Food:
You’ve probably heard of Grainger Market but stepping inside can sometimes feel like walking through a maze. I recommend heading straight to King Baby Bagels – serving a £5 bagel and drink deal before 11am Monday-Friday, it is the perfect spot after an early 9am start. Grainger is also a great place to get cheap fresh produce and meat with many vendors offering a student discount!
Weekends at uni can feel intimidating, weekend markets at Tynemouth and the Quayside are a great way to get out your accommodation and see a bit more of the area! Tynemouth market runs from 9am-3:30pm on Saturday and Sunday under the cover of Tynemouth station and just a short walk from the beach (+ ice cream and fish and chips if you prefer more traditional seaside cuisine!). For a sunnier day, The Quayside market runs from 9am-4pm on Sundays!
Special mention to Wylam Brewery food wars – hosted monthly, these themed food markets are held inside a beautiful brewery in Exhibition Park. Their remaining dates for 2026 are Lord of the Wings (23-24 October) and Argie Bhaji (27-28 November).
But of course, you can never go wrong with the Toon classics...
Parks and outdoor spaces:
The best way to reconnect with nature after a big night or take a break from the library!
Two neighbouring parks just on the east edge of main campus: Town Moor and Exhibition park are great for a breather after a long day of study or an early morning park run on a Saturday if you’ve had a Friday night off!
Jesmond Dene is the ideal place for autumn walks. Hop on the metro to Ilford Road and enjoy the long walk (without the hills). Starting with a waterfall, all the way down to Pet’s Corner where you can see goats, rabbits, and even peacocks.
Nightlife:
I think the key to a good night out is to go off the beaten track and switch up your routine. My favourite area for this is Ouseburn! I like to start at Billy Bootlegger’s – live music, pool, and a great smoking area then check out what events are on at Ouseburn Garden, they often host open decks for upcoming local DJs.
If pubs are more your vibe The Tyne Bar and The Free Trade Inn are both Newcastle classics based in Ouseburn. Both pubs serve local beers with The Free Trade Inn boasting the best views of the city and Tyne Bar providing free food every Tuesday 7-9pm with any £7 spend!
But of course, you can never go wrong with the Toon classics - Tropicana, Cosy Joe's and Dog and Parrot will never let you down!