What is Student Life in Newcastle Like?
We know that moving to university is an exciting and daunting experience, especially if you’re relocating to a new city.
For students, life in Newcastle offers a perfect blend of studying for your degree and endless opportunities for socialising, exploring and making lifelong memories. To learn more about what Newcastle has to offer, check out our Things To Do in Newcastle Around Your Studies blog.
We’re here to give you an overview on what student life in Newcastle is like, from the best places to eat and drink in Newcastle, to our available student accommodation in Newcastle.
Living in Newcastle
Whether you’re studying your degree at Newcastle University, or have chosen an undergraduate course at Northumbria University, you’ll need easy access to their campuses in Newcastle city centre for daily lectures, seminars, sports facilities and social activities.
At Seekers, we have student properties in Newcastle in a variety of locations, from student houses in Jesmond and Spital Tongues, to student accommodation in Heaton and Sandyford.
Whether you’re in first, second or your third year, or coming to study in Newcastle for your masters or PHD, we have a wide range of student homes in Newcastle for you. The most popular locations for student properties in Newcastle include:
Jesmond: A vibrant area that is popular amongst many students and known for its independent cafes, artisan bakeries, boutique shops and easily accessible supermarkets, Jesmond is a wonderful place to live. View our available student lets in Jesmond.
Sandyford: Close to Newcastle city centre and both university campuses, Sandyford offers a more residential feel. Sandyford happens to be right on the doorstep of Jesmond Dene, one of Newcastle’s greenest and most tranquil spaces - perfect for a stroll between lectures or as a peaceful revision spot. View our available student houses in Sandyford
Heaton: An affordable option for students living in Newcastle, Heaton offers a range of amenities a stone’s throw away from your door, from popular cafes and green spaces and parks, to handy convenience shops and a diverse culinary scene. View our student accommodation in Heaton.
Newcastle City Centre: Ideal for students who want to be amongst the hustle and bustle of Newcastle City Centre. Everything is within walking distance, from the university campuses and shops, to Newcastle’s best restaurants and coffee shops in Newcastle to study in. Check out our available student properties to rent in Newcastle.
Whichever area you choose to live in, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet new people and find new friends who are living and studying in Newcastle just like you.
Exploring Newcastle: What to do and where to go
When you move to a new city for university, there are so many new things to do and places to explore. The city is packed with things to do around your studies, from cultural experiences and green spaces to explore, to Newcastle’s nightlife and activities to enjoy.
The Quayside: One of the most picturesque parts of the city, Newcastle Quayside is perfect for a stroll, a bite to eat or a night out. Our top picks include: Scenic views of the iconic Tyne Bridge, a stroll over the Millennium Bridge to the Quayside’s weekend market, experiencing a musical act at The Glasshouse, and an inspiring visit to The Baltic art gallery.
Nightlife: It’s what Newcastle is famous for, with countless bars, clubs and pubs to choose from. Whether you’re into live music, clubbing, or just a quiet drink with friends, there’s something for everyone. From popular student bars in Newcastle like Rusty’s (Newcastle’s Gay Village) and The Botanist for sophisticated cocktails, to the Spy Bar and Jam Jar in Jesmond. For more information on Newcastle’s lively scene, check out our Guide to Newcastle Nightlife blog.
Culture: Newcastle is proud to offer its students many inspiring and educational experiences, including free visits to the following Newcastle museums and galleries: The Great North Museum: Hancock, the Laing Art Gallery and the Discovery Museum. Students can also discover a wide range of performances to enjoy at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal, Tyne Theatre & Opera House, and The Northern Stage. Newcastle’s cultural scene is rich and varied, catering to every taste.
Shopping: From high street brands to quirky independent shops, Newcastle is a shopper’s paradise. Eldon Square and Grainger Market are must-visits in Newcastle, and you can find plenty of vintage and charity shops in Jesmond and Heaton - perfect for finding affordable clothing gems to recycle and style up. Eldon Square is also home to some of the most popular stores, from Sephora to Oliver Bonas. If you’re looking for a day of shopping, catch the bus to the Metrocentre, the North East’s largest mall. For more information on the best spots for retail therapy, take a look at our Where Can You Do Your Shopping in Newcastle upon Tyne blog.
Outdoor Spaces: For a breath of fresh air between lectures or a weekend full of walking adventures, head to one of the many parks and green spaces Newcastle has to offer, from the vast stretches of the Town Moor, to the historic Jesmond Dene. Being in nature is one of the many ways you can look after your mental health while at university.
Part time student jobs in Newcastle
Balancing studies with part-time work is a great way to gain experience and earn an income while living in Newcastle.
The city offers a range of job opportunities tailored to students, with flexible hours that can fit around your academic schedule. Popular options include retail positions in shopping centres like Eldon Square and barista roles in Newcastle’s coffee shops, or waiting roles in restaurants and jobs within the universities.
Remember to check university job boards and local listings for vacancies, and consider how the skills you gain from part-time work can complement your studies and enhance your employability after graduation. For more tips on securing part-time work that accommodates your studies, take a look at our Finding Student Jobs in Newcastle blog.
University societies and communities in Newcastle
If you want to make new friends and stay connected with your roots, why not join one of Newcastle University’s many societies? Both Newcastle University and Northumbria University boast a vibrant array of student societies, from faith groups and cultural communities, to hobby-based clubs and more.
Joining a society is a fantastic way to meet new people, develop new skills, and pursue passions or hobbies outside of your studies. Whether you’re into running, climbing, chess or film club, you’re bound to meet likeminded people through the hundreds of societies available to you.
Beyond university, Newcastle’s strong sense of community means there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer, get involved in local events, or even participate in city-wide initiatives like the annual Great North Run and the North East International Film Festival. Getting involved with both the university and local communities can help you feel more connected to your new city, and make your time in Newcastle truly memorable.
Budgeting for students in Newcastle
Newcastle is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students, but it’s still important to manage your money while studying.
The cost of living includes accommodation, food, utilities, transport and entertainment. Planning ahead can help you avoid financial stress. For more information on bills you can expect to pay as a student, take a look at our Student Accommodation Bills: Everything You Need to Know blog.
Accommodation will likely be your biggest expense, so finding a student property that fits your budget is crucial. Seekers offers a range of student accommodation in Newcastle to accommodate all financial situations.
Buying groceries and eating out in Newcastle is relatively affordable, especially if you shop at markets like Grainger Market and take advantage of student discounts available at many restaurants and cafes.
Public transport is also budget-friendly, with student discounts available for buses and the Metro.
When it comes to enjoying Newcastle’s nightlife, you can use your student discount at popular bars like Slug & Lettuce, Holy Hobo and Three Bulls Heads.
Creating a budget that tracks your income and outgoing expenses can help you manage your money effectively, ensuring you can enjoy everything Newcastle has to offer without overspending. Budgeting apps like Splitwise and Goodbudget are excellent for helping you budget - simply download them on your phone with one tap.
Student safety and security in Newcastle
Newcastle is widely regarded as a friendly and safe city, but like any urban area, it’s important to be vigilant. Our student homes in Newcastle feature secure and robust locks on doors and windows, and are located in safe areas like Jesmond, Heaton and Sandyford. To ease your mind, check out our Top Tips for Preventing Burglaries blog.
Student accommodation in Newcastle with Seekers
Newcastle is a fantastic city to call home during your university years. It offers academic excellence, a welcoming community and a vibrant culture.
Choosing the right student accommodation in Newcastle is key to ensuring your time here is unforgettable. Our team will help you find the perfect place to live in Newcastle so you can focus on making the most of your student life.
Take a look at our available student houses in Newcastle, and get in touch with our team to arrange a viewing.
