Morrisons, Byker, NE6 1EJ
Hear me out one second. I know Shields Road gets a bad rep around Newcastle. Ranked by many as the worst high street in England, Byker’s high street is known for its high crime rates, and for declining greatly in recent decades. But for students like me who have lived in Shieldfield, Sandyford and Heaton for the whole time we’ve been in Newcastle, Byker Morrisons is all we’ve ever known. The shop is massive, meaning you can find almost anything you need for low prices. I’ve definitely broadened my horizons with where I get my food over the years, but I always find myself coming back to Byker, and my love for its Morrisons will never fade.
Aldi, Gateshead, NE8 3LG
Gateshead can sound like a serious trek at first, but thanks to the Metro you can get there from Haymarket (right next to campus) in less than ten minutes. After a short walk from Gateshead Stadium, you will arrive at Aldi. With an easy-to-navigate layout and cheap prices, it’s a great spot for students looking to do a weekly food shop on a budget, offering both great variety and taste for less. The only problem is that getting the train can feel like a hassle, but with journeys only costing £1 with a Pop Card, you’ll most likely save more on your shopping than you spend on travel.
NUSU Co-op, NE1 8QB
We’ve all been there before. You’ve got lectures and seminars dotted about from 9am-5pm, and don’t have the time to head home or to the shops inbetween. The NUSU Co-op may not be the best place for bigger shops due to its small size and lack of variety. But if you’re in a hurry and in need of either a quick lunch or just a couple of bits, the convenience of it is spectacular. I’ve bought more meal deals from here in my three years than I’m proud to admit, as it’s one of the best offers out there. The Co-op app is what truly seals the deal, offering you discounts on so many products and two exclusive offers a week to save on your shop.
Tesco Express, Percy Street, NE1 4PW
A ‘best supermarkets’ list wouldn’t be complete without Tesco. They’re the biggest chain of shops in the UK by a mile, first popping up long before Dixie Dean was scoring goals for Everton. There’s a fair few options to pick from here, but my go-to has always been the one opposite Eldon Garden. It’s in a very convenient spot, as it’s around the corner from the centre of campus and only a few minutes’ walk from St. James’ Park. And with it being open until midnight, every night, it’s the perfect place to grab some ingredients for some late-night cooking (or to pick up some booze before a night out).
Sainsbury’s Local, Jesmond, NE2 3HQ
Ok, this one might expose a gap in my knowledge here. I’ve admittedly never lived in Jesmond, and so I’ve never had to do much of my shopping there. But considering it’s the top-rated living spot for students in Newcastle, I felt it was only right to include at least one shop in the area. The Sainsbury’s by West Jesmond station is the one I’ve used the most, and although I doubt many people are getting all their meals for the month from here, it’s a decent option thanks to it’s easy accessibility and 11pm closing time. It was either this or Waitrose, and I doubt many of us can actually afford to do our shopping there.