The ultimate student map of Newcastle

I’m sure we all agree that Newcastle is an amazing student city, but it’s not just us who think so. The Toon’s welcoming vibe, affordable housing and thriving nightlife consistently drive us up the rankings. Now that fresher’s week has been and gone, new and returning students have the chance to fully explore the full scope of the glorious city we call home; but where to begin? Consider this your ultimate student map of Newcastle, guiding you through the student staples and hidden gems that give the city its charm.

Where better to start than the Quayside, my personal favourite area. The perfect place for a wholesome weekend day out, the Quayside is home to the Sunday market, where you can find anything from books, candles and a sweet treat, to a crystal shaped like a toilet (true story). Once you’ve had your fill of eclectic market stalls and street food, you can cross the river and visit the Baltic Centre, an art gallery, completely free to enter, that hosts a variety of exhibitions, a lookout platform and a top-tier gift shop.

Though life is all about balance, and we can’t deny that the promise of a great night out is one of Newcastle’s main selling points. With so many venues to choose from in the Central/Bigg Market area, it can feel a little bit like being thrown in at the deep end once the fresher’s wristbands are no longer keeping you afloat. Everyone finds their niche in the Toon’s nightlife, but you can never go wrong with a student classic; I always find myself in either Dog and Parrot or Tropicana, or why not both? Wherever you end up, some sustenance for the journey home is a non-negotiable; a late-night Greggs (the Grainger Street location in particular) is the perfect end to a Geordie night out.

Passing by Monument and Eldon Square, not forgetting to stop at Grainger Market for some cheap fruit and veg (needed for fighting off fresher’s flu), before you know it, you’ll have made it to campus. Not just the location of your 9am lectures, the university and surrounding area also house some brilliant study and social spots. We all know and love the Philip Robinson library, but its partner, the Marjorie Robinson library, is not to be overlooked! Once your assignments are finished (or at least started) the student favourite pub The Hancock is right around the corner.

There is no excuse not to make the most of everything that Newcastle has to offer, its time to grab the city by all seven of its bridges.