Welcome to Newcastle! A Guide For International Students
Moving to university and a new city can be scary. Add in moving to a whole new country, and it’s no surprise that many international students feel nervous as enrolment approaches. Fortunately, Newcastle is one of the most friendly and welcoming cities in the UK. To help you get settled, we’ve put together a guide for international students.
So if you’re moving to Newcastle or joining Northumbria University as an international student, you’re in good hands with Seekers. Whether you’re starting an undergraduate or postgraduate course, here’s all you need to know about your new home, from finding your ideal student property, to things to do in Newcastle around your studies.
Is Newcastle a good place to study for international students?
You’ve probably heard Newcastle described as lively, friendly and welcoming - and this is certainly true! In fact, it regularly tops the polls on lists of friendliest cities in the UK, making it a great place for anyone moving from overseas. What’s more, it’s also home to two fantastic universities (Newcastle University and Northumbria University), and offers plenty of varied study opportunities.
Newcastle University: What's it like for international students?
Newcastle has a very strong academic reputation, with Northumbria University and Newcastle University being the most sought after universities in the North East. No matter your career ambitions and academic interests, both universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses to suit all your goals.
Some of Northumbria University’s most popular courses include: Law, Mechanical and Civil Engineering - or Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering if you wish to combine majors - Computer Science, Business Management (Business and Human Resource Management, Business and Marketing, Business and Supply Chain Management and more), and Biomedical Science. They also offer various Economics, Architecture and Design courses.
As a Russell Group university, Newcastle University offers a world-class education. Their most popular courses include Law, Civil Engineering, Computer Science (Game Engineering), Economics and Business Management, Architecture, Medicine and Surgery, Psychology and Biomedical Sciences.
How many international students are there at Newcastle University?
Newcastle is a prestigious university that attracts thousands of students from all around the world every year. Official figures for the 2024/25 academic year showed a total of 5,694 registered international students, making it a welcoming, multicultural hub.
When you arrive in Newcastle, you’ll be invited to the university’s International Welcome. Here, you can attend information sessions and get involved in social activities to meet other students. What better way to settle into your new city?
Living in Newcastle
Once you’ve secured your place at university and have settled in, it’s time to explore what student life in Newcastle is like. With a compact city centre, it’s easy to get around Newcastle and there are many places you can venture to. For more information on where to visit, check out our blog on Top Ten Metro Destinations for Students.
You’ll also have access to the most incredible bars and restaurants in Newcastle, as well as shops, museums and art galleries. You’ll never be short of things to do.
Newcastle University and Northumbria University offer a wide variety of student societies, faith groups and international clubs that you can get involved in. Some of Newcastle University’s societies, to name a few, include acapella, baking, board games, Bollywood dance and book club. For students of faith, Newcastle University has Christian societies, Catholic societies and more.
Northumbria University’s societies include climbing, art, criminology and sociology, film, chess club, ice skating and more. They also have societies that cater to those of Chritsian, Islamic and Catholic faith, as well as clubs for all cultures: Malaysian, African-Caribbean, Greek and Cypriot, Vietnamese and more. These clubs and societies are an excellent way to make friends, and stay connected with your heritage while you’re studying abroad.
What is Newcastle famous for?
We’ve already talked about Newcastle’s friendly reputation, but what else is the city known for? Aside from a distinctive regional accent, Newcastle is famous for its notable architecture and industrial heritage.
Why not sip on a pint of Newcastle Brown Ale as you admire the city’s impressive bridges, or browse the Metrocentre if you’re looking for some quality shopping in Newcastle. If you’re looking for some stunning landmarks, why not visit the Angel of the North?
Is Newcastle affordable for students?
An international house move brings a lot of changes, not least working out what you can afford in a new currency. The cost of living has gone up everywhere, however Newcastle ranks in the top 10 most affordable UK cities for students, and is around 27% cheaper than London (excluding rent).
Where do most students live in Newcastle?
There are many places to choose from when it comes to student properties in Newcastle. If you’re moving to the UK for your undergraduate degree, you may consider moving into halls of residence for the full university experience.
Alternatively, you could opt for a studio apartment or one of our student houses in Newcastle. This can be a great way to experience life in the heart of Newcastle, particularly if you’re applying for a postgraduate course or looking for accommodation in your second and final year. Newcastle city centre is a great choice for finding the perfect student property near campus, as well as places to eat, drink and shop. Check out our Reasons to Rent in Newcastle City Centre blog for more information.
We have plenty of student accommodation options available, from student houses in Sandyford and student houses in Jesmond, to student lets in Heaton and more. With Seekers, you’ll get to choose from a wide range of locations and types of student accommodation in Newcastle.
No matter where you choose to live, all of our student accommodation locations offer easy access to Newcastle University and Northumbria University. You can travel to campus and the city centre via the Metro, or via a number of buses that have transport links to Newcastle. If you love discovering new places, each location has landmarks to admire. If you’re in Jesmond, you’re just a few minutes walk from Jesmond Dene, and if you’re in Gateshead, you can hop on a 5 minute bus to the Metrocentre, the North East’s largest shopping mall.
When it comes to entertainment, Newcastle has it all. If you fancy a trip to the cinema, head to Tyneside Cinema or visit Newcastle's Theatre Royal to watch a musical or play. If you’re looking to learn something new or admire modern art, head to the Great North Hancock Museum or Laing Art Gallery.
Find your student home in Newcastle with Seekers
Welcome to Newcastle upon Tyne! At Seekers, we recognise the extra pressure that can come with travelling overseas for your studies, and we’re here to relieve some of that pressure. We’ll help you find your perfect digs - whether that’s a city centre apartment or a large house share.
Our team members can offer support and make your move to Newcastle as stress-free as possible. We’ll help you arrange everything ahead of time so you can move in and enjoy your new home. You might be wondering how you can view a property without being in the country, but don’t worry. You can book virtual online viewings so you feel 100% confident in your choice.
Take a look at our available student properties in Newcastle for international students. If you have any more questions about moving to Newcastle with Seekers, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to welcoming you to Newcastle.
