Experience in Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom by Hamish

What is it like to live in Newcastle Upon Tyne? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Moving to Newcastle was somewhat a shock to me, having moved from rural France, but I quickly came to appreciate life there: the city itself is clean, and living without a car is extremely convenient. If architecture is interesting for you, then every avenue of the "Toon" will amaze.

What is the student lifestyle like in Newcastle Upon Tyne?

Newcastle is, in my eyes, above all else a student town. It has two universities and a scattering of other higher education establishments, which means that most of the town is designed to cater for the student crowd. Most businesses offer a student discount, and the high amount of students means that it is almost impossible not to make friends.

How much does it cost to live in Newcastle Upon Tyne?

The cost of living is high by European standards, but low by British standards. Everything here is cheaper than in London, for instance. As with everywhere else, however, the best deals are to be found with patience and observance. Rent can cost anywhere between 250 a month to 450 a month, and a week's shopping from a larger supermarket can cost between 25 and 40 pounds. To complete a student's portrait of a town, bear in mind that tax on alcohol and cigarettes in Britain is higher than in any other European country !

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Newcastle Upon Tyne? Is there any advice you can give?

Accommodation; as one might expect for a student town, is abundant. My advise is to use crowd-sourced websites such as spare room.com or gumtree.com to find the pad for you.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

If you are moving from France, like I did, it is very easy to be underwhelmed by British gastronomy. However, like most British cities, there is a vast wealth of ethnic takeaway joints, (on my street alone there is a curry house, a Chinese takeaway and a Serbian restaurant). Of course, thanks to the ultra-convenient metro system, you can find both the beach and a savory plate of fish and chips only 20 minutes away.

What places would you recommend visiting in Newcastle Upon Tyne?

There are several must-sees in and around Newcastle upon Tyne. Grey's Monument, the Sage just across the river in Gateshead, and the town's famous bridges across the Tyne are probably the ones I would recommend. The town also boasts several cinemas, including the historic Tyneside cinema, a Theatre Royal, and many live music venues, from the Cluny to the Metro Radio Arena. But the city is teeming with treasures hidden just below the surface, like the Lit and Phil. library. The most rewarding way to discover this town is to explore it yourself.

Is it good to eat out in Newcastle Upon Tyne? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

On a student budget, eating out becomes a fairly rare thing. One can find all of the main restaurant chains, some that can even accommodate a humble bank balance, such as Wetherspoons which provides relatively cheap, good quality meals. Many fast food chains and takeaways stay open all night. However,most of your student budget will more likely be spent on drinking out rather than eating out. Which brings me on to the next part...

Is the nightlife good in Newcastle Upon Tyne? Where is good to go?

The nightlife in Newcastle is nothing short of legendary. Pretty much every street has a plethora of nightclubs. Clubs with cheap drinks, clubs with expensive drinks, some with free entry, others asking as much as 10 pounds. All of them different, filled with loud music and inebriated students. If like me, you tire quickly of Katy Perry and Beyonce, then you can find solace in some of the more hidden clubs. A personal favorite of mine is the World Headquarters, one of the longest running establishments in Newcastle, who consorted with big names like Nirvana and Curtis Mayfield.

What advice would you give future students heading to Newcastle Upon Tyne?

My advice? Concentrate on the coursework. It is very easy to be left behind with the flurry of nightlife that is available to you. Oh, and don't forget to pack an umbrella. Living 20 minutes from the North Sea means that you will be no stranger to the rain and the wind by the time you leave !