Study in Newcastle

Newcastle at a glance

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)

City highlights

Newcastle’s Quayside is one of the most iconic parts of the city, with the Millennium Bridge linking to cultural hubs like the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and Sage Gateshead concert hall. The city is also home to St. James’ Park, a must-see for football fans, and the Great North Museum for a deep dive into natural history and archaeology. Explore Grainger Market and Grey Street for shopping, and enjoy panoramic views from Newcastle Castle or the top of Grey’s Monument.

Quayside: Along the banks of the River Tyne, Quayside provides art, music, and culture venues. 

Transport tips

Getting around Newcastle is straightforward. The city has its own Metro system, which connects the centre to suburbs, the coast, and Newcastle International Airport. Students can get discounted travel passes, and local buses also serve the wider region. Newcastle Central Station provides excellent train links across the UK, including direct services to London, Edinburgh, and Manchester.

Accommodation

Most students in Newcastle live in areas like Jesmond, Heaton, and Sandyford, which offer a good mix of housing types, local shops, and nightlife. Both universities provide accommodation for first-year students, and private rentals are generally affordable compared to larger UK cities. Newcastle is widely considered a safe and supportive student city, with active student unions and international societies helping new arrivals settle in.

Accommodation advice

Where to eat

Newcastle’s food scene has something for everyone. Head to Chinatown for authentic Asian cuisine or visit Jesmond Dene House for fine dining in a historic setting. Grainger Market is a great place for cheap eats, while restaurants on Osborne Road and Grey Street cater to all tastes and budgets. Student favourites include Zapatista for Mexican, and Ernest in the Ouseburn for brunch and coffee.

What to visit

There’s always something to explore in Newcastle. Visit the Victoria Tunnel for a tour through the city’s wartime past, or spend the day at the Life Science Centre with its interactive exhibitions. Take a walk through Jesmond Dene, a beautiful park just outside the city centre, or enjoy an evening at the Theatre Royal or Live Theatre. From modern art to ancient ruins, the city has it all.

Jesmond Dene: a beautiful walk.

On your doorstep

Newcastle is perfectly placed for exploring the North East. Take a short Metro ride to Tynemouth or Whitley Bay for a day at the beach. Hadrian’s Wall and the Northumberland countryside are nearby for hiking and history. You can also take weekend trips to Durham, the Lake District, or Edinburgh—all easily reachable by train.

Tynemouth: just a short journey from Newcastle.

Basic safety

It’s important to adhere to basic safety practices when studying and living in any city. Being aware of your surroundings is always wise, especially in busy and populated areas.

Some basic advice from the Metropolitan Police will help to ensure you stay as free from crime as possible:

• Keep your valuables hidden and don’t carry large amount of cash.
• Beware of scams, such as street hustlers, unlicensed taxis, and non-official sellers.
• Keep your belongings, shopping, and luggage close to you at all times.
• Don’t leave your drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.
• Travel as a group and always make sure you tell your friends you got home safely, and vice versa.
• Double check all taxis have a visible and valid licence before using them.