Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme at a glance
Together, Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme offer students a well-rounded university experience. Stoke, known as the World Capital of Ceramics, is rich in industrial heritage and vibrant regeneration, while Newcastle-under-Lyme provides a market town atmosphere with green parks, independent cafés, and strong community feel.
Home to both the University of Staffordshire and Keele University, this area provides excellent transport links, low living costs, and a warm welcome for students.
Newcastle-under-Lyme is an old market town with a nice compact centre, which I like as it is easily walkable. Stoke-on-Trent is a small city made up of six towns, with the city centre being in Hanley. The Potteries shopping centre has all the main shops – the Potteries name coming from Stoke formerly being the centre of the pottery industry. (Second year student, Keele University)
Train station
Student population
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City highlights
Explore Stoke’s famous pottery museums like the Gladstone Pottery Museum and World of Wedgwood. In Newcastle-under-Lyme, visit the Brampton Museum and relax in Queen’s Gardens or Lyme Valley Parkway. Students can enjoy cinema, live music, markets, and festivals across both towns.
The home of pottery: Stoke-on-Trent is the World Capital of Ceramics, and affectionately known as 'The Potteries'.
Student life in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Treat yourself
Sunday chilling
When family visit
Low on cash
Transport tips
Both stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme are served by frequent buses, including First Potteries and D&G Buses, and connected via Stoke-on-Trent train station. Students can travel easily to Manchester, Birmingham, and London. Discounted student travel passes are available, and local cycle paths and walking routes help students get around campus and town efficiently.
Accommodation
Students studying at the University of Staffordshire or Keele University live across Stoke and Newcastle-under-Lyme. In Newcastle, popular areas include Silverdale, Westlands, and near the town centre. Stoke student hotspots include Shelton and Hanley. Both the city of Stoke-on-Trent and the town of Newcastle-under-Lyme offer affordable rent, accessible amenities, and excellent student support services, from housing advice to international student wellbeing.
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Where to eat
Students in both towns enjoy a variety of global cuisine. In Stoke, try The Quarter at Potbank or Miso Japanese resturant. Newcastle-under-Lyme favourites include Art of Siam, Capello Lounge, and independent street food stalls at monthly markets. There are vegan, halal, and budget-friendly options across both towns.
What to visit
Visit Trentham Gardens and Monkey Forest for nature and wildlife, or explore Apedale Country Park and the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle. Museums, escape rooms, cinemas, and theatres across the two towns give students plenty of options for study breaks and socialising.
Trentham Estate: Over seven hundred acres, including award-winning gardens, an enormous lake, woodland, and a wide range of shops.
On your doorstep
Stoke and Newcastle are gateways to the Peak District and Staffordshire’s countryside. Students can visit Alton Towers, Cannock Chase, and historic towns like Stafford or Shrewsbury. Manchester and Birmingham are just over an hour by train, offering world-class shopping, food, and music.
Stoke’s nightlife is rather diverse. Around the town centre and nearby areas there are a wide range of night clubs, bars and lounges. So no matter how you like to spend your nights out, there is an environment to suit everyone.
Stoke is a city full of history and culture. It feels like a melting pot of different cultures and histories, creating a city filled with art and surrounded by nature in the distance.
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.
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