Newcastle is a small city, but that doesn't make it any less vibrant. It's a city adored by its locals, but between Jesmond, Sandyford, and Heaton, you'll find the student community that adds colour and texture to the city. Jesmond tends to garner the most attention; however, Sandyford and Heaton have their own charm that deserves more appreciation. Here's what you should expect from Newcastle's student neighbourhoods.
In Jesmond, students choose between the rows and rows of beautiful, brick Victorian-style terraces, populating this picturesque neighbourhood that echoes London suburbia. The autumnal array of red, orange and green leaves that lined the streets brightened the cold and early walks to Uni, and as we turn to Winter, the snow has begun to fall, making the biting cold not so bad.
The incredible Jesmond Dene is also a spectacle in itself. Gorgeous greenery surrounds you as you walk alongside the River Ouse that runs calmly through the trees. In summer, there's plenty of space to lie down and bask in the sun, or benches to have a picnic with friends. If you're a runner, or maybe just like a mental-health walk, there's also an array of paths and routes to discover each time you visit. Whenever university gets a bit too intense, it's a great natural haven for a wholesome pause.
Just ten minutes in the other direction, though, you've got the buzz of Jesmond's very own 'strip'. Osborne Road hosts an array of big names like Bar Blanc, Hüs, Spy Bar, Osbornes and many more. With two-pound Tuesdays and plenty of Wednesday Sports nights, the local businesses have latched onto this student populous, and it's drinking culture that has taken over the area. The student market has fuelled the vibrant atmosphere Jesmond's known for, and given the neighbourhood its life.
If you're planning on living here, though, prepare to take out a mortgage. Because of its beauty and buzz, Jesmond has become one of the more "spenny" neighbourhoods to call home. House rents range from around £140 to over £200, and they're most likely at the higher end of that price bracket. Your nearest big shop is a Waitrose (which doesn't need much more explanation), and the local Tesco managed to get a reputation for being the most expensive in the country. Nevertheless, Jesmond still attracts the students, even if they're living beyond their means, by touching base there.
This money is attached to Jesmond, however means the neighbourhood has been known to attract a certain kind of student. One student commented that it's "full of out-of-touch southern Uni students who have no idea [about] the real value of money". Unfortunately, you won't get much of an authentic northern experience in Jesmond, and you're more likely to hear 'rah' than 'howay' during term time. Another student echoed this, considering "it's nice to look at aesthetically, but the student community is not fab".
Overall, Jesmond's lovely, but there's a sameness that permeates the lifestyle it harbours. Just down the road, however, you'll find Sandyford. Here, there's a much more relaxed atmosphere, variety and authentic student lifestyle.
The streets in Sandyford are still lined with terraced, Victorian architecture, but you're going to get a lot more bang for your buck. For what you'd get in Jesmond for £170, think bigger, sometimes even double, in Sandyford. The average price per week is also much lower, with most houses including bills coming to around £150. With cheaper housing, the omission of a Waitrose, and conveniently placed corner shops, you're much more likely to keep to your student budget.
Sandyford is also situated right next to Ouseburn, the creative and arty hub of Newcastle. Here, you'll find your equivalent to the buzz of Osbourne Road, but with a more alternative twist. It's home to some well-established pubs and bars, like Free Trade Inn, Tyne Bar, The Cluny, Ship Inn, Billy's Bootleggers and Ernest. There are plenty more options that you can choose from, and many regularly host live music on the weekend.
This pays homage to the area's creative and arty quality. Graffiti, artwork and posters adorn the brick along Stepney Bank, and many independent, boutique businesses line the streets, which you can visit during the day. They sell everything from vintage clothing, furniture, plants and vinyls, which are also available at Ouseburn Market that pops up every few months. If you fancy a wholesome afternoon, then the Ouseburn Farm is also great for reconnecting with your inner child and touching some grass.
Plus, who wouldn't love living on Aidan's Kitchen's doorstep, which is definitely one of Sandyford's highlights. Loved by both students and locals: they offer up the best brunch options, an array of indulgent sweet treats, and some of the best coffee in the North East. Whether your parents are up for a visit or you need an easy hangover cure, Aidan's got you covered.
Moving further along the map, you'll then find Heaton. Supposedly, it's the home for Northumbria students, and amongst the Newcastle University community, it tends to get a bad reputation. Don't let your university pride prevent you from exploring it, though, because its character is unmatched.
It's definitely your most humble option, yes, and you're close to the 'characters' on Byker high street: one student commented, "one of my friends' bikes got stolen from their back garden [and] there was also a murder in the alley behind my house last May". A few thefts and murders might make Heaton seem a little rough around the edges, but life is no fun without a bit of danger. Plus, crime is ultimately possible anywhere. This narrative causes many to undermine and swerve away from Heaton; however, it truly has a lot to offer students!
Much like Sandyford, it's particularly student-budget friendly. There is plenty of accommodation available for less than £150 per week, and you're going to be saving a lot of money by substituting Waitrose for Byker's big Morrisons.
Plus, it's got some well-established spots for food and drinks. Firstly, you've got Heaton Road, where Butterfly Cabinet and Smoke and Sear can sort out those student-night hangovers. Boquerones Tapas and Cocktails is also great for celebrating something special, and Zees is also in the vicinity, getting a special mention for its great coffee and the most insane Cinnamon Buns to ever bless your mouth.
The more students invest in Heaton, the more it grows, too, with some more recent openings like House Bar Heaton and Roma Coffee. House Bar is a great spot to relax with mates and a drink. Decorated with pastel pinks, greens and warm lights, the place has a gentle yet fun atmosphere. Roma coffee also carries a relaxed aesthetic as it wears a minimalist, cream interior, serving up classic warm drinks alongside sweet treats and seasonal specials.
They don't stop there: running adjacent to Heaton Road is Chillingham Road, bursting with variety and character. There's a Dot Bagels, a firm favourite within Newcastle, alongside classy spots like Nest and Flint. Elder Beer is also a newer spot, serving up craft beer and wines, which you can enjoy inside or in their warm beer garden.
These mentions don't even touch the sides, with the opening of these independent, trendy venues, Heaton is definitely beginning to cater more and more to the younger generation and attracting the students. This adds to its vibrant character, which many returning alumni, students and visitors praise. For all the stick Heaton gets, it's full of hard-working creatives, young and old, who colour the neighbourhood. One local commented, 'you'll see all the old folks sitting outside Peggy Sue's, then just down the street you'll see students queuing for their fancy coffees […] it's just a nice mix of people, a real community'. This not only makes it an interesting and exciting place to live, but a friendly one too, making it a worthy candidate in your house-hunting struggles.