If you’re moving to Newcastle soon, you may be wondering how to get around, where to go, and all the other important questions. If you are, then read on for a student city guide to Newcastle. From libraries to nights out, we’ve got your back.
Transport
Neuron Scooters
There are so many options in Newcastle to get around as a student, and most are very affordable. Topping the charts for the most fun mode of transport are the relatively new Neuron scooters. All you need is the app downloaded, and these are not only easy to ride but a super-easy way to get around the central city.
Metro
If you are going further afield, though, the metro is where you need to be. This is a shining star of Newcastle, and it is the most rapid way to get around.
All you need to do is to look for the lit-up M that are all over the city. The metro can take you all the way from the airport to the beach and back, all for under £6.
Taxis
Not to be forgotten, as with many cities, Newcastle is well set up for taxis. Not just uber, though, as Newcastle has its own taxis set up. Ideal for if your phone is out of battery.
Libraries
When studying, you want to have a space to study that isn’t cramped, that is light and full of others to motivate you. Newcastle supplies this, and here are some of the best examples.
The City Library
The city library is the centre of the city, and the top floor is dedicated to desks that all have charging points. The best part, though, is the natural light that beams through the huge glass windows.
Marjorie Robinson
If it is more of a student vibe that you are looking for, then both universities offer many different study spaces, the best of which is the Marjorie Robinson for Newcastle University students. This is a new and modern space that is dedicated not to books but to many different study spaces from booths to desks and collaborative rooms.
Northumbria
For Northumbria students, their library is another glass-clad building in the centre of campus that offers a lot of natural light. It’s also very near various cafes and shops for those essential study snacks.
With all this choice and many more libraries, there is no doubt that you will find somewhere to get your head down.
Useful shops
Magic Box
We all know that Fresher’s parties are taken very seriously. Taken more seriously, though, is fancy dress. Where to get loaded up with every costume under the sun? Magic box. This is located on Northumberland Street in the centre of Newcastle above the Post Office. It is by far the best, as it is kitted out with every costume or face paint you could need for any occasion.
Grainger Market
Grainger Market is another essential of Newcastle. It’s a classic covered market set up, and its 200 year old history offers everything from groceries to hair cuts and some of the best food stalls you could imagine.
Every time you go, you discover something new. As there is so much to discover there, some of the favourites being a zero waste shop which you bring your own containers to be filled with every dried food under the sun. Not only helping the planet but also helping local businesses. There is also Sloppy Joe’s, which is a favourite food place serving the best Mac and Cheese in the city.
Going out
The Stand
When you’re in need of a different night out, know that there is plenty going on in Newcastle. Whether it’s seeing some comedy at The Stand or going to the Quayside for the sunset by Newcastle famous bridges.
Breweries and live music in Ouseburn
There is plenty to do and see, and within areas such as Ouseburn, you have everything from cool breweries such as Brinkburn to music venues such as the Cluny. Ouseburn in the day is fun, but Ouseburn at night changes to an edgy vibe with some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. While there are too many noteworthy places worth mentioning, Thali Tray and Under Bridge are two excellent start points.
Live music or theatre are also available at Live Theatre (based down at the Quayside) or the O2 Academy, which has artists such as Little Simz or Slowthai in the coming months.
Going out out
Soho Rooms
The night out. It’s almost too difficult to select the clubs most worth mentioning, and there is no doubt you will discover for yourself what your favourite places are.
Soho Rooms is perfect for the budget night as it is free entry, it’s got banging tunes and many floors to explore, a great place to hop to if you’re ever struggling to find somewhere for a dance.
Tup Tup Palace
Entering on the opposite end of the spectrum is Tup Tup Palace. This may be a little more expensive but keep your eye out for the cast of Geordie Shore because this club is always crawling. It offers a classier night out, perhaps, but defiantly worth the visit at some point while in Newcastle.
Swinger’s Thursday
The best of the specific night out is Swingers Thursday. Swingers has sing along after sing along, and as it’s based outside in Grey’s club, you surpass the sweaty crowds and really get to flex your dancing muscles.
Bigg Market
Bigg Market is the place to explore it’s in the centre of town and is crawling with clubs and take-aways. There is no real way to describe the Bigg Market, only that you should discover it for yourself as there is always a fresh delight around the corner.
Food and Drink
Coffee Shops
Newcastle isn’t short of coffee shops; in fact, there are too many to mention, so to select the best is tricky. While exploring though, it is worth popping into Flat Caps coffee shop as well as Olive and Bean, both of which are located in the city centre. If you’re heading further afield, 1901 has branches in Jesmond, Manors and Gosforth, and they boast the best selection of cakes in Newcastle.
Restaurants
If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket than coffee, however, Cookhouse and Kiln in Ouseburn are the best for a special treat (may be worth taking the parents though with their price tags).
If you want to ditch the main meal completely and skip to dessert, look no further than Proven Goods, it has the best doughnuts in the city. It’s located in Holt’s Yard, which is only a short walk from the Quayside. This also is a lovely area to explore.
Cheap eats
A student guide wouldn’t be complete without the cheap eats, and some of the best in Newcastle are in Grainger Market, but if it is still sit down that you desire, Fat Hippo is one of the best bites in the Toon. It has branches in both Jesmond and the city centre both equally good on food and atmosphere.
Doing something different
The Pottery Experience
There’s no doubt that at some point in your first few weeks of university you will be in dire need of a relax and a reset. There is no better place to do this than by painting or making some pottery. Live out your Ghost dreams and learn to sculpt clay, or simply paint a mug in a calm environment which, will be something you need when living in halls. Found in Jesmond, The Pottery Experience is where you can find the perfect escapism.
Jump 360
If you’re in need of burning off some energy, this is the place to go to relive childhood and enjoy a huge selection of trampoline and foam pits. It’s also a place where you can just howl with laughter as you jump from heights and climb obstacles. It also, at certain times of the year, offers a student discount, not to be sniffed at when you’re living on a budget.
Tynemouth
When it is this easy to get to the coast, it’s criminal not to explore the seaside town of Tynemouth. With its own selection of delicious restaurants and sights to see such as castles and monuments and sometimes even dolphins, this is one of the top spots not only in the North East but also the UK. With the rise of the staycation though, it’s best to get down there quick!
And don’t forget to keep exploring yourself, there is no doubt that with a little time in Newcastle you will meet plenty of people and explore to discover your own hidden gems.
Last Updated on September 2, 2022
Published on August 9, 2021
