Skip navigation

    Study in Newcastle

    City guide

    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)

    What Newcastle's famous for...

    Greggs

    John Gregg traded in his pushbike to open the first Greggs shop here, in Gosforth in 1951.

    Newcastle Greggs shopfront

    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 Toon Army football crowd

    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.

    Newcastle Quayside

    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)

    Newcastle in pictures

    Gateshead Millennium Bridge

    I pass this bridge every day on my way to and from work. It’s beautiful. (Tyler, Northumbria University student)

    Gateshead Millennium Bridge

    The River Tyne

    The River Tyne taken from The Baltic look-out spot. (Laura, second year student at Northumbria University)

    The River Tyne taken from The Baltic look-out spot

    The Leazes Park

    The Leazes Park (Nona Griskeviciute, second year student at Newcastle University)

    The Leazes Park, Newcastle

    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)

    Longsands Beach

    Living in Newcastle

    Housing, transport, and budgeting tips.

    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.

    ​Discover more savings on student life in Newcastle with UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion brands and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.

    Study options

    Find courses and apprenticeships in the North East:

    Advertisements. Why the ads?