Newcastle University

What’s it like as a place to live? Great student-friendly city with welcoming locals. Big enough to remain exciting yet small enough to have a strong sense of community. Unbeatable nightlife and stacks of culture. Stunning architecture as well as beautiful surrounding countryside and coastline.

How’s the student accommodation? Depends on the location and how much you’re willing to spend. University accommodation varies depending on whether you live in catered or non-catered/halls or flat. The catered halls in which I spent my first were over-priced for what they were: small, grotty rooms and poor quality food. Now live in private accommodation in house of 8. Fairly expensive part of the city yet still fantastic value for money considering what one gets: extremely high quality houses/security. Of course, grottier areas that are far cheaper are available.

What’s the student population like? Diverse? Yes, international, but generally each ‘group’ (i.e. nationality) will stick together. Not many locals.

How do students and locals get on? Generally, well. Newcastle locals − extremely friendly and accepting of students. Obviously exceptions (most often on night out!).

What’s it like as a place to study? Very flexible courses, with ability to chop and change subjects and modules. Good facilities and constant re-development in process. Extensive library.

What are the teaching staff like? From my experience, mixed. Some un-engaging and uninterested, others encourage interaction and questions. Ultimately, depends on how much the student wants to get back.

What are student societies like? Students encouraged to join societies and clubs. Very impressive array on offer – whatever your interest, there will be an organisation through which you can channel that interest. More people than not in some sort of society, be it sport, music, drama, radio, art, computing, journalism etc.

What’s a typical night out? Entirely dependent on what you are into. Not many pubs but many bars to drink in before heading to a club. All musical tastes catered for: underground dance, acoustic, cheesy pop, jazz clubs, chart classics etc, varying from giant super-clubs to small, intimate venues. Many live acts playing, be they superstar DJs or unheard-of acoustic acts. Typically, one drinks at home with friends, before heading to a bar and then onto a club (kebab after optional!).

And how much does it cost? If you’re going to a mainstream club playing chart music, entry will be no more that £6. If you’re going to a dance club with live DJ, can be up to £20. Cheap drinks in bars before hand, as well as cheap taxis. Total cost will range from £12 to £40 typically.

How can you get home safely? Yes. Reliable taxis everywhere.

Is it an expensive place to live? Considering it’s a big city, no. (Northern England).

Average price of a pint? £1.80− £2.20 (but lots of student deals and happy hours).

And the price of a takeaway? Chinese: £6−7 approx. Indian: £8−9. Kebab: £4.

What’s the part-time work situation? Lots of nightclub promoting available with new nights cropping up all the time (paid usually at £6 p/h approx.).  Otherwise, jobs fairly scarce unless working directly for the University (being a guide, helping with Freshers’ Week etc).

What’s the best feature about the place? Vibrant and eclectic nightlife and warmth of the locals. Fantastic football city too – and architecturally very interesting with dramatic old/contemporary contrasts. Stacks of culture. Also close to stunning coastline

And the worst? Hard to think of a bad feature! Perhaps the poor weather?

And to sum it all up? A welcoming and buzzing city that is alive with vibrant activity. 

Rowan Atkinson (comedian), Brian Ferry (musician), Miriam Stoppard (TV doctor), Richard Hamilton (painter), Kate Adie (reporter), the Lighthouse Family (musicians), Russ (Futureheads) 

Check out Union Society website www.unionsociety.co.uk.