Newcastle Physics Graduation ’26, by Elisaveta Semasheva
For Newcastle University students, the excitement of graduation also entails the beginning of a frantic job search, the bittersweet goodbye to university life, and the heavy uncertainty about the rest of their lives. While some graduates move home as soon as the graduation gown is returned, some choose to stay for the summer, and plan their lives from up North. From working temporarily in order to tide them over until their tenancies run out, to applying to grad jobs in the city they are now fairly accustomed to, to moving away for good, recent graduates separate into many different paths.
As graduate job vacancies have fallen significantly in 2026, competition and pressure has risen for those looking to begin working in their field immediately. Graduates can apply to every relevant job on Indeed as soon as it’s been posted, or even reach out to recruitment teams directly, and that would still not guarantee a place anywhere.
“Originally I’d only send my CV to companies I’ve had my eye on for a while, but it got to the point where as soon as I got an Indeed notification, I’d apply without even reading the job description.” – Eve Sherwood.
The job search process is completely different, and yet equally as challenging for those leaving Newcastle, and those settling in the North-East. A popular decision among students who have graduated in July 2026 has been working temporary jobs in Newcastle while waiting for their tenancies to run out, and then moving to their family home.
“My tenancy is up at the start of September, so right now I’m just picking up a couple shifts with Evri while my friends are still in Newcastle, and then will probably reach out to Siemens once I’m ready for a 9-5.” – Daniel Wilkinson.
Daniel Wilkinson, by Elisaveta Semasheva
Multiple courses offer a popular option of doing a placement year during one’s studies, after which many students are offered a possibility to return to their placement work, depending on their performance during the year in industry. And while that simplifies the job acquisition process, not everyone would like to continue working in a place they have already experienced.
Siemens Energy Newcastle Office, by Elisaveta Semasheva.
While staying up North for a couple extra months can prolong the “university experience” and provide an income while sending out job applications, it can also make the end to university feel less definitive, and cause a feeling of falling behind.
“I was always going to stay for the summer, then travel, and then get a proper job, but I’ve got two friends travelling, one doing a PHD, a couple with grad jobs and the rest moved home, and while I’m sticking to my original plan, I still feel like I’m drifting through life.” – James Dickens.
James Dickens, by Elisaveta Semasheva
While many graduates choose to leave Newcastle after their tenancies run out, some have fallen in love with the city, and decide to settle down. With the recently passed Renters’ Rights Act, tenants are able to prolong their contracts without setting an end date. So for those deciding to settle down, the legislation has been a significant aid, whether due to removing the necessity to move all of their belongings from one place to another, or to beginning a new tenancy in a fresh place with no move-out date.
The North-East offers countless opportunities for graduate employment, equalling high competition and high reward.
“I’m currently auditing at Johnston Carmichael and honestly love it. I worked at Luther’s after graduation, and while many jobs are preferable to Wetherspoons, my office job, and it’s made me decide to stay in Newcastle.” – Abbie Green.
Many may plan on moving after university, but often an unexpected opportunity will arise, which changes their entire plan for the future, and often for the best.
“I really struggled to get a grad job. I desperately didn’t want to work in hospitality, so I stayed in Newcastle for a month, but as soon as I moved home to save some money, I received an offer for basically my dream job, and had to be in London within three weeks.” – Faye Stowell-Horrocks
Even though moving home can be viewed as a step back, for graduates facing rent, bills and an uncertain employment market, it can provide a bit of breathing space as they search for jobs. As a significantly less stressful approach to one of the biggest transitions in a person’s life, the comfort of your old bedroom and some home-cooked meals can provide a clearer perspective and some guidance towards major decisions.
For Newcastle’s most recent graduates, the summer after university isn’t an ending, but rather a waiting room between two stages of life. Some choose to move home for a bit, and some to build a home elsewhere, but the most important part of the process is to take your time, as for the first time there is no timetables or assignments, and everything is up to you.
esnewcastlenews 
Leave a comment