Is the Park View hype real? - Ranking the best first-year accommodation in Newcastle

With everyone now looking for next year's housing, it's time to reflect and look back to decide what first-year accommodation is actually worth it. With sociability, location and price all to be considered, here is a comprehensive breakdown of all the best and worst first-year accommodations in Newcastle, from someone who has lived through the horror that is fresher flats.

Starting strong, it's my old home, Kensington/Park Terrace. Location couldn't be any better, whether you're an engineer, medic or artist, you could roll out of bed 5 minutes before the lecture and still be on time. The rooms are all a great size, a newly refurbished kitchen and en suite bathroom, you can't really ask for a lot more. Boasting the cheapest Circuit laundry in the city is another big bonus. The only downside would be the price, with inflation taking a massive hit on the price, with rooms starting at a crazy £187.25 a week. Overall, I would give it a strong 8 out of 10, as the price is the only thing that lets it down

Now onto a Portland Green, the only thing I heard as a fresher was that it was miles away, and no one's first choice; however, Portland has a lot to offer. Being in a village set up there is plenty of social opportunities, the flats all have their own dishwashers, and a Tesco Express right underneath, it has a lot going for it. The main downside to it is that it's a bit of a walk to campus, but being in the heart of Ouseburn also brings its perks, with coffee shops and pizza places everywhere around you. The price is slightly steep, though at £185 a week, I would give Portland a strong 6.5 out of 10

For Wellington St Plaza, Verde and the View, I feel it's only right to group them all, with them all being such close neighbours. Placed right near the business school and St James Park, city centre living truly couldn't get any closer, with nights out being just around the corner. Due to so many students being so close by, it's great for press and is possibly one of the most social accommodations across the city. With all of them being en suite bathrooms at around £170 a week price tag, it gets a tick on the location, price, and sociability. It's a strong 9.5 out of 10 for me.

Last but not least, it's the big dog of the Newcastle accommodations, Park View. With a reputation for being the most social and 'the accom that everyone wants', Park View has a lot to live up to. Personally, I think the location could be better, unless you are a med student main campus is a bit of a walk, and the town is slightly out of the way, with the post-night-out walk of shame back across a cow field leading to some interesting situations. Although there is no denying its social, its price tag of £187.25 a week is a massive con; Park View gets an even 5/10.

Honourable mentions go to our Budget options of Windsor Terrace and Marris House, with cosy flats and decent locations; their only downsides are their shared bathrooms and small room sizes. But overall, the clear winner is our trio of Wellington St Plaza, Verde and The View, with socials and location clearly being on top; this would be the place for a good time in the first year.