Experience in Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom by Tony

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

The best thing about Newcastle is that it will make you feel at home. The city is reasonably sized (not massive like London), so you will never feel overwhelmed as you go around town. And since Newcastle University, Northumbria University and Newcastle College are located here, there are plenty of students (young or not so young) from all over the world living here; there are many cultures in the city and everyone is welcome here.

Living in Newcastle, you will never feel out of place. The residents are always friendly and polite, everyone is used to seeing people from different countries, and if you come with an open mind and a good attitude you will for sure make a lot of new friends. It is a great, an excellent place if you are looking for a fresh start.

The city isn't too big but it's filled with interesting sights since there's a lot of history here. The nightlife in Newcastle is famous! It is known as the Party Capital of the North, and for good reason. The Metro Centre, one of Europe's largest shopping malls is across the river Tyne, just south of Newcastle. There are many restaurants and snack bars with a full range of international food and treats.

The weather can be rainy, something common in England, and in winter time it can be cold, with snow. That doesn't stop anyone, be them young or old, from living their lives as usual and enjoying what Newcastle has to offer.

In short, this is a great city to live in if you want your time to be productive and enjoyable. You will always feel welcome, and you will make new friends from all over the world. If you come to live in Newcastle with a willing heart, you will not leave empty-handed.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Newcastle Upon Tyne?

The two Universities, Newcastle University, and Northumbria University along with Newcastle College host many thousands of students from the UK and from all over the world so you will definitely have opportunities to make new friends from different countries. This is a city full of young people pursuing their goals and dreams, so you will feel right at home here. Students here are focused on their careers, with a serious outlook on their academical work, but also ready to have fun from time to time. That's one of the reasons why Newcastle is considered the Party Capital of the North!

Most students who come to Newcastle rent a room in a flatshare with other students like themselves, which makes the cost of living even cheaper and gives them the chance to hang out with like-minded people.

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

Life in Newcastle is extremely affordable. An average price for a room is around £350 which can include bills and Internet. You can eat in a nice restaurant for £10 or less. A weekly bus pass is only £13 and gives you unlimited travel around Newcastle. Pubs and clubs have regular cheap offers such as three measures for the price of a single measure of alcohol! Food and general goods from the supermarkets are really low in price compared to many places in Europe. It's easy to live in Newcastle, even if you don't have much money at the moment.

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

Finding accommodation in Newcastle isn't hard, but I would personally advise you to check for references on your future landlord or flatmate before you decide upon a living arrangement. Some places might be overpriced, or the house might not be peaceful, or the landlord might not be helpful. Since this is a city that sees a lot of movement, finding a landlord or flatmate with good references shouldn't be too hard.

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

There is a great range of options in terms of food in Newcastle. Due to the great amount of cultures that live here, it is easy to find ingredients to make dishes from many countries, or ready-made meals that are tasty and cheap. The classic English Breakfast is served across malls, restaurants, and can even be bought at markets.

My favourite dish is the Steak Pie, a famous dish from the North that can be easily found here.

What places would you recommend visiting in Newcastle Upon Tyne?

Newcastle is a fantastic city to study in and enjoy the local culture. There is a lot of history in this area, including from Roman times, the renowned Hadrian’s Wall and forts. Nearly 1, 000 years ago we have St Nicholas’ Cathedral and the famous old New-Castle keep, and then in more recent times many examples of fine Georgian and Victorian architecture. The North Sea coast is only 15 km away with many seaside attractions or, if you’re up to it, the opportunity to go swimming in the sea!

Just south of the city is the famous Angel of the North, a massive structure that has become an emblem of the area, and the North as a whole.

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

You will find that there are restaurants and snack bars with cuisines from all over the world here. Finding Spanish, Italian, Persian, Arabic, Romanian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, or pretty much any other cuisine is very easy here. The quality is great and the one common thing all these places have is that they are very affordable. No matter your taste, you will find something you like here.

Personally, I'm very fond of Achello's, an Italian restaurant that opened up recently, and Amaysia, a nice elegant restaurant with dishes from Malaysia.

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

Nightlife is famous! Newcastle is regularly voted as one of the top nightspots in the UK, Europe and even the World.

Most pubs, bars and nightclubs are located near the Quayside and city centre, where you will see a lot of movement every day of the week. The Gate, a big indoor complex, is full of options for young people looking to have fun, and if you are looking for a more typical British experience, you could try The Tyne Bar, which has excellent food and a quieter environment.

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

My main advice is to come with an open mind and a desire to give the best you can. You will find great people here, and you will feel welcome. Go out to meet new people, make friends, enjoy your time in a city where everyone is pursuing their dream. You won't be disappointed.

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