6 Things to Know about living in Newcastle
- Cost of Living is Lower than London
The cost of living in Newcastle is 30% lower than in London, but you can still save a lot of money by planning wisely. Aldi and Lidl are the cheapest supermarkets to shop for food, with £100 a month covering the basics, while Tesco and Sainsbury’s offer a 10% discount on student cards. Grainger Market in the city centre has fresh fruit, veg, and £1/cup coffee, with free vouchers for students on Wednesdays. Student discounts are a great money-saver: Unidays and Student Beans cover brands such as H&M and ASOS, and Apple Education offers save up to £200. For entertainment, O2 Academy Newcastle has weekly student tickets for concerts (from £15), and Happy Hour cocktails at Tyne riverside bars are available from £5.
- Public transport in Newcastle
Newcastle’s public transport system is centred on the Tyne and Wear Metro, which covers the city and surrounding towns and is convenient for international students. The Metro is divided into the Yellow Line, which connects Newcastle Airport, the city centre and South Shields, and the Green Line, which runs to Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Sunderland and Durham. uhomes.com provides many Newcastle University accommodation close to the subway stations, and you can take the subways to the Newcastle City Centre and other popular areas quickly. Students are advised to get a ‘Student Metrocard’ as soon as they arrive, which offers discounts of up to 30 per cent off a monthly ticket of around £50-£70, making it ideal for frequent commuters. Buses are also a great addition, especially on night routes (e.g. N21, N56), but are less frequent and can involve a wait of 30 minutes or more in the early hours of the morning on weekends. If you’re planning a cross-city journey, trains are good value for money, and you can save up to 50 per cent by buying tickets in advance through Trainline or National Rail.
- Student Accommodation in Newcastle
Student accommodation in Newcastle upon Tyne is mainly centred around Jesmond, Heaton and Sandyford. Student flats (e.g. St James’ Point, The View) are available on an all-inclusive basis (including electricity, water, Wi-Fi and security) for around £160-£220 per week, ideal for new UK students. uhomes.com also provides shared accommodation, which is more affordable, with two bedrooms renting for around £600-£800 per month (£80-£120 per person per week). Regarding location, it’s essential to be close to a tube station (e.g. Jesmond) or the university to save commuting time.
- Climate Adaptation
Newcastle has a temperate oceanic climate, wet and windy all year round, with an average of 18°C in summer and winters often dropping below 0°C. The rainy season is from October to March, with frequent rainfall and strong winds, making ordinary umbrellas easy to blow over, so investing in a waterproof jersey and non-slip Martin’s boots is advisable. Summer is short, and the temperature difference between day and night is huge, so you’ll need sunscreen and a thin jacket to sunbathe on Tynemouth Beach.
- Keep in Safe
Newcastle is generally well policed, but the city centre nightlife areas (e.g. Bigg Market) are prone to drunken confrontations at weekends. Avoid travelling alone late at night and set up emergency contacts on your mobile phone. Keep important documents and cash separate, and recommend using a fanny pack with RFID shielding. How to register for the NHS: Once you have received a letter from your school, complete your registration at a GP practice (e.g. Campus Health) and receive a free flu jab and a new crown booster. Pharmacy Boots offers a ‘Cold and Flu Kit’ for £9.99, containing fever reducer and throat lozenges. If you are seriously unwell, dial 111 for 24-hour medical advice. Be wary of scams targeting international students, such as ‘parcel hold’ calls pretending to be from embassies or phishing emails from landlords. Endsleigh is recommended for renters insurance, which covers the loss of laptops and mobile phones for £50 a year.
- Culture and Socializing
Newcastle’s social scene revolves around its pubs, so try the local beer, Newcastle Brown Ale or join the ‘Quids In’ student night on Wednesdays (£1/glass). University societies are a great way to make friends: Newcastle University has 200+ societies ranging from Harry Potter fans to drone clubs. Cultural experiences include free exhibitions at the BALTIC Arts Centre and Premier League matches at St James’ Park (home of Newcastle United) (tickets from £30). The annual Freshers’ Week in September offers free pizza and neighbourhood tours, so we recommend you attend. Bring a box of chocolates or a goody under £10 if you’re invited to a local house.
Best Areas to Live in Newcastle For You to Know
Jesmond
Jesmond is one of Newcastle’s most popular high-end residential areas, close to the city centre with beautiful streets and ample green spaces. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes for young professionals and students. Jesmond is also easily accessible by public transport, near the Metro station and bus stops.
Gosforth
Gosforth is a quiet and family-friendly area with many parks and excellent schools. This area has many traditional family homes, and it is very easy for residents to get around in a quieter environment. Gosforth is a little further away from the city centre but is close to the A1, making it easy to get around.
Ouseburn Valley
Ouseburn Valley is one of the more up-and-coming creative neighbourhoods, attracting many artists and young people. There are plenty of unique bars, art galleries and creative workspaces for those who enjoy an exceptional lifestyle. In addition, Ouseburn Valley’s proximity to the river makes it an enjoyable environment for walking and cycling.
Heaton
Heaton is a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood that attracts many young families and students. The area has many historic homes and modern amenities for those on a budget. Heaton has a great mix of dining, culture and nightlife, making life easy and vibrant.
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