out when exams loomed and you’d spent all day in the neighbouring Robbo.
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R – The Robbo
Speaking of… The Robinson Library was designed by Newcastle University alumnus Harry Faulkner-Brown and opened its doors to students for the first time in 1982. Named after a local bookseller and benefactor of the university, today the Philip Robinson Library is accompanied by its ‘wife’, The Marj, on campus.
S - Stotties
A staple in the diet of any respectable Geordie (and Newcastle student!). Whether you bought yours from a kiosk at Haymarket, the café at the Robinson Library or one of the many Gregg’s in the city centre, you had to have one in your lunchbox.
T - Town Moor cows
When you move to a city for university, the last thing you expect to see on your walk to lectures is a herd of cows. But that’s exactly what you get on the Town Moor! The ancient agreement with the Freemen makes Newcastle one of just two places in the country with an oasis of green in their centre and the right to graze cattle there. While we can neither confirm or deny whether a cow was snuck into Castle Leazes via the lift, we can confirm that the springtime sight of 500 cattle grazing on the Moor is the highlight of our year.
U – Union nights
While Newcastle city centre is famed for its nightlife, students don’t have to venture that far from the lecture hall for a cracking night. Over the years, the SU has been home to the Cochrane Lounge, Global Café, the Long Bar and Mens Bar, catering to all music tastes and drink preferences (if that drink preference is a pint of Exhibition or Broon).
V - Varsity
Our decades-long sporting rivalry with neighbours Northumbria University began in the early 1990s with the Stan Calvert Memorial Cup. Today known as ‘Varsity’, each spring our student sports stars compete with the Northumbrian rivals across a range of team and individual sports. In March 2026, Newcastle retained the title for our fifth consecutive year!
W – Wednesday Sports Nights
If you walk through Newcastle on a Wednesday night, you’re likely to bump into the Avengers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and a herd of farmyard animals! How? Wednesday is typically the night our hundreds of sports clubs and societies enjoy a night out with their members, and what’s the fun in wearing regular clothes?!
X – Xmas Window
Fenwick’s Christmas Window has been delighting shoppers on Northumberland Street since the 1970s. Taking on a different theme each year, the very first in 1971 was Camberwick Green, a beloved children’s TV show from the '60s, featuring stop-motion puppets and gentle village stories. Last year, students were treated to scenes from A Christmas Carol!
Y – Yum Yums after a night out
Thank you 24-hour Greggs.
Z – Zebra
Bear with us on this one… The dress code for 50,000 football fans on a Saturday afternoon, black and white stripes are synonymous with Newcastle.
Students who spent their first year living in Leazes Terrace reported being able to see at least half the pitch during games before the Leazes Stand was built up, and many convert to lifelong Toon supporters after graduating.
If you’re not a football fan though, it’s probably best to avoid getting the Metro on matchdays – especially if it’s a derby!
