Newcastle University is fantastic when it comes to academics, student life, and the facilities. The nightlife here is amazing, with so many options to choose from. The city itself has a vibrant nightlife scene, and there’s always something to do. The people are incredibly friendly, kind, and helpful, making it easy to settle in. The city is also quite diverse, with Chinatown being a big part of that, which makes it feel like home for many international students. The food here is not only delicious but also affordable. However, the accommodation can be pretty expensive, especially university-managed housing, though the location is really convenient since it's so close to campus—no need for transport. That said, I think there’s room for improvement in terms of student activities and societies. As an international student from Asia, I was eager to join new clubs and societies that I hadn't been a part of before. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience when I tried to join one particular society (I’ll leave out the name). When I approached their table, they pretty much ignored me. Even when I asked questions, they gave short responses but didn’t make any effort to invite me to join. It made me feel unwelcome and hesitant to get involved. From my perspective, some students here seem unhappy. The city is full of energy, but it can also feel quite isolating. I think the university could do more to encourage students to join societies and clubs, as this could help prevent feelings of loneliness, which is honestly the worst feeling to have while studying abroad. Additionally, the city council could play a role by organizing more lively events that make the city feel even more vibrant and welcoming for everyone.

Honestly, academically, this university is top-notch. Every time I dive into my coursework, I gain new insights and experiences. The university really prepares us to face real-world challenges. The lecturers are incredibly friendly and always willing to dedicate their time to help students who are struggling with the material, which makes me feel supported and valued here. It truly feels like a place where you’re encouraged to grow. However, the workload can be overwhelming at times. The subjects can be quite tough, and the pace is pretty fast. Some weeks get so busy that it’s hard to find time to relax or do fun things, like traveling. On the positive side, the other students are really collaborative, especially during blended learning and group coursework. The lecturers are also directly involved in making sure everything gets done, which is something I really appreciate.

The Grand Hotel is located on Percy Street, and the best part is that it's less than a 5-minute walk to the main campus, so it's super convenient for getting to class. It’s also really close to the city centre, which is great because if you're ever feeling stuck at the accommodation, you can just step outside and instantly be in the heart of the city, which definitely helps reduce stress. However, as much as the location is fantastic, living here can be quite expensive for what you get. The en-suite rooms are really small, and the bathroom isn’t that great—sometimes it has a strange smell, and I’m not sure where it comes from. The soundproofing is poor too; you can still hear your flatmates next door, which can be really annoying. The electricity can be a bit unreliable, and at times there’s a shortage that messes things up. The fire alarm goes off for no apparent reason sometimes, which is pretty frustrating. The heating isn’t always consistent either—it sometimes turns off unexpectedly. The tap water is also an issue because it’s not mixed, so it can get uncomfortably cold. The common room is too small for the number of residents, so it’s not really a good place to hang out or do group activities. There’s no gym in the accommodation either, which is disappointing given the price. The kitchen is a decent size and can accommodate everyone, but the management is really lacking—residents even have to provide their own trash bags, which feels like an unnecessary hassle. And the laundry facilities? There’s just not enough for all the residents, so you often have to wait to get a machine. One more thing to note is the parcel delivery situation. If you order something online, like from Amazon, it’s not always delivered directly to the building. Sometimes, you’ll have to walk about 10 minutes to another location just to pick it up. While the system is secure, it’s not very convenient, especially if you need something quickly. The process can be really time-consuming—you have to wait for an email notification before you can collect your parcel, which means you could make a trip and end up empty-handed if the email hasn’t arrived yet. While this is so great and secure to be like this, it can also be especially frustrating when you need a fast delivery. In summary, the location is fantastic, but the facilities and overall management don’t really live up to the price. It’s great for being close to campus and the city, but the accommodation doesn’t offer the value for money that you’d expect at this price point.