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Living in Newcastle, UK

Consistently voted one of the UK’s favorite student cities, Newcastle is a great place to start your studies – and you’ll be in great company, with a cosmopolitan community of university-goers from across the globe. The city is known for its exciting knowledge, great local and high street shopping, iconic landmarks, friendly locals and rich history. Newcastle is a truly iconic city in the North of England, with a contrasting blend of industrial heritage and stunning Georgian-era architecture:

  • Cosmopolitan city with a bustling atmosphere and friendly locals
  • Mix of industrial heritage, Georgian architecture and modern touches
  • Rich arts scene with countless museums, theatres, galleries and live music venues
  • Compact city center that is easy and safe to explore

Whether you prefer to unwind by walking across stunning countryside or by getting friends together for an escape room, you can enjoy:

  • The Northumbrian coastline – with unspoilt beaches, areas of outstanding natural beauty and historic sites like Lindisfarne and Bamburgh Castle.
  • Shopping – from top high street brands in the Eldon Square shopping center to independent retailers and Tynemouth’s weekly market .
  • World-famous nightlife – from top-class theatre and concerts at the Sage to some of the UK’s best bars and clubs.
  • Harry Potter’s castle and gardens – many of the Hogwarts scenes were filmed at nearby Alnwick Castle, which is a great day out for fans of the films.

For more information about everything Newcastle has to offer, check the latest updates on the Newcastle Gateshead Tourism website.

What are the main festivals and events in Newcastle?

Newcastle is home to some great festivals and events throughout the year, including:

  • Mouth of the Tyne Festival – a varied mix of musical acts.
  • Tipping Point Live – a small music festival taking place in multiple venues in Ouseburn Valley.
  • Winter Festival – an annual celebration featuring New Year fireworks and an ice skating rink.
  • The Great North Run – The world’s largest half marathon in September.
  • Newcastle Poetry Festival – celebrating some of the best poetry from around the world.

What is the best way to travel in and around Newcastle?

Newcastle is a compact city, so making your way around on foot or on a bike is often a great option.
The Tyne and Wear Metro rail system (much like the London Underground) is one of the best ways of getting around the city – it services the city centre, airport and railway station, and there are stations close to the campus. If you need to travel a little further, the central train station offers quick connections to London, Scotland and the UK’s major cities.

The Metro has over 60 stations across Newcastle for easy access to a host of locations, including Gateshead, North Tyneside and Sunderland. A bus ticket will cost you around £3 and Metro tickets range from around £2 to £4. You can use your Newcastle University Student ID to buy tickets and travel around the city on the Metro. Prices start from £26 for four weeks.

For further information about living in Newcastle, visit the Northumbria University website here.