Calling all Newcastle freshers! Here’s everything you need to do in your uni city today
Say hello to one of the coolest cities in the UK
Well done! You’ve made it into a university that’s at the centre of a city full of fun things to do and amazing people to meet. There’s never a dull moment in Newcastle with loads of restaurants, bars, clubs and beautiful places to see. You can find your second year house in Jesmond, spend your Monday nights at Digi, enjoy your Friday nights at Bar Banc and visit Grainger Market on the weekend.
Before you get stuck in, you might want to think about a student bank account. The NatWest Student account* comes with an offer of £50 cash and four year tastecard membership – giving you 2-4-1 or 50% off food deals at participating UK restaurants and takeaways. To apply for a NatWest Student account – visit natwest.com/students.
*Student account eligibility criteria apply. Apply online only. Offer Terms and Conditions apply. £50 cash is a limited time offer until 5th November 2021. Offer can be withdrawn at any time.
There’s loads to learn, explore and tick off your bucket list in Newcastle. Here’s a rundown of everything you need to check out today:
The best places to live
Ouseburn
Price: £££ Noise level: || Supermarkets: Morrisons (15 min from Ouseburn Road)
This is an edgy, cool place to live with great bars. However, it’s a bit far out from the main student areas and it’s on the pricier side.
Jesmond
Price: ££ Noise level: ||| Supermarkets: Waitrose, Tesco
A popular location for students as it’s full of local bars and lots of restaurants to choose from. Bear in mind, Jesmond is one of the noisier locations because of its busy and lively atmosphere. It’s only a 15-20 minute walk from Newcastle University and 15 minute journey on the Metro from West Jesmond to Haymarket.
Sandyford
Price: ££ Noise level: || Supermarkets: Tesco Express
Sandyford isn’t a particularly studenty area but the houses are much bigger than those in other areas so it’s perfect for big groups of friends looking to live together. It’s a 15 minute walk from the uni.
Heaton
Price: £ Noise level: | Supermarkets: Morrisons, Sainsbury’s
Heaton is on the cheaper side if you’re looking to save a bit on your rent. According to students, the houses are reasonably priced and still decent on the inside. It’s also a quieter option for students looking for lots of sleep and little disruption. It’s around a 30 minute walk from uni.
Food spots
Close to uni:
Zucchini Pasta Bar on Pilgrim Street – students say this has the best pasta in Newcastle, plus delicious tiramisu
Central Oven & Shaker on Neville Street
Chaophraya in Grey’s Quarter – the rooftop bar here is a must
Flat Caps in Carliol Square
Worth the journey:
Geisha in Jesmond – this is more on the pricey side but very worth it for the ramen and cocktails
The Mez at As You Like It in Jesmond – tastecard offer available
Fat Hippo in Jesmond – a great veggie/vegan spot
Pizzeria Francesca in Jesmond – there’s always a queue but it’s worth it for the pizza
Dabbawal in West Jesmond
Nancy’s Bordello on Argyle Street – tastecard offer available
Red House in Sandhill
Where to grab a drink
Tyne Bar on Maling Street – head here for some chilled drink by the river
The Hancock on Hancock Street – a great post-uni spot
The Quayside by the Tyne
Bar Blanc in Jesmond – their nachos are famous and there’s a tastecard offer available
Osbornes in Jesmond – if you’re looking for somewhere to watch the sports, go here
Avanti in Jesmond – this a favourite spot for Friday night dates
Nine Sports Bar in St. James Park – tastecard offer available
Night out spots
Digi Mondays
Location: Digital When: Monday Music: RnB, Charts, Pop, Cheese
Swingers
Location: Grey Club When: Thursday Music: Disco
Secret Krush Friday
Location: Bohemia When: Friday Music: RnB, Hip Hop
Persistance
Location: TupTup Palace When: Sunday Music: RnB, Hip Hop
III behaviour
Location: Cosmic Ballroom When: Tuesday Music: Bass, House, Techno, DnB
Exhale
Location: World HQ When: Monthly Music: House, Garage, Dance
Soho
Location: Soho When: Every night Music: RnB, charts, Pop, Cheese
Tracksuit and Trance
Location: Cosmic Ballroom When: Once a term Music: Throwback 90s – House, Garage, Dance
Transport
Taxis: Budget Taxis, Blueline Taxis and Black cabs
Walking: Everything is in walking distance, you can even walk from one end of the city to the other
Cycling: Loads of students cycle – it’s easy and free
Bus services: The Metro offers a monthly student pass for £28 which takes you all over Newcastle
Newcastle students’ top tricks and tips
“PSA: Most of the bars in Jesmond do 2-4-1 on Tuesday!”
“Bigg Market is a lot of fun for a night out if you’re into Stag and Hen Dos. If not, I would avoid”
“NUFC matches are so much fun so get involved. You’ll know it’s happening because everyone wears black and white.”
“Don’t panic into signing your second year house before you’ve made your mates. Jesmond is big and there’s always houses available”
“Get registered with a doctor as soon as you can. Boots GP gets booked up really quickly and it makes it hard to get an appointment.”
Your mini bucket list for the city
• See the Angel of the North
• There are so many markets to check out! Go to Grainger Market, Tynemouth Market and Quayside SundayMarket
• Head to The Botanist and enjoy the view down Grainger Street
• Try out the Tyne Bridge zip wire
• Visit Jesmond Dene for the day
• Check out the Baltic viewing platform on the Quayside
• Go to Bamburgh Castle
• Head to the Diamond Strip for a night out
• Go to Ouseburn and enjoy the art, farms and gardens
• For even more art galleries, check out the Laing Art Gallery
• Head to St James’ Park for a great picnic spot with mates
*Student account eligibility criteria apply. Apply online only. Offer Terms and Conditions apply. £50 cash is a limited time offer until 5th November 2021. Offer can be withdrawn at any time.