Your Guide to NewcastleGateshead

The third year History and Politics student is loving learning and great time management skills mean he is successfully managing his “double life.”

David – or “Jaff,” as he’s known in the band – together with bandmates Ross Millard, Barry Hyde and drummer Dave Hyde - plays to sell-out crowds across the globe.

The Futureheads is one of the North East’s most successful bands, having played with the likes of the Kaiser Chiefs, The Killers and the Foo Fighters. Their big break came in 2001 when they became a “managed” band and David was able to quit his job as a labourer and concentrate on his music.

David turned down an offer to go to university at 18, choosing instead to focus his energies on the band. But a family loss prompted him to reconsider his future plans. He chose Northumbria based on recommendations from friends.

He said: “When you’re in a band, people say ‘yes’ to you all the time…you end up being top of some weird social hierarchy that you never ask for. And then you come to university and you realise just how pitifully little you know.

“At the same time, being at university is like having an amazing life that you’ll never get to live again. It’s an amazing experience to have. I think people should realise they are lucky to go to university.”

David describes his time at Northumbria as life-changing and is quick to rate the support he’s had from teaching staff.

“I would recommend Northumbria, I think it’s great. The lecturers here are young and vibrant and they’ve always got time for you. I go and see the lecturer before an essay – I do the reading they suggest as well as the module guide, then I write it and then I go and see them for feedback. And they don’t have to do that. I think they are really good.

“Sometimes people should just go to university because it’s good to know things – because you don’t know everything. It’s good to learn things and you can only learn things from really clever people – and clever people who care enough to teach you. It has completely altered my life. Higher Education rocks your world in a really good way.”

For more on The Futureheads, visit www.thefutureheads.com

Great North run culture

NewcastleGateshead is, of course, home to the world’s most iconic half marathon – the Bupa Great North Run. Established in 2005 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this spectacular sporting event, Great North Run Culture celebrates and explores the special connection between sport and art with specially commissioned work and exhibitions delivered in partnership with the region’s many venues and attractions. Key work in 2013 includes A Mind Full of Nothing but Continue at The Sage Gateshead, the premiere of Maximo Park frontman Paul Smith’s new choral work inspired by the Bupa Great North Run itself and a new film by artist Melanie Manchot featuring ten free runners.

Shopping

NewcastleGateshead boasts a varied retail offering, mixing independent boutiques with high-street mainstays. Newcastle has one of the UK’s largest city centre malls, Eldon Square, and the original Fenwick department store established in Newcastle in 1882; while Gateshead boasts Metrocentre, Europe’s largest shopping centre.

Food panis: 61-65 High Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 6BX www.paniscafe.co.uk

A stylish family-run café/restaurant. Red hot on friendly service. northside Diner: (Within Fenwick Department Store) 39 Northumberland Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE99 1AR www.fenwick.co.uk electric east: Waterloo Square, St James’ Boulevard, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4DN www.electric-east.co.uk

Northside Diner is a fun, friendly 1950s style diner serving much-loved American classics.

Electric East offers a range of innovative dishes from Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.

The Boiler shop: Robert Stephenson Centre, Sussex Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3PD www.theboilershopsteamer.com

Down at The Stephenson Works on Sussex Street a new monthly food, drink and entertainment extravaganza has taken the city by storm.