Renowned for its cracking nightlife, and with a staggering 42,000-strong student population, Newcastle will show you a good time.
Unlike many larger cities, Newcastle is small enough to feel comfortable in. I've found it to be an amazingly friendly city. Strangers in the street smile and are kind. Coming from the south, this felt very different. There are some lovely green spaces, such as Jesmond Dene and Exhibition Park, [to] escape from city life. The sea is just a short metro ride away. (Newcastle University student)
Newcastle nightlife, according to students
Newcastle is famous for its ‘pocket-friendly’ nightlife. There are pubs and clubs for all music tastes. The most popular area is the Diamond Strip/Greys Street, where most of the clubs are. There’s also the Quayside, which is great for cocktails, or a more sophisticated night. Jesmond is popular on bank holidays, and with second year students who live nearby. It has lots of good bars and pubs. but is more relaxed than Newcastle centre. (Third year student, Newcastle University)
Toon Army
Shearer, Keegan, and Gazza are considered gods by some of football's most devout fans.
Newcastle nightlife, according to students
Newcastle is known for its nightlife, and normally at a decent price. You’re spoilt for choice [for] bars or clubs. If you are looking for LGBT places, there is the ‘Pink Triangle’ near to the Centre for Life, where you’ll find a few different clubs and bars with regular events. (Newcastle University student)
Quayside
Along the banks of the River Tyne, Quayside provides art, music, and culture venues including The Sage and BALTIC, a contemporary arts centre.
Student life in Newcastle
Local gems, tips and things to do, as recommended by students.
Low on cash
The Baltic has a great viewpoint, and it’s free to enter and look around at the art. You can then stroll along the Quayside, and take a trip to Jesmond Dene which is really pretty. (Second year student, Newcastle University)
Friday feeling
Stack or By the River Brewing Company are filled with bars and food vendors. At the weekend, they have live music and DJs playing until the early hours. (Newcastle University student)
Sunday chilling
I’d suggest getting the metro to Cullercoats, and walking along to Tynemouth beach. It’s a really nice area, and there’s a huge market every Sunday. (Second year student, Newcastle University)
When family visit
Take a trip to Alnwick Castle, the home of Harry Potter, or to the historic city of Durham. (Newcastle University student)
Feeling cultural
The Tyneside Cinema is a lovely independent cinema, which supports homeless charities in Newcastle. It’s also got a lovely bar on the ground floor. (Second year student, Newcastle University)
Grab a bite
I absolutely love The Dispensary, an independent cafe known for their pancakes (look them up on Instagram!). Their pancakes are the best I have ever tasted. (Newcastle University student)
Treat yourself
Eldon Square is the main shopping centre in Newcastle. The Metro Centre is the second biggest in the UK, and just a ten-minute bus journey from the city centre. (Second year student, Newcastle University)
Catch up with mates
The Hancock pub is great for student deals. It has a nice atmosphere, and is a short five-minute walk from [Newcastle University]. (Second year student, Newcastle University)
The River Tyne
The River Tyne taken from The Baltic look-out spot. (Laura, second year student at Northumbria University)
The Leazes Park
The Leazes Park (Nona Griskeviciute, second year student at Newcastle University)
Living in Newcastle, according to students
Jesmond is a really lovely area. There are parks nearby, [and] shops and pubs as well. [Plus] a few hotels for visiting relatives. It's about a 20-minute walk to campus, but has good transport links thanks to its two metro stations. (Second year student, Newcastle University)
Longsands Beach
(Stuart McCabe, Northumbria University student)
Living in Newcastle, according to students
Sandyford – I wanted to live close to the city centre, and the rent [here] was more affordable than other areas like Jesmond. Sandyford is a perfect place for students to live. You are super close to town (ten – 15 minute walk), and sandwiched between the two other student areas, Jesmond and Heaton. Generally, Newcastle student areas are very safe, and really nice places to live. Sandyford has some great independent restaurants, such as Scream for Pizza (best pizza ever). They have an excellent chippie, Starbeck chip shop, and corner shops. The only downside is the lack of a supermarket, the nearest being a 15-minute walk. (Newcastle University student)
Average weekly rents*
- Private landlord
- £64 - £109
- Cheap
Housing value for money*
- Good deal
Local transport*
- £17.00
- 7 Day Go North student ticket
- (Bus)
Where you'll find students*
- Jesmond
- Sandyford
- Heaton
*Average mean rents via Spareroom.co.uk (Feb 2017). Value for money via Which? University Survey 2016. Local transport via local operators' website.
Student money tips
Grainger Market is a vegan/veggie lifesaver, with the cheapest fruit and veg I've ever seen. Five avocados for a £1! (Second year student, Newcastle University)
The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.
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