Life in Newcastle
Newcastle is a vibrant, student-friendly city with lots to offer. This section provides practical advice on living here, getting around and settling in.
The city and region
Newcastle upon Tyne is a compact city with a large student population. It’s easy to navigate, well connected by the Metro rail network and full of things to do - from sports and music to theatre, food and coastal walks.
- Read our student blog on the top places to explore in Newcastle
- Find out more about life in Newcastle
The wider North East region is rich in history and natural beauty. Explore World Heritage sites, castles, Roman ruins and award-winning beaches - all within easy reach.
Weather and climate
The weather in Newcastle can be quite variable throughout the year:
- Summer: Mild temperatures, typically between 18-21°C
- Winter: Cooler, with average temperatures between 2-8°C
Newcastle receives less rain than many other parts of the UK, but a waterproof coat is still useful throughout the year. The wind can make it feel colder, especially in winter.
What is a Geordie?
A Geordie is someone who is from the Tyneside area of the North East. The local people in Newcastle are Geordies and their spoken dialect is also known as Geordie.
Why are they called Geordies?
The exact origin is unclear, but here are some popular theories:
- It was a nickname for workers of railway pioneer George "Geordie" Stephenson
- It came from the use of Stephenson’s “Geordie lamp” by local miners
- In the 18th century, during a rebellion supporting James Stuart, Newcastle supported King George I instead. Stuart’s supporters may have called the city’s residents “Geordies”.
Learn more about the history of the people of Newcastle at the England North East website.
The Geordie accent and dialect
The Geordie accent is one of the most distinctive in the UK and includes many unique words and phrases. It can be tricky to understand at first!
- Explore the Geordie accent and its origins on the England North East website
- Read our Geordie Phrases blog post to learn some of the most common phrases
Getting around
Newcastle is a compact and student-friendly city, where everything you need is within easy reach. You can walk across the city centre in about 20 minutes and the main University campus is just a short distance north of the centre.
Most new students, especially in their first year, live close enough to walk or cycle to campus. For this reason, bringing a car is generally unnecessary and can often be more of a hassle than a help. There are no student parking facilities on the University main campus and parking is limited across the city and in residential areas. The city’s excellent public transport makes getting around simple and affordable.
The main modes of transport are:
Metro
The Metro is a light rail rapid transport system that connects Newcastle with surrounding areas. Look for the yellow and black ‘M’ signs.
Ticket options include:
- Single or day tickets – available at any ticket machine
- Season tickets – ideal if you plan to use the Metro regularly
- Pop Blue card (ages 16-21) – offers discounted fares
- Pop Pay As You Go (ages 21+) - provides cheaper fares than a standard ticket
You may find the Metro app useful. It includes a live timetable and Android users can purchase tickets directly through the app.
Bus
Several bus companies operate in and around Newcastle.
When boarding a bus:
- Get on at the front and tell the driver where you'd like to go
- The driver will tell you the fare and you can pay by cash or card
If you plan to use the bus regularly, consider buying a season ticket, which offers discounted travel over a set period.
Local bus providers have mobile apps that allow you to plan your journeys and buy tickets directly.
Train
Newcastle Central Station is located in the city centre and sits on the East Coast Main Line, offering connections to many destinations across the UK.
Train travel can be expensive, so we recommend:
- Booking tickets in advance
- Saving money by buying a railcard
You can find more information about rail travel, including how to buy tickets, on the National Rail website.
Accommodation
As a new student, you may be moving into university-owned accommodation, renting privately, or commuting from home. Here's what you need to know before you arrive.
Staying in University accommodation?
Before your arrival, we’ll email you with instructions to complete your mandatory induction, which includes important information about living with us.
You also need to book an arrival slot. Slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll:
- receive an email inviting you to complete your induction
- likely receive this 14 days before your contract start date
Our Moving In pages have guidance on arriving and checking into your accommodation.
Staying in private accommodation?
If you're renting privately, we recommend the following before you arrive:
- Do thorough research before committing to any accommodation.
- Access pre-tenancy advice from the Support and Advice Hub at the Students’ Union. This will help you consider things like contracts, deposits and arrival arrangements.
- Check with your accommodation provider how and where you collect your keys, especially if arriving outside of office hours (eg. evenings or weekend).
- Book an arrival slot if required - and make sure to confirm it in advance.
Bringing family with you?
Please be aware that family accommodation in the city centre can be very expensive. You may find more affordable options in areas outside the city centre.
Need accommodation support?
We recommend contacting the Support and Advice Hub for any help and support. Regardless of whether you’re staying in University residences, private accommodation or seeking advice before you sign a contract, they can help highlight some things you might need to consider.
Flying into Newcastle?
During International Welcome, we offer an Airport Meet and Greet service to help you travel to your accommodation smoothly.
Student Communities
At Newcastle University, we’re committed to making sure every student has the best possible university experience.
If you identify with any of the groups listed on our Student Communities webpage, explore the wide range of support available to you from the University, the Students’ Union, and other helpful resources.
