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Newcastle is one of the UK's most exciting cities and a popular destination for students. Whether you’re looking to experience nightlife, explore cultural attractions or make lifelong friends, Newcastle is the perfect place for an unforgettable uni experience. With its bustling city centre, captivating museums, stunning architecture and relaxed vibe, Newcastle proudly offers something for everyone. From its world-famous bridges to its incredible coastline filled with beaches and coastal walks, there are so many ways to enjoy everything the city has to offer. If you’re not already convinced, here are our top 17 reasons to go to uni in Newcastle.
1. World-class universities
Newcastle University and Northumbria University are among the top places to study in the UK. Both unis are ranked within the top 40 in the UK according to Complete University Guide’s 2025 league tables.
2. Diverse and vibrant student life
You won’t be short of opportunities to socialise and make friends, with around 40,000 students enrolled in Newcastle University and Northumbria University combined. Because there’s so many students around, there’s plenty of events tailored to students so you’ll have loads of chances to meet other students.
3. An exciting nightlife
There’s an array of pubs, bars, restaurants and clubs to explore around the city so you can find whatever type of night out you’re looking for. Student spots include The Trent House, The Cumberland Arms and Digital.
4. Coastal location
Beautiful coastal walks along the North Sea beaches are a great way to unwind after a long week of lectures and studying. The city is only a short distance away from the coast, and there are plenty of transport options for getting to one of the beaches on the nearby coastline.
5. Fascinating cultural scene
From modern galleries to historic venues like the Theatre Royal and Quayside, if you’re fancying taking in some arts and culture of a weekend, there’s plenty on offer.
6. Transport connections
With easy access to other cities such as Sunderland, Edinburgh and Glasgow by rail or road, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore some of the other cities the UK has to offer.
7. Year-round events
Featuring everything from music festivals to food markets, the Newcastle events calendar is packed. You can check out things like LooseFest, Newcastle Pride, Newcastle Mela and Books on Tyne.
8. Museums and galleries to explore
The city has an impressive selection of museums and galleries that provide insight into Newcastle's rich history as well as local and international art, including the Discovery Museum, the Great North Museum: Hancock and the Laing Art Gallery.
9. Magnificent architecture
The city boasts iconic landmarks like Tyne Bridge and Gateshead Millennium Bridge, and the city’s buildings show off many different architectural styles, from Anglo-Saxon to Art Deco to Postmodern.
10. Incredible shopping opportunities
With bustling city centre streets and a good mixture of high street stores and independent boutiques, there’s a lot to explore in Newcastle. Make sure you’ve got your student ID on you when you go on a shopping spree to make the most of the discounts on offer.
11. Hadrian’s Wall
You can spot remnants of Hadrian’s Wall around the city. Most are underground now, but you can spot some above-ground fragments in unexpected places, so keep an eye out.
12. Affordable accommodation and housing options
There are accommodation options to suit a range of budgets both on campus and off. The average rent in Newcastle is cheaper than a lot of other UK cities, so you might find your student loan goes further here.
13. Wonderful parks
If you’re wanting to get outdoors, you could check out parks and nature trails such as Exhibition Park or Jesmond Dene. Places such as these are perfect spots for a long walk and a picnic, and there’s plenty of nature to appreciate on your day out.
14. Friendly locals
Settling into your new home is straightforward when the locals are happy to show you around. The welcome you’ll get will help you feel at home from day one, just the reassurance you need when moving to a new city.
15. Famous faces
Celebrities who grew up in Newcastle include Cheryl, Ant & Dec, and Rowan Atkinson, so you’ll be walking the same streets as some of the UK’s biggest stars.
16. First street to be lit with electric lights
Back in 1879, Mosley Street in Newcastle became the first street in the world to be lit by electric lights when it was illuminated by Joseph Swan’s lamp.
17. Birthplace of Greggs
Obviously, this is the biggest reason you should study in Newcastle. Back in 1951, the first ever Gregg’s bakery opened in Gosforth. Today, of course, Gregg’s is a national institution.
Newcastle is home to two world-class unis, Newcastle University and Northumbria University. Both institutions offer a wide range of degree programmes, with Newcastle University renowned for its focus on research-led teaching. Northumbria University particularly excels in creative disciplines such as business, design, media and fashion. With their small class sizes, excellent teaching staff, modern facilities and stimulating campus environment, Newcastle's unis provide the perfect place to develop your skills and knowledge while gaining valuable life experience.
Newcastle is teeming with things to do for students. From enjoying the many pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants to exploring the numerous cultural attractions such as galleries, museums and venues like the Theatre Royal, there's always something to keep you busy. For those who love the outdoors, there are countless coastal walks as well as beautiful parks like Jesmond Dene where you can relax and unwind. Shopping enthusiasts won't be disappointed either. With a vibrant selection of independent boutiques and bustling city centre streets, you can easily find that perfect item or gift. All this makes Newcastle the perfect place for young people to live and study.
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