Welcome to Newcastle! A Guide For International Students
Moving to any new city can be scary, and so can starting university. 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.
So, if you’re beginning on your move to Newcastle or Northumbria University as an international student, you’re in good hands. Whether you’re starting an undergraduate or postgraduate course, here’s all you need to know about studying in the UK and life in this vibrant city.
Is Newcastle a good place 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 the friendliest cities in the UK, making it a great place for anyone moving from overseas.
What’s more, it’s home to two fantastic universities (Newcastle and Northumbria) and offers plenty of varied study opportunities.
Newcastle University: what’s it like for international students?
Are you looking to study medical Science, Business, or Engineering? As a Russell Group uni, Newcastle has a strong academic reputation in these fields. However, you can also study an array of other subjects — from Archaeology and Classics, to Music and Fine Art.
How many international students are there at Newcastle University?
Newcastle is a prestigious university and it attracts thousands of students from all over the world. Each year, over 5,000 international students from more than 120 countries attend, making it a wonderful and 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 home city?
Will you be flying into the UK? The university can even arrange a Meet and Greet team to come and collect you from Newcastle International Airport. So, from the moment you land, you’ll be treated with that iconic Geordie warmth!
Living in Newcastle
Once you’ve sorted out your university place and settled in, it’s time to explore all Newcastle has to offer. With a compact city centre, it’s easy to get around Newcastle and there’s a wealth of sights to explore — from museums and art galleries to amazing bars and restaurants, and shops, you’ll never be short of something to do.
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 (which was voted the nation’s favourite in 2021), Newcastle is famous for its notable architecture, industrial heritage, and, of course, Geordie Shore.
Why not sip on a pint of Newcastle Brown Ale as you admire the city’s impressive bridges? Browse the Metrocentre — Europe’s largest indoor shopping mall — and look out for 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. Luckily, Newcastle is one of the cheaper cities to study in, with average prices for accommodation coming in at 50% less than London and Birmingham.
Where do most students live in Newcastle?
When studying in Newcastle, you have a few accommodation and location options. Are you moving to the UK for your undergraduate degree? To get the full Newcastle or Northumbria uni experience, you might want to spend your first year living in halls of residence.
Alternatively, you could opt for a studio apartment or a house share 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 years. The Newcastle city centre is a great choice for finding the perfect studio apartment, close to university campus, shops and places to eat, but we have plenty of student accommodation in Sandyford, student houses in Jesmond, flats in Spital Tongues, and rental properties in Heaton, all of which are popular student areas in Newcastle, especially for friendly student house shares.
Find your home from 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 aim 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 home quickly and smoothly. You might be wondering how you can view a property without being in the country but don’t worry. We can book virtual online viewings so you feel 100% confident in your choice.
Will your flight arrive in the middle of the night? No problem, we’ll make sure you can access your new home 24/7.
Take a look at our properties for international students. If you have any more questions about moving to Newcastle with Seekers, please get in touch and drop us an email. We can’t wait to welcome you to Newcastle!
