From Wellington to Park View: Here’s a brutal guide to Newcastle accommodation for freshers

‘Portland Green, where’s that?’

2 months ago

Across the country today thousands of 18-year-olds logged on to UCAS to find out they are going to be silly billy freshers in the Toon next month. Here is a brutal guide to Newcastle Uni accommodation for 2024 (from a third year who mentally still thinks she is a silly billy fresher).

Wellington St Plaza

Now I am somewhat biased (as I was in Welly P) but the pros include being super sociable. There are always pres going on in Welly P, a two minute walk from the business school, Tesco and one of the best brunch places in the Toon.

Force your parents to take you to The Dispensary for the final goodbye, for the best pancakes in the Toon. Cons include being on the pricier side of accommodations (cries in cozzy living crisis), the fire alarm going off at all hours (5am my first night), and flats that feel slightly like you’re in a Premier Inn with the long corridors.

Portland Green

If you stay in Portland Green you’re either a Northumbria student or applied for a different accommodation and didn’t get your first choice (it’s screaming Park View reject). I’ve never met someone from Portland who actually put it as their first choice, but despite it getting a lot of stick for being miles away from uni it has good vibes and is conveniently placed near a Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Manors Metro and most importantly, Spoons.

Whilst you need to make sure your clubbing trainers are fit for the treacherous post-club walking conditions, not only are you getting your steps in, but you have an immediate shared bonding experience with your new flatmates. Plus, you have a 10/10 excuse not to go to your 9ams (and will undoubtedly gain a superiority complex if you do on the rare occasion make one).

Park View

Park View is the it girl of Newcastle Uni accommodations. It’s sociable, it’s popular, you cannot really go wrong. The superiority complex of being able to roll out of bed five minutes before a lecture, really is a stem student dream.

You may get jealous side eyes from announcing you are in Park View when you are asked the same three questions at every pres in Freshers’ Week, but do not fear everyone just wants to be you. You do however have no excuse not to go to the uni gym.

Kensington Terrace

If you are in Kensington Terrace I’m going to assume you are either a raging extrovert, buzzing to live with loads of people in a house environment, or you chose Kensington with the hope that it would allow you to skip the first year accommodation vibe, bringing the home comfort vibe.

For the luxury that comes with bigger bedrooms and kitchen come the negatives. Cons include a house of 10 people meaning the house drama is rife. Be prepared to argue over taking the bins out…

Newgate Court

Who needs to look at their bank account when you can live in Newgate Court? Silly billy freshers if you are in Newgate Court – hope you have your overdraft at the ready as it’s definitely on the spennier side. Newgate Court however is super sociable, you will enjoy both the luxury of being a close walk to uni and being on the doorstep of Northumberland Street. Everyone is jealous of how close you are to town and pres will always be suggested to be held at yours…

The View

via Google Maps

You might think The View is the best Newcastle Uni accommodation for 2024 freshers, but it’s sort of had its heyday. Whilst it’s super boujie and a steal if you get a top floor flat, the odds are that you’ll get stuck on a bottom floor facing a hotel.

If it’s a gamble you’re willing to take, I can confirm it’s literally next door to both the Business School and a Tesco. Plus, it’s a short walk into town – literally minutes.

Verde