What is Student Life in Newcastle Like?

We know that heading to study at university is an exciting and equally daunting part of anyone’s life, especially when moving 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.

So here is some advice from the Seekers team on what life in Newcastle as a student is like, with top tips on the best places to eat out in the city, to the most popular locations for students living in Newcastle during their studies.

Living in Newcastle

Whether you’re heading to study for your degree at Newcastle University, or have chosen an undergraduate course at Northumbria University, you’ll need easy access to their campuses located in Newcastle’s city centre for daily lectures and seminars, sports facilities, and social activities of course.

Here at Seekers we have student accommodation in Newcastle in a variety of convenient locations, within close proximity to both university campuses.

Whether you’re in your first, second or third year, or coming to study in Newcastle for your masters or PHD, we have student houses in Newcastle for you.

The most popular locations for student housing in Newcastle include:

Jesmond: A vibrant area popular amongst many students, known for its lively nightlife, independent cafes and artisan bakeries, boutique shops, and easily accessed express supermarkets for those everyday essentials.

Sandyford: Close to the city centre and both university campuses, offering a quieter 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 spot for some peaceful revision time.

Heaton: An affordable option for students living in Newcastle, with a range of amenities a stone's throw away from your front door, from popular cafes, green spaces and parks, handy convenience shops, as well as pubs and restaurants with plenty of delicious food, drinks and atmosphere.

Newcastle City Centre: Ideal for students who want to be in the heart of the city, with everything within walking distance. Both university campuses, a wide variety of bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as a range of shops , are all just a short stroll away.

Whichever area you choose to live in, you will find a warm welcome from local residents, with plenty of opportunities to meet new people and find new friends living and studying in Newcastle just like you.

Exploring Newcastle: What to Do and Where to Go

When moving to a new city for your studies, there are so many new things to do and places to explore. Newcastle is packed with things to do, from cultural experiences to nightlife, green spaces to explore, and activities to enjoy. Here are just some of our favourite places, things to do and experience as a student living in Newcastle:

The Quayside: One of the most picturesque parts of the city, the 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 Millenium Bridge to the Quayside’s weekend market, experiencing a music act at The Glasshouse, and inspiring visits to the contemporary art gallery, The Baltic.

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 the popular student bars in Jesmond like Spy Bar and the Jam Jar, to the vibrant nightlife at Rusty’s in Newcastle’s Gay Village, or a sophisticated cocktail in the City Centre at The Botanist or Lola Jeans, Newcastle’s nightlife has it all.

Culture: Newcastle is proud to offer its students many inspiring and educational experiences, including free visits to The Hancock: Great North Museum, the Laing Art Gallery and the Discovery Museum. 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 the city centre, with plenty of vintage and charity shops in Jesmond and Heaton, perfect for finding affordable clothing gems to recycle and style up. Whatever your fashion sense, you’ll find clothing to suit you and your personal style, from lecture outfits to style for socialising with friends.

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 green stretches of the Town Moor, to the historic Jesmond Dene, or the community hubs provided by Paddy Freemans Park and Leazes Park.

Student Part-Time Work in Newcastle

Balancing studies with part-time work is a great way to gain experience and earn extra 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, roles in cafes, bars, and restaurants, and opportunities within the universities themselves.

Remember to check university job boards and local listings, and consider how the skills you gain from part-time work can complement your studies and enhance your employability after graduation. For more top tips for finding student jobs whilst you study in Newcastle, take a look at our guide.

Newcastle's Welcoming Community

Getting involved in student societies and the wider community is one of the best ways to enrich your university experience in Newcastle.

Both Newcastle University and Northumbria University boast a vibrant array of student societies, covering everything from sports and arts to academic interests and cultural groups. Whether you’re into football, drama, debate, or want to join a society specific to your course, faith or nationality, there’s something for everyone.

Joining a society is a fantastic way to meet new people, develop new skills, and pursue hobbies or passions outside of your studies.

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 Newcastle International Film Festival or the annual Great North Run. Engaging with both the university and local communities can help you feel more connected and make your time in Newcastle truly memorable.

Budgeting and the Cost of Living in Newcastle

Newcastle is one of the more affordable student cities in the UK, but it’s still important to budget wisely to make the most of your finances.

The cost of living includes accommodation, food, utilities, transport, and entertainment, and planning ahead can help you avoid financial stress.

Accommodation is likely your biggest expense, so choosing a place that fits your budget is crucial—Seekers offers a range of accommodation options to suit different financial situations.

Groceries and eating out are relatively affordable in Newcastle, 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 socialising, Newcastle’s nightlife and cultural activities are diverse and often offer student-friendly pricing.

Creating a budget that tracks your income and expenditures can help you manage your money effectively, ensuring you can enjoy everything Newcastle has to offer without overspending. Why not take a look at our student budget guide to get you started?

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 mindful of safety and security, especially for students living away from home for the first time. With Seekers all of our student accommodation in Newcastle provides secure and robust locks on doors and windows, all of which are located in student-friendly areas, such as Jesmond, Heaton, and Sandyford.

Student Accommodation in Newcastle with Seekers

Newcastle is a fantastic city to call home during your university years. It offers a great mix of academic experience, vibrant culture, and a welcoming community.

Choosing the right student accommodation in Newcastle, is key to ensuring your time in Newcastle throughout your studies will be unforgettable.

Let Seekers 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 student properties available at different locations across Newcastle and get in touch with our team to book a viewing.

What is Student Life in Newcastle Like?