Universities in Newcastle: 2024 Student Guide
Each September, thousands of students descend on northeast England to begin or continue their academic studies at one of the renowned universities in Newcastle upon Tyne, or “the Toon” as it’s known by the locals. Northumbria and Newcastle University are the two universities that make up the student scene in this part of the northeast. Along with being a robust academic hub, the city also offers an incredible blend of history, culture, food, and modern student life. These qualities make it a highly desirable student city, and a favorite weekend destination for tourists from the UK and beyond.
Moving to a new city is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming to be on your own for the first time in a new place. Whether you want to explore the rich history and local culture, dive into the nightlife, discover the famous food scene, or surf at the nearby beaches, this northern city is an unforgettable place to spend your student years at uni. Dive into this guide to learn all you need to know as you begin your academic journey in Newcastle.
Academics & Campus Life
Student Accomodation
Living in Newcastle is relatively affordable since the cost of living in northeast England is generally lower than in other parts of the UK. Students can find affordable on-campus accommodation or a flat within the city and can expect to pay £300-£600 monthly plus the cost of bills.
Places to Study
In addition to student housing, there are lots of study spaces on the university campuses and throughout the city. You can find numerous libraries at Newcastle Uni and Northumbria, and a fantastic public library in the city center which is easily walkable from both universities in Newcastle. If the library isn’t your thing, there are also plenty of unique coffee shops, cafés, and book stores that make great study spaces depending on the study or work environment you are looking for.
The Uni Social Scene
Once you are settled into your student accommodation, and getting familiar with campus, make sure to take advantage of all the opportunities the universities have to offer. The beginning of the semester is the best time to explore the different activities and groups you can get involved with outside of your academic studies. There is a thriving social scene within the university communities including countless clubs, sports, and societies. Along with the annual ‘Freshers Week’ for incoming first year students, there are always sports and societies fairs at the start of each academic year, which allow new and returning students the opportunity learn more about the different clubs and meet existing members. While some of the clubs require a membership cost to join, they are usually very welcoming to newcomers and tend to offer free or inexpensive taster sessions so students can try out lots of different activities and get a feel for the club environment. Whether you are into basketball, surfing, gaming, or French, there is sure to be a community for you!
Budgeting & Finances
Budgeting is an important part of student life, and can be a big adjustment especially for first year students. Although Newcastle is a fairly affordable city, it’s important to pay close attention to your finances and manage your budget in order to make the most of your university experience. Fortunately for students, many of the shops, pubs, and restaurants throughout the city offer student discounts – just make sure to bring your student card with you to take advantage of their deals.
In addition to local discounts, there are apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans which offer an array of student discounts from larger retailers and brands. Make sure to plan your finances carefully, and take advantage of all student discounts and the numerous free activities on campus and around town.
Part-Time Work & Volunteering
For students interested in working part-time alongside their studies, there are plenty of opportunities for on-campus student jobs and volunteering. There are usually many openings posted at the beginning of each academic year, which are continuously updated throughout the year. Whether you are looking to have a regular part-time job a one-time paid gig, this can help keep your finances in check. Be sure to check out the Northumbria University and Newcastle University job hubs to explore openings.
Health & Wellbeing
Healthcare
As you commence your studies, it’s important to prioritize your health and wellbeing to ensure you get off to a healthy start. While British students are likely familiar with the NHS healthcare system, this is something new that international students must navigate. Whether you are British or a foreign student, you are eligible for health coverage and should register with a local GP (general practitioner) as soon as you arrive to ensure all of your medical needs can be taken care of promptly if and when they arise. More information regarding GP registration is also shared by the universities around campus at the start of each academic year.
Sport & Fitness
In addition to basic healthcare, there are fantastic facilities for fitness, wellbeing, and sport at each of the respective campuses, so there are plenty of options for students to stay active and fit during their time at university.
Getting Around
Transportation
As a mid-sized city, Newcastle is quite pedestrian-friendly, which makes it very easy to get around even without a car. Most areas within the city center can be reached by foot within 20-30 minutes, however there are plenty of options for transportation if you’d rather not make the trek by foot. Cycling is a great option, and the universities usually hold second-hand bike sales at the beginning and end of the academic year. Newcastle University also holds periodic free tune-ups and bike evaluations for students and staff, so keep an eye out on your student email for these sessions. A little further away, Recyke y’bike is a fantastic second-hand bike shop offering used bikes and gear for very reasonable prices, making it a stop well-worth visiting for students on tight budgets.
In addition to walking and cycling, there are also plenty of public transportation options including buses, the metro, and the train. Buses are frequent and reliable throughout the city center and beyond, and the metro connects much of north and south Tyneside, while also connecting the city center with the airport to the north, and the coast to the east. If you are looking to venture further outside of the city, the central train station is in the south end of the city center, and is well-situated on the direct line from London to Edinburgh.
Discounts for Transportation
Student discounts are available for the train, bus, and metro, making them affordable. Student metro cards are available for purchase online or at metro stations. If you are interested in exploring beyond the city, the trains in the UK are excellent and reliable, outside of the occasional strike, and discounted 16-25 year old railcards can be purchased online or by going to the local station, offering 1/3 off of all rail journeys. Mature students (over 25 years old) are also eligible for discounted tickets, however you must complete the online forms and get signoff from the university before purchasing your discounted railcard at the train station.
Exploring the Toon
As a historic city brimming with local culture, there is plenty to explore within the city walls. The rich history can be seen everywhere you look, from the castle to the city wall ruins which still border the city. The Town Moor and Leazes Park are two beautiful parks located within the city center, offering green spaces for those who enjoy spending times in the outdoors. The Quayside runs along the Tyne River and offers another lovely place for a walk, and is bustling whenever the sun comes out. The locals, or Geordies as they are known, are a big part of the scene here. They are a charming and friendly bunch known for their thick northern accents and Geordie dialect, which can be sometimes even be difficult to understand, even for native English speakers. They are passionate about their hometown, and welcoming to those who venture up north, whether permanently or temporarily.
Culture and Night Life
Local History and Culture
In addition to the student social clubs on campus, here are also plenty of opportunities to get involved with and explore the local culture. There is a spectacular blend of art and culture along with a vibrant nightlife. From a cultural standpoint, you can explore much of the architecture through the main pedestrian streets of the city center, including Northumberland, Grainger, and Grey Street, all of which make up the heart of the city. There are museums and historical sights everywhere, with the castle, St. James’ park and the Monument making up a few of the city’s famous landmarks. Just south of the city center, the road gradually slopes down Grey Street to the River Tyne, which is home to the city’s spectacular Quayside, offering sprawling walking and cycling paths, cafes, breweries, and its famous Sunday Market.
Loads of pubs, bars, and clubs are tucked in all corners of the city, meaning there is a place for everyone no matter what kind of festivity you are seeking. The epicenter of city nightlife is the Bigg Market, which is home to many of the town’s famous clubs, and a lively gathering place nearly any night of the week, but especially weekends and football match days, when locals and out of towners alike descend on the city to revel in its festive atmosphere.
Sports & Events
Sport is a huge part of the local culture, with St. James’ park being home to the beloved Newcastle United football club, where both the men’s and women’s teams compete. On match days you can be sure to find the local pubs packed with Geordies decked out in their black and white kits cheering on their beloved hometown club. The Eagles basketball club makes for a fun sporting activity during the winter, while the Falcons Rugby is a favorite for students during the autumn months. Student discounts and free tickets for the professional matches are periodically offered by the universities as well, making sport accessible and affordable for all. There are also lots of on-campus sporting events which are free of charge. The university teams compete within the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league, with competitions taking place on Wednesdays throughout the academic year at each of the respective university sports centers. For off-campus activities, the NE1 online hub is great resource to keep up to date with local events and all things going on in the city, from sporting events and Northern Pride events, to the annual favorite restaurant week.
Food & Drink
Finding new places to eat out and get drinks is another fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture. As a renowned foodie city, Newcastle boasts plenty of intriguing options, from coffee shops, to historic pubs, and everything in between. With the lower cost of living compared to other cities, eating out is relatively affordable, however still may be an occasional indulgence for those on a student budget. When you do eat or drink out, make sure to ask for a student discount, as many places throughout the city offer at least 10% off for students who present a valid student card.
Shopping
There are loads of places to shop throughout the city, including larger chains and small businesses. Centrally located Eldon Square is home to many chain shops and restaurants, while Northumberland Street hosts additional shops including the original Fenwick department store, M&S, and Primark. Just south on Grainger Street, Grainger market is a local favorite indoor market boasting many local vendors who provide groceries and other goods at affordable prices including butchers, fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, and more. Open every day except Sunday, it’s a bustling market in the heart of the city, where on any given day you can find a diverse mix of find locals, students, and tourists alike. The Quayside Sunday market is also a weekly staple for many, and is a destination for local foods and homemade crafts. The market takes place on the Quayside from 9.30-16.00 every Sunday throughout the year.
Exploring Beyond Newcastle
If you are someone who occasionally wants a break from the city life, there are plenty north east gems to visit near Newcastle. Whether you want a taste of the coast, countryside, or other nearby villages, there are plenty of day trip options for you to choose from. In under one hour you can go by train to the nearby cities of Durham or York, while in less than 90 minutes you can reach Scotland and its beautiful capital city Edinburgh. If city breaks aren’t your thing, you can instead head for the coast which is reachable within 30 minutes by metro, where you can visit the three beautiful coastal villages of Tynemouth, Cullercoats, and Whitley Bay.
Fancy a trip to the countryside?
Northumberland to the northwest, and county Durham and Yorkshire to the South are home to some of England’s most spectacular stretches of countryside and national parks, packed with natural landscapes and rich in history, and are all easily reachable by car or bus within 2-3 hours. These are just a few of the north east hidden gems waiting for you to discover!
As a student at one of the universities in Newcastle, you will find yourself in diverse city filled with locals, students, and international transplants that is brimming with diversity, and uniquely blending history, culture, and modern student life. Whether you are immersing yourself in the local culture, curling up in a cozy café, or experiencing the vibrant nightlife, Newcastle is a city that will make your student years unforgettable. While you are primarily here to study, uni life is about more than just academics. This autumn, as you begin your student journey or return to campus at one of the universities in Newcastle, make sure that you also take the time to explore the city, try new things, and meet new people so you can truly make the most of your experience living in the Toon!
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