Newcastle is an iconic city in the UK, known for its rich industrial heritage, famous brown ale, vibrant nightlife, and unique Geordie dialect. In fact, it has been recognized as one of the happiest places to live in Europe.
Despite its industrial roots, the city has made a conscious effort to become more environmentally aware and is aiming to become one of the first carbon-neutral towns in the UK. Learn more about the opportunities available for students studying in Newcastle and book a free consultation with SI-UK India today.
Life in Newcastle for an International Student
Happy and Welcoming Community
Newcastle is a highly rewarding city to live in, offering an experience that is rich in culture, heritage, and social opportunities.
The Geordie community is known for its warm and welcoming nature, with the locals proud of their city's history and eager to share it with visitors. They are a sociable bunch and love to have a good time, which is reflected in the city's lively nightlife scene.
On-campus housing options are often the preferred choice for students as they are typically situated close to the university facilities and services, offering easy access. However, for those who opt to live off-campus, Newcastle City Centre and Jesmond are both popular choices. These areas strike a perfect balance between proximity to the city centre and affordability, making them a no-brainer for many students.
Whether you're looking to explore the city's cultural offerings, sample its famous brown ale, or enjoy the company of friendly locals, Newcastle is a fantastic place to study.
Top Rated Universities
Newcastle University
Established in 1834 as the School of Medicine and Surgery, it gained its university status as Newcastle University in 1963.
Known for its research-led teaching and interdisciplinary approach to learning, the university has a strong commitment to social justice and sustainability and encourages its students to become global citizens.
Located in the heart of the city, its main campus covers over 50 acres and includes a range of facilities, such as libraries, research centres, and sports facilities.
The university is particularly known for its research strengths in areas such as Science, Agriculture, and Humanities and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across several faculties, including Business, Law, Medicine, and Engineering
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Popular Courses: Computer Science, Business, Media
Northumbria University
Established in 1969 as Newcastle Polytechnic, Northumbria University gained university status in 1992. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Business, Engineering, and Art & Design and is particularly recognised for its strengths in areas such as Law and Criminology.
Known for its strong focus on employability and its commitment to preparing students for careers in the real world, Northumbria University has a strong focus on entrepreneurship.
Both Newcastle University and Northumbria University are highly respected institutions with a strong focus on academic excellence and student support.
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Popular Courses: Design, Physics, Nursing Science
Food, Festivals and Fun
Newcastle is widely recognised as the go-to destination for an exhilarating nightlife. The city has a long history of brewing and also has a world famous Ale named after it.
However, there's much more to the city than just its party scene. Newcastle also boasts an abundance of leisure activities and attractions that are well worth exploring. From enchanting theatre performances and comedy shows to live music and famous festivals, the city has it all.
The city showcases an exciting and diverse culinary scene with plenty of local and international options for all tastes and budgets. Traditional favourites like the Singing Hinny, a sweet bread almost like a scone and Pan Haggerty, similar to potato gratin, are a must-try. Newcastle’s historic indoor market, Grainger Market, opened in 1835 and is known as Newcastle's first supermarket, is still a great place to grab a quick bite to eat, stock up on groceries, or soak up the atmosphere.
For international options, Lezzet Turkish Restaurant, Simla for Indian and Rio Brazilian Steakhouse come highly recommended. Newcastle’s Festivals are incredible. From music to food and drink, heritage and history, there's a festival for everyone.
This Is Tomorrow brings the most exciting musical acts, and Newcastle Mela is an incredible two day multi-cultural event exploring South Asian culture, food, music and entertainment. Attracting over 40,000 visitors, Newcastle Mela has been taking place for over 25 years and is one of the most vibrant and popular events in the North East.
Football Fans and Marathons
Football is an important part of the sporting culture in Newcastle, and it's hard to ignore the passion and energy that the sport brings to the city.
The city is home to Newcastle United Football Club, which plays at St James' Park Stadium in the city centre. The club has a long and storied history, having been founded in 1892, and is widely supported by the local community. Its fans lovingly referred to it as the Toon Army. The club has a fierce rivalry with its nearby neighbours, Sunderland, and the Tyne-Wear derby is always a highly anticipated fixture.
Newcastle has a variety of options for people who are looking to keep fit and active, including a number of great parks and trails for runners, including the Quayside, Leazes Park, and the Town Moor.
You know the city is popular with runners when it hosts one of the largest and most popular running events in the world, with tens of thousands of participants taking part each year. The Great North Run was first held in 1981 and is a half marathon race that is open to runners of all abilities, from elite athletes to beginners and is known for its inclusive and friendly atmosphere.
Career Prospects
Newcastle is home to a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology. Some of the major employers in the city include Accenture, The Sage Group, Formica Corporation and Ubisoft.
The city also has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a supportive business community, which can be beneficial for those looking to start their own business.
Newcastle is a city that is proud of its roots, and offers academic excellence, cultural richness, and a warm and inviting community, making it an attractive choice for students seeking an exceptional study abroad experience.
Study in Newcastle
If you are interested in learning more about Newcastle or want to study at one of its top universities, then book a free consultation with SI-UK India today!
Living and Studying in Newcastle FAQ
Yes, Newcastle is a great place for international students. This city has some of the best universities and a large and diverse student population. Newcastle is popular for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and there are many cultural festivals and events for international students to enjoy.
Newcastle is known for its friendly people, beautiful scenery, and relatively low cost of living. The city has world-class universities such as Newcastle University and Northumbria University. Newcastle is also a vibrant and exciting city with a rich cultural heritage and plenty of things to do.
The acceptance rate for international students at Newcastle University depends on the course and the level of study. While Newcastle University is a relatively selective institution with a strong academic background, one can easily secure a seat here.
Newcastle is relatively affordable for students. The cost of living here is generally lower compared to some of the major cities in the UK, and there are many affordable accommodation options available. Rest depends on your lifestyle and spending habits.
Compared to other major UK cities, Newcastle is relatively cheaper to live in. The cost of accommodation, food, transport, etc, vary depending on where you choose to live and your lifestyle.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
