Check upcoming open days and book your place arrow
City Guides

Student city guide to Newcastle: top 10 things to do

If you are on your way to study at any of the universities in Newcastle, here are 10 top things to do to relax in between lectures...

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
08 Nov 2023

Newcastle, or to give it its full name, Newcastle upon Tyne, is in the north east of England.  It's a popular choice for university students, owing to the relatively low cost of living.  And with Russell Group member, Newcastle University, plus Northumbria University and Newcastle College located in the city, approximately 50,000 students call it home.

Here are a few ‘must-dos’ for any student studying in the ‘Toon’.

1) The Quayside  


newcastle quayside

Good for: Seeing the sights of your new city.

What it is: One of Newcastle’s most well-known areas, and a go-to for anyone looking to get out-and-about in Newcastle.

Why you should go: This Newcastle lynchpin has a wide array of affordable eats, markets full of vintage clothing and creative artwork to decorate your room with, an array of historic sites and if you fancy a beer, have your pick of any number of good English pubs. You can even check out the Baltic for some groovy, contemporary art exhibitions, or the Quayside Theatre for some entertainment.

2) The Biscuit Factory


The biscuit factory
Image source: nightsoutinnewcastle.co.uk

Good for: Getting some brunch and taking in some art.

What it is: Not a biscuit factory, well not anymore at least.

Why you should go: This once-biscuit factory now houses one of the most beautiful contemporary art museums in the country. Not into art? Well I’ll bet that you’re into good food, and fortunately at the Biscuit Factory, their brunch menu has enough goodness to get the mouth watering.

3) Grainger Market

 

Good for: Buying gifts for your loved ones, or for yourself.

What it is: One of Newcastle’s most well-renowned markets, filled with a smorgasbord of cafes, butchers, bakeries, vintage clothing, jewellers, florists and more.

Why you should go: Whether you’re a self-proclaimed ‘foodie’, a lover of vintage clothing, a cafe-enthusiast, or just want to appreciate some beautiful nineteenth-century architecture, Grainger Market is a great way to spend your day. With it being a melting pot of different cultures, go take that much-deserved study break, catch up with a friend, and get immersed in this vibrant, eclectic Newcastle gem.

4) Northumberland Street


Good for: Getting a coffee with friends.

What it is: A street full of shopping and food - all the essentials!

Why you should go: With it being so close to the city campus of Northumbria Uni, a stroll down this street will provide you with a nice outing, whether you go during the week or on the weekend. If the budget’s a bit tight this week, no worries! You can always grab a wee coffee, or a cheeky pint, from the herd of cafes and pubs along the way. 

5) St James' Park


St James Park

Good for: Catching a match.

What it is: One of the biggest football stadiums in Britain, housing the iconic Newcastle United Football Club.

Why you should go: Whether you're a football fan or not, there’s something special about going to a game of football. With Newcastle United essentially being a religion amongst locals, you’ll get to experience a certain magic about the city, its people, and soak in a unique atmosphere led by the ‘Toon Army.’

6) Sport Central

 

Good for: Keeping fit. 

What it is: A state-of-the-art sporting complex located in the heart of Northumbria University

Why you should go: Regardless of whether you study at Northumbria University or not, Sport Central is home to all-things sport & fitness in Newcastle. Maybe you’re looking to fit regular exercise into your routine, play some social sport with friends over the weekend, or watch a host of top Newcastle sporting talent represent this special city. Whatever tickles your fancy, Sport Central is a great place to keep active, take a break, and get those positive endorphins flowing.

7) Jesmond Dene Park


Jesmond Dene Park

Good for: Escaping the city and reconnecting with nature.

What it is: A peaceful escape from the tougher times that can pop up during your uni experience.

Why you should go: With how quick our lives move from day-to-day, it can be easy to forget the importance of simply going outside, taking a break, and immersing yourself in the outdoors. A tranquil means of seeing more of what Newcastle has to offer, the wildlife, the natural foliage, and the many trails that veer off the main track at Jesmond Dene Park will leave your mind clear and your body feeling refreshed.

8) EXIT Newcastle

 

Good for: A unique day out with your mates.

What it is: A fun experience right in the heart of Newcastle.

Why you should go: Attacking the challenge of an escape room with a bunch of your mates will be an experience like no other. Something a bit different, EXIT Newcastle provides a challenging, intriguing activity that regardless of the day, the weather, or the time of year, is available for a bit of fun. They don’t just have one escape experience to choose from either, but four, which means you can have your pick of difficulty, and scenario.

9) Tyneside Cinema


Tyneside Cinema
Image source: getnorth2018.com/

Good for: Catching the latest movie releases.

What it is: You guessed it, a cinema!

Why you should go: Although nowadays we have the luxury of accessing movies in the comfort of our own home, there’s still something special about grabbing some mates, getting some food, and going to the cinema. With it being Newcastle’s oldest cinema, get cosy on their nostalgic red-velvet seats, and afterwards, why not grab a beer at any number of the local pubs.

10) Stand Comedy Club, Bar & Kitchen

 

Good for: Having a laugh after a long day of studying.

What it is: More than just a run-of-the-mill comedy venue.

Why you should go: With the UK comedy scene being rich with both new and experienced talent, The Stand plays home to a conveyor belt of comedic talent throughout the week. Not so keen on a comedy show? You can always park up at the bar they have on street level, tuck into a drink, or split one of their sharing platters with some friends.

Key info about Newcastle

 

These are just a handful of the diverse attractions, nestled within Newcastle, that await any student. The role that a city, or town, plays on your university experience is almost as important as the people you surround yourself with. Immersing yourself in any city, or town, with what it uniquely has to offer, can truly influence your time at uni. Fortunately for any student attending a university within Newcastle, you have a whole bag of goodies just waiting to be dipped into.

Newcastle is popular with students thanks to its relatively low cost of living. However, just because the cost of living is low, doesn't mean the standard is. Newcastle has great shopping facilities and a busy nightlife while still being only 15 minutes away from the North Sea coast and a stone’s throw from some of the North East’s finest countryside. 

So, whether it's the copious amounts of food markets, the wealth of creative output scattered around the city, or the unwavering passion for their local sports teams, you won’t need to watch Geordie Shore to know how to have a good time in the city. 

It's probably why so many students there love it so much:

Student guide to Newcastle

Student guide to Newcastle

Student guide to Newcastle

NEXT STEPS:

- Find your perfect course in Newcastle

- Read more city guides

Similar articles