Beyond campus: how to make the most of Newcastle city

It’s easy to get caught up in the university bubble. Between lectures, seminars and getting settled into your new routine, you could probably spend most of your first couple of weeks in Newcastle without venturing too far beyond campus and your accommodation. Whilst it can be daunting finding your feet in a new city, getting out and about is one of the best ways to start feeling at home in an unfamiliar place and with so much to see, do and explore across Newcastle, you’ll soon find that there’s plenty to love. So, if you’re looking to make the most of your new home, here are some spots worth getting to know beyond campus!

For me, Tynemouth was the first place I visited after moving to Newcastle and has remained a firm favourite ever since. After a slightly emotional goodbye to my parents in the car park of my new accommodation, I headed to the beach with my flatmates in an attempt to keep myself busy and get to grips with my new home.

Just a short Metro ride from the city centre, Tynemouth has so much to offer. From the beautiful beach itself, independent cafés to grab a hot chocolate and a slice of cake in, to the weekly market held in the Metro station that has everything from vintage clothes and jewellery to books, records and sweet treats! Whether you’re looking for somewhere to explore with your new friends or just fancy a change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Tynemouth is the perfect place to start. 

If you’re looking for somewhere a little closer to the city centre, Ouseburn is another favourite of mine. It is known as Newcastle’s creative quarter, packed with free art galleries, independent pubs and vintage shops alongside plenty of restaurants and music venues, with the River Ouseburn running right through the heart of it.

Ouseburn is also home to the Tyne Bar, a perfect spot to grab a drink and a bite to eat for a student-friendly price! If you head down on a Tuesday between 7-9pm, be sure to spend £7 at the bar to get the free food option available that week which can be anything from chicken tikka masala to shawarmas. However, if it’s a burger you’re after, make sure to get yourself down there on Thursday between 5pm and 9pm and grab a burger and a pint for just £9.95…what isn’t to love about that?

For my housemate Lauren, the Waterstones on Blackett Street is a must-visit. Even if you’re not particularly into reading, she says the cafe is always “so nice and quiet even when it’s busy and has plenty of sweet treats to choose from.”. She also loves heading down to Quayside for a wander before grabbing an ice cream and sitting on the Millennium Bridge to take in the views. 

Lauren isn’t the only one with some Newcastle favourites! Mia, one of our Deputy Editors here at the Courier, has a few recommendations of her own. Whilst she shares my love of Ouseburn, specifically for a wander around the vintage clothes shops, she also loves some of the cafés in the Bigg Market area. Two of her favourites include Sunday, a perfect brunch spot, and Dog and Scone, serving hot drinks and cakes with the addition of some fluffy friends to cuddle! 

There really is no shortage of places to discover beyond campus, whether you fancy a coffee, some shopping or a walk, you are always guaranteed to find somewhere in Newcastle. All that’s left to do is get out there and find the spots that will become your own favourites.