Contents Eating out 14 Savour the flavours of the city with our guide to the best bites in town. After dark

8 Shopping Other features Welcomehello to Newcastle 18 A city for everyone! 2 Light-hearted and sure-footed, Newcastle is the cosmopolitan Grim up North? capital of . Think again! 4 Known for our warm Geordie welcome, Newcastle attracts Student-friendly Toon 6 around 50,000 students each year. In fact, one in six people in Calling all night owls. Find out why our From quirky markets to high fashion, see Save the date 34 Newcastle is a student, helping nightlife is so famous... what Newcastle has in store for you... create the city’s energetic social Student top tips 36 scene and legendary nightlife. Getting here 38 Fun, friendly and effortlessly Live music Comedy cool, we’ve gained a deserved 25 Getting around 39 reputation as one of the UK’s Love to laugh? favourite student cities. 22 Join the (comedy) club! Get on course to NCL 40 Bursting with confidence and proud of our growing global reputation, we also have world- class arts, music, shopping and sport right in the city centre. Arts and culture Sport Explore... And we’re just 25 minutes from the beach! Newcastle is a big city in a small space, offering all the excitement of a modern metropolis combined with small-town friendliness. So dive in; our affordable, friendly vibrant student city is waiting Cinema to welcome you... Blockbusters, Bollywood, 24 3D, arthouse and IMAX. Check out the latest releases... 26 28 30

Get your culture fix with Football, rugby, rollerderby! Explore the city, suburbs, Alreet pet? our world-class galleries, Our sporting city has the region and more... FRIENDLY GREETING theatres and museums. something for everyone. 1 is a city for... Culture vultures...foodies...musos...film junkies...sports fans...night owls...early birds... shopaholics...fashionistas...theatre lovers... football fanatics...comedy fans...party animals ...indie chicks...bookworms...rock fans...ravers... surfers...dancers...intrepid explorers...social butterflies...musicians...bike nuts...history buffs ...gym bunnies...artists...outdoor adventurers... everyone!

2 3 A reputation for lively nightlife is just the tip of the iceberg; with its collection of top class art galleries, museums and flourishing theatre scene – not to mention the shopping – the city is up there among the most exciting in Britain.

Rough Guide to Newcastle Castle Keep Grey Street Quayside

Think it’s grim up North? Think again! Theatre Royal Jesmond Dene Newcastle is a very pretty city, where Leazes Park elegant Georgian buildings rub shoulders with stunning modern architecture, pretty bridges jostle to take traffic over the Tyne, and city-centre parks paint the town green.

Northumberland Street Stowell Street Swing Bridge Grey’s Monument overlooks Grey Street; named the UK’s favourite street by Create Streets (2015).

4 5 ‘ The city is just amazing. It’s always alive The student-friendly with people, markets and street performers. Newcastle is a really cheap city to live Stretch your budget, Why aye! in too, which helps budget planning.’ not yourself! .. Samuel, Computer Science Wallet-friendly Newcastle is perfect for students

who want to live large on a small budget..

With lower than average student rents, you’ll have more money left in your pocket to spend ‘Newcastle is a great place to oon on the things you love. Food and drink prices T are refreshingly reasonable, so it won’t break live. It’s the perfect size, it looks the bank to enjoy an evening out, and there are plenty of shops specialising in frugal fare to help beautiful, and the nightlife is top you look after your pennies. class. It’s a short Metro ride Our survey said.. get it freSh to the beach or a train journey to We asked current students to The city-centre Grainger Market provides fresh beautiful countryside, and there are rate the top 5 reasons you should fruit, veg and meat at bargain prices from local traders. It also sells clothes, shoes, CDs and several parks, like Jesmond Dene. choose Newcastle. They said: books, and has a legendary sweet shop. Something is always going on, and 1. Legendary nightlife Learn and earn there’s always something to do!’ 2. Affordability Newcastle University makes it easy to top up Lois, Politics and Sociology 3. Everything in walking distance your spends with loads of part-time jobs for students on campus and student ambassador 4. City-centre campus opportunities. 5. Fun and friendly Student Savings Buy an NUS card from just £12 a year and get 10–20% off high street prices at a range The UK’s of shops and restaurants. favourite

city Readers’ Guardian Travel2014 Awards

6 7 World Headquarters

Contemporary cool After dark

The affectionately named ‘Pink Triangle’ is home to a thriving LGBT scene After dark

Floritas

Contemporary cool Collingwood Street is Newcastle’s centre of laid back contemporary cool. Known affectionately as the ‘Diamond Gregarious Geordies are sociable souls, creating Strip’, this is the place for cocktails, conversation and DJ a vibrant nightlife that is regularly voted among the sets into the early hours. House of Smith sets the standard; best in the world. People flock to the city from all over think 50’s glamour and speakeasy style, combined with the the country to experience our cordial combination added luxury of table service. With club nights every night of clubs, bars and canny craic. of the week, late night music and a terrace, it’s a venue that truly delights the after-dark clientele of the Toon. Floritas, Whilst it is true that party-loving Geordies have an Madame Koo and Perdu also provide a comfy perch for aversion to coats even in the winter, don’t believe Newcastle night owls, with private booths, sofas and everything you see on TV. It’s not all about drinking great music. – good friends, great music and the occasional celeb Craic spot are the hallmark of a good night out on the Toon. ENJOYABLE CONVERSATION. AS IN ‘IT WAS GOOD CRAIC’

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Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU)

Student nights City remix After dark After dark

Top rated

Newcastle’s social life was rated joint first in the Shindig Times Higher Education Student Experience Student nights Survey 2015 City remix One in six people in Newcastle is a student, so you’ll The weather might not always remind you of Ibiza but find no shortage of student nights at venues across the Newcastle has a thriving club scene. The city’s biggest city. Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU) is club night, Shindig, recently moved to new warehouse the starting point for many a night out, with its MENS Bar premises to hold capacity crowds who flock there for serving food and drinks at reasonable prices. NUSU the trademark fusion of house and techno. Superclub hosts huge club nights like CCTV and regular gigs from Digital hosts club nights Thursday through Sunday, up-and-coming artists such as James Bay and Courtney attracting world-famous names like David Guetta and Barnett. In town, Koosday is a national club night that Shy FX, whilst World Headquarters prides itself on being originated in Newcastle and takes over various venues friendly, unpretentious and independent, with a passion on Wednesday nights – the biggest student night of for music. Located in Chinatown, Cosmic Ballroom the week. offers an intimate space for DJs to perform for Howay man! underground crowds. COME ON! AS IN ‘HOWAY MAN, LET’S GET GANNIN’

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Alternative scene Pub life After dark After dark

Alternative scene Pub life Alpha are top dog in Newcastle’s thriving alternative If a more laid back scene is your thing, Newcastle has a merry scene, packing out the O2 Academy every Saturday night. mix of pubs to while away the hours chatting with friends, Boasting two rooms of musical mayhem, the Alpha DJs listening to live music and enjoying some local fare. The Bridge mash up new tunes and floor fillers from the whole Tavern offers a ravishing real ale selection alongside modern alternative spectrum. Charnel House caters for goth comfort food, nestled between the beams of the North East’s and industrial fans, whilst Think Tank? take over various most iconic landmark – The Tyne Bridge. The nearby Hop and venues – like the legendary Riverside – to bring new Cleaver has an eclectic mix of cocktails and craft beers and and established alternative acts to the city. The Hancock Brewdog hosts artistic events and regular live music. Near to and Head of Steam are rock-friendly pubs, and frequent the train station, The Forth and The Town Wall are reminiscent haunts of the Uni’s Rock Soc. Watch out for student of cosy local pubs. Bars like Pleased to Meet You and Alvinos nights, ticket discounts and queue-jump offers for bridge the gap between day-time hideaways and late-night Rock Soc members. hot spots. Why aye! OF COURSE!

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Lane 7

Indie eateries Eating out Eating out

We hope you’ve brought your appetite, and maybe a Indie eateries bigger belt, because Newcastle is packed with places All around the city, independent eateries will tempt you with new to indulge and enjoy. culinary experiences. In nearby Jesmond, Pizzeria Francesca attracts queues for its busy vibe and authentic Italian home In the city centre, independent eateries provide a cooking, whilst As You Like It delights with its quality food and warm Geordie welcome and a true taste of Newcastle. whimsical chic interior inside an unassuming office block. Near Decadent coffee shops tempt with wedges of the train station, Settle Down Café welcomes with comfy sofas homemade cake, unpretentious deli bistros quietly and a homely feel. Fat Hippo Underground is Newcastle’s go-to burger joint, and The Herb Garden is one of the city’s quirkiest serve top-quality lunches that won’t break the bank Italian food finds. Lane 7 combines American-inspired cuisine and don’t forget for a stottie or a steak bake! with boutique bowling, ping pong and even karaoke – perfect Newcastle’s gastronomic reputation has also attracted if you like your food with a healthy serving of fun. And don’t a glut of top name restaurateurs. The city is home to miss Blackfriars, an award-winning restaurant set in a 13th century friary in the city walls. exciting ventures from chefs Marco Pierre White and Jamie Oliver. Food events during the year, including the annual Stottie EAT! Festival and NE1’s Newcastle Restaurant Week, ROUND FLAT BREAD also bring new culinary adventures to the city at NATIVE TO NEWCASTLE. affordable prices. 14 15

Chain reaction International Eating out Eating out

Dabbawal

Chain reaction International If you long for familiar favourites then there are plenty You can eat your way around the world in Newcastle’s of restaurants in Newcastle to satisfy your cravings. city centre with a range of international cuisines waiting Eldon Square, Grey Street and the Quayside provide to tempt your tastebuds. As well as the wide range of plenty of choice, including Miller and Carter, Prezzo, Chinese restaurants and supermarkets on Chinatown’s Carluccio’s, Wagamama, Nando’s, Pizza Express, Stowell Street you can find Thai, Turkish, Lebanese, Yo Sushi, Zizzis, La Tasca, Slug and Lettuce, Café Rouge Spanish, and Japanese food and more. Zapatista serves and plentiful Wetherspoon pubs. For a quick off-campus a taste of Mexico with their bespoke burritos and fiery lunch, pop over to Northumberland Street and you’ll fajitas. Just off Grey Street, Dabbawal delights in offering find all the usual suspects including , Costa Indian street food with a tapas twist. Meanwhile Electric and Pret a Manger. The Botanist is ideal for special East serves up innovative dishes from South East Asia. occasions with views of Grey’s Monument. Bait/bait box FOOD / LUNCH BOX

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Eldon Square Books Markets As a student, you’ll become no stranger to Visit one of the local markets and mooch a bookshop. Next to campus, Blackwell’s around for an hour or two…. The Grade I bookshop caters for students with a wide listed indoor Grainger Market is a firm range of textbooks and core texts. A large favourite for fresh produce and the weekly Waterstones in the city centre provides Quayside market offers photography, Shoppers’ paradise fiction and non-fiction across four floors. jewellery and an assortment of tasty There are also a number of secondhand treats. There are also numerous pop-up book shops. Don’t forget you can save markets around Grey’s Monument money by using the University’s throughout the year. Alternatively, hop award-winning Library. on the Metro to Tynemouth, where you’ll find all kinds of craft, household and bric-a-brac items each weekend in the beautiful Victorian station. Ten minutes

from the city centre, Armstrong Bridge paradise Shoppers’ is also home to weekly craft and monthly community food markets that overlook the lush park that is Jesmond Dene.

Entertainment Whether you’re looking for vinyl classics or the latest Xbox release, you’re well catered for in Newcastle with a plethora of shops selling music, DVDs and games. High street names, boutique brands, a city-centre HMV competes with local favourites such mall and bustling street markets make Newcastle as Grainger Games and Steel Wheels. one of the hottest shopping spots in the north. Northumberland Street is the city’s main shopping street, with reassuringly familiar names like Marks The Metrocentre and Spencer, H&M, Fenwick and TK Maxx. 10 minutes by train and you can be at the Off Northumberland Street you’ll find Eldon Square, Metrocentre, Europe’s largest shopping one of the UK’s largest city-centre shopping malls, and leisure complex. With over 340 shops with over 150 big brand stores. and restaurants, an Odeon IMAX cinema and Namco Funscape with bowling and Towards the Quayside, the High Bridge Quarter is a games area all under one roof, it’s the thriving with urban cool outfitters and vintage chic perfect escape on a rainy day. boutiques, whilst the Quayside’s vibrant Sunday market provides bargain groceries and household goods. 18 19

Fashion

Trusted names ‘Newcastle is the perfect

Shoppers’ paradise Looking a million bucks needn’t break city for a student. It’s compact, the bank in Newcastle. Flagship stores perfect in size, friendly from Primark, H&M and Topshop provide and considerably cheaper affordable wardrobe essentials. Label than other cities in the UK.’ William, Media, lovers will enjoy bagging a bargain at Communication and TK Maxx. Cultural Studies Shoppers’ paradise Shoppers’ Something different Newcastle has its fair share of boutique and independent stores. Liam Gallagher’s Pretty Green label has a home here, uniting lovers of music and fashion. The cobbled street of High Bridge is filled with independent clothing and music shops, including Union.

Fashionistas Big names including Vivienne Westwood, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, and Cruise offer high-end fashion, while department store Fenwick features numerous designer

and high-street brands under one roof. ‘The best bits about the city are its hidden gems –

vintage clothes shops and independent restaurants and cafés make it a unique place to live.’ Sophie, Speech and Language Sciences

Champion! AS IN ‘YOU’VE GOT INTO NEWCASTLE UNI? CHAMPION!’

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Live music Live music Live

Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU)

Metro Radio Arena This 11,000+ capacity venue is in the top 10 busiest venues in the world, The Cluny hosting world-class music and comedy acts throughout the year. Recent acts include Alicia Keys, The Who, Bruno Mars, Kasabian and the Stereophonics.

O2 Academy This iconic 2,000-capacity venue is If you enjoy going to gigs and discovering live bands, a regular stopover for big names such Newcastle will be music to your ears. as The Arctic Monkeys, Miles Kane, From international pop and rock acts performing Dizzee Rascal and local favourites Maxïmo Park. The building also boasts at the Arena and O Academy, to folk and classical 2 the more intimate 380-capacity Academy2 concerts at the gorgeous Sage Gateshead, our huge for local and emerging artists. range of venues caters for all tastes. The Boiler Shop Steamer is a vibrant, monthly event Ouseburn celebrating all that’s great about music, food, drink,

The Ouseburn Valley, less than a mile and art. Festivals throughout! the year provide eclectic from the city centre, is the creative aural adventures, such as VAMOS!; SummerTyne heart of Newcastle. Set in picturesque Americana and the International Jazz Festival. surroundings, Ouseburn is home to And be sure to check out The Cluny, The Tyne and popular live music venues including The Cumberland Arms for smaller gigs. Perfect for The Cluny and Cumberland Arms, attracting up-and-coming local and catching new bands that aren’t quite ready to pack international bands. Past artists include out the Arena...yet! The Vaccines, Mumford & Sons, Editors and We Are Scientists.

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Cinema Comedy

Tyneside Cinema

Tyneside Cinema Grab your popcorn and 3D specs because Newcastle loves the movies. More than 20 screens Comedy Much loved by local movie in the city centre show everything from Hollywood It’s no surprise that laid-back Geordies love buffs, the art deco Tyneside blockbusters to international art house, and there’s is a former newsreel cinema to laugh, and there are plenty of venues across that now shows the usual an IMAX at the nearby Metrocentre. So whether the city destined to tickle your funny bone. blockbusters alongside cult you want to get blown away by Bond, or get lost Top names on the international comedy circuit classics and world film. in translation, there’s something here for you. and up-and-coming stand-ups all visit the Toon, No anonymous screen 1, 2 and some people just make it up on the spot... and 3 here, these screens Smaller screens Multiplexes have names (The Classic, ... Big names, big laughs Look beyond the The city-centre Gate Stand and deliver The Elektra, The Roxy) and mainstream and you’ll complex houses a 16-screen personalities to match. The The latest and most popular Newcastle’s larger find several cinematic cinema showing all the characterful café bars, as venue in the city’s comedy venues attract world-class gems. Cute and quirky latest releases. A short bus well as the weekly film club, scene is The Stand. They comedians. The 11,000 The Suggestibles Quilliam’s, next to campus, ride away, the Metrocentre attract local cinephiles who serve top-notch food from capacity Metro Radio Arena has a 20-seat cinema in has a 17-screen cinema This improv group takes meet to discuss the merits their affordable bistro, with sells out when international the basement of their tea including an IMAX screen. suggestions from the of the latest releases over lashings of stand-up stars like Eddie Izzard, shop, whilst campus plays audience and turn them an espresso. comedy every weekend. Miranda Hart and Michael host to Cinema Politica, McIntyre stop-over as part into comedy sketches, showing documentaries of their UK tours. Local so be sure to bring your and thought-provokers theatres also deliver big imagination as well as your that don’t make it to the laughs, with the Tyne sense of humour. Catch multiplexes. Theatre playing host to a monthly performance TV regulars like Sarah at The Stand or The Millican, Ed Byrne and Cumberland Arms, or the Stewart Francis. annual Pant-so at Northern Stage on campus.

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Sage Gateshead Museums

Science is a focus of many of the city’s museums. The Discovery Museum is Newcastle’s largest, Arts and cultureArts with exhibitions about the city’s history and evolution. The Life Science Centre focuses on groundbreaking science taking place in the city. Northern Stage

Northern Stage Arts and culture on campus Hatton Gallery on campus This independent theatre is well known for creating Situated at the heart of its own ambitious and the University campus, inspiring productions, as the Hatton Gallery is home well as hosting some of the to the legendary annual best touring companies Fine Art and MFA degree Music in the UK. The café bar is shows as well as a The audacious, futuristic equally well known for great regularly changing, vibrant Sage Gateshead is the tapas, perfect for lunch programme of historical most visible expression between lectures, and the and contemporary art of the region’s cultural lawn outside is the place exhibitions. to be seen when the sun renaissance. This world- Hatton Gallery class concert hall is home shines. Great North Museum Theatre to the Northern Sinfonia on campus and, each year, it also hosts Newcastle boasts numerous an international jazz festival. Fun and free, and just a If the weather is not theatres, of which the few hundred yards from conducive to soaking gorgeous Georgian Theatre the centre of campus, the up the sun, take the Royal is the undisputed Art GNM is packed with natural opportunity to soak up grande dame, hosting history, Greek and Roman The BALTIC art gallery in performances from the archaeological treasures, some culture instead. a former grain mill on the Royal Shakespeare mummies from ancient Newcastle’s cultural Quayside shows modern Company. LIVE Theatre Egypt, a life-size replica renaissance means art in a spectacular setting. on the Quayside shows T-Rex skeleton and a the city has a wealth of The Biscuit Factory is a works by up-and-coming scale model of Hadrian’s friendly gallery with an opportunities to indulge and local artists. If you’d Wall. There’s also a excellent café and shop, your intellectual side, rather be on the stage than Planetarium, and GNM whilst Lime Street Studios and our campus is watching it, check out the often hosts show-stopping in the Ouseburn Valley area People’s Theatre, a busy touring exhibitions from alive with art and provide a chance to buy am-dram group with their national venues like the creative energy too. art direct from the artists. Great North Museum own theatre. British Museum.

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Great North Run The world’s most famous half marathon, the Great North Run welcomes athletes and fun runners

Sport from across the globe, attracted by the famous sights and friendly crowds they’ll see along the way. Sport The annual fly past by the Red Arrows over the Tyne Bridge is one of the most iconic images in UK sport.

Dance City

Dance City is Newcastle’s Sport own dedicated dance house, providing classes and studio spaces for everything Kickabouts Keep fit Newcastle United, Newcastle Eagles, Newcastle Newcastle Falcons from street dance to tap Falcons and the Great North Run... sport is and ballet. So slip into Wednesday afternoon Newcastle University integral to Newcastle’s identity. With so much on Newcastle Falcons compete something comfortable kickabouts are a student Sports Centre offers a wide in the Aviva Premiership, offer in the city centre, whether you want to watch and break some shapes. tradition, especially in range of fitness classes, and play in nearby Gosforth, the summer, when the everything from aerobics or take part, Newcastle shoots and scores... just a short Metro ride city’s parks and open and step, to yoga and from the city centre. The spaces are filled with zumba. If you’re a runner, St James’ Park 10,000-capacity stadium, impromptu footie matches the Quayside and the city St James’ Park is the Kingston Park, is one of and Frisbee games. parks provide picturesque beating heart of this the best-equipped rugby The University Intra Mural routes, whether you’re sporting city. The 52,000- stadiums in the country. sports programme can also running for fun or training seat stadium is home to help you form sports teams for one of the city’s Newcastle United and the with friends and compete many races. Newcastle Eagles whole city hears the crowd in the Uni league. roar when Newcastle score. Newcastle’s professional Roller derby Keep an eye out for Magpie basketball team is the most fans on match days as they successful club in British Newcastle Roller Girls and stream into the stands in Basketball League history, Tyne and Fear Roller Derby trademark black and white. topping the league seven both skirmish in the city. Active Newcastle times in 10 years. With ‘Fresh meat’ intakes let tickets under a tenner Get an Active Newcastle newbies try this ultra-cool and the team playing in card to get discounts at sport for themselves, so the city centre at nearby council-run sports centres, polish up your quad skates, Northumbria Uni, it’s an strap on some pads and Toon Army offering everything from affordable way to see climbing and kayaking to start thinking about your NEWCASTLE UNITED top-flight sport. derby name... SUPPORTERS martial arts and dance.

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3. Grab a bite Explore ... Enjoy lunch at one of the Explore ... many pubs and restaurants the Quayside that line the Tyne. Pitcher Jesmond and Piano is a good choice for the best views and a tempting menu. Jesmond is a popular 1. and leafy suburb of 1. The iconic Quayside Newcastle, home to Jesmond Dene is one of Newcastle’s Check out 4. a growing student A haven from the bustle most recognisable population. Quality the BALTIC Bridges of the city, this large and restaurants and shops, views. The riverside Take the lift to the top to After lunch, walk west popular park stretches for a thriving nightlife, plays home to enjoy arguably the best towards the Tyne Bridge three kilometres through fantastic Metro 3. world-class cultural view of the city. Work your and enjoy the architecture. Newcastle. On a sunny day, venues BALTIC and way back down through Seven bridges span the connections to the expect to see the grass Unique the Sage Gateshead, the galleries, taking in the river within half a mile here, city centre, and nearby packed with sunbathing as well as great pubs modern art. Pop over to the creating an unmistakable Jesmond Dene students and even outdoor boutiques and restaurants. Sage to see the impressive vista. park make this a exercise classes. Visit Acorn Road and Perfect for a sunny concert hall interior. very popular Brentwood Avenue for Saturday stroll... neighbourhood. browsable boutiques and . . a spot of café culture. Or . 5 2 for a real taste of luxury, get 2 Ouseburn Osborne Road afternoon tea at beautiful Jesmond Dene House, Blinking eye Further along the Quayside, Head into the centre of jesmond Dene is really in their three AA Rosette Cross the river via the towards the east, is the Jesmond and you’ll find peaceful and has restaurant. Millennium Bridge, known Ouseburn area. Home to the shops and cafés catering as the ‘blinking eye’. Biscuit Factory art gallery, beautiful scenery. to the local population You can get a river cruise live music venues, a city It still astounds me of students and from here if you’d like to farm and several art studios, that it is in the middle professionals. Lined take a trip up the Tyne. it is a hub of arts and with bars and restaurants, of such a busy city!’ cultural activity. in the evening Osborne ‘Rebecca, English Road really comes alive.

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2. more Explore ... Stroll along Explore ... the coast the prom Grab a bag of chips from Hadrian’s Wall Durham Whitley Bay seafront and There’s enough in Hadrian’s Wall marks the 15 minutes on the train enjoy them as you stroll Newcastle to keep you edge of the Roman frontier. takes you to the World along the prom towards busy all year round but The Wall is still visible in Heritage Site of Durham, . the deliciously retro don’t let our city centre 1 places in the city but the with its quaint streets Rendezvous Café. Watch attractions stop you best way to experience and spectacular castle Take a surf the joggers and dog walkers exploring further afield. this World Heritage Site and cathedral. go by, or join them and Unspoilt beaches, lesson is to set off into the carry on to pretty St Mary’s wild and wonderful Tynemouth Longsands is countryside, and World countryside, where forts the home beach for many Lighthouse. Heritage Sites are on like Housesteads and 90 minutes on the train of the UK’s top pro surfers. your doorstep. And our Birdoswald give a glimpse takes you to Edinburgh, This curved golden bay fantastic transport links into life in Roman Britain. perfect for a day trip or is a popular place to learn 3. mean that student city weekend away. Just 25 minutes away to surf and a number breaks are closer than Angel of of qualified surf schools Let’s go fly by Metro, the coastal you think... the North Even further... towns of Whitley Bay provide lessons for people a kite and Tynemouth are of all abilities. If you don’t Take a trip to see one of Low-cost airlines fly from easily accessible and fancy getting wet, watch The long and relatively the North’s most iconic Newcastle International provide a wealth of the action from the brilliant empty beaches are great landmarks. Antony Airport and offer great seaside delights: beach front cafe, Crusoe’s, for kite flying, Frisbee and Gormley’s super statue prices if you book far boasting three Blue situated right on the sand. volleyball. So grab some has been welcoming enough in advance. Flag beaches, fish and friends and have fun. visitors to the region for Check online for trips If you’re feeling brave, to Barcelona, Paris, chips, surf lessons, ice nearly 20 years. If you’re cream, an aquarium, ‘Newcastle lives up Whitley Bay also has coming from the South Amsterdam and more. a sea swimming club. craft markets and more... to the hype’ via the A1, keep your eyes peeled... ‘Rob, Chemical Engineering

32 33 July Northern Pride A celebration of equality and diversity, the date with LGBT sport, entertainment and advice Save Summertyne Americana Festival A sizzling celebration of Americana music in and around the spectacular Throughout the year, setting of the Sage Gateshead Newcastle celebrates different cultures and August experiences with a wide EAT! A foodie festival promoting all things range of festivals and culinary, with plenty of goodies to try events. Here’s a small and buy Mela selection for your A celebration of Asian arts, music diary... and culture in the North East

September January/February Freshers’ Week Chinese New Year Events across the city for new students Dragon dances, food and exhibitions celebrating Chinese culture Great North Run The world’s most famous half marathon, popular with athletes and fun runners alike May The Late Shows October An inspiring, after-dark programme Rugby World Cup 2015 of events and exhibitions at the city’s St James’ Park plays host to heavyweights cultural venues New Zealand, South Africa and Scotland

June ! December VAMOS! Enchanted Parks Focusing on Spanish and An after-dark magical arts adventure Portuguese-speaking cultures, for all ages through music, film and dance Winter festival Hoppings Fair A spectacular celebration around The world’s biggest travelling fair and New Year, culminating with over 300 rides and attractions in a parade through the city centre and fireworks over the Quayside

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My favourite place to go for an Top tips A great alternative night after-essay treat is definitely out is the pub quiz at the Quilliam Brothers’ Teahouse. They do an amazing range of for living in Hancock alreet? teas (I recommend the caramel pub every Sunday. “ cup). Flat Cap Coffee does the Newcastle best coffee in Newcastle. It’s a Katherine, Biology super relaxing space and perfect for a break from the business of uni life! I love exploring Mhairi, Geography For less than a fiver you can get a return Metro ticket new restaurants. to the coast. On Saturdays and There are lots in Jesmond, which is also a great location Sundays Tynemouth has a for a night out with friends. great little market, with amazing food, drinks, books and much Kelly, Architecture more. World Headquarters and Urban Planning Look out for events “ is the best club if you’re not into the usual chart stuff. The on social media Tyneside Cinema does great and get involved in your Canny! all-nighters and special events. local community. Grace, Politics and Sociology Antonia, Media, Communication and Cultural Studies

Mr Lynch in Jesmond is a great bar offering One of the best places to pick up For the best fresh food student discounts. without ruining your budget, bits and bobs is the Quayside The best places for tea, go to the Grainger Market. coffee and breakfast The local produce, delicious Sunday Market are Arlo in Jesmond food and Geordie spirit will which has a huge variety of stalls make your day! along the river. or Butterfly Cabinet Ola, Law Rachel, Law in Heaton. Megan, Maths and Psychology

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GETTING EDINBURGH GETTING By foot is really 1h 30 mins HERE AROUND compact and everything is within walking distance. Newcastle is well connected, • Campus to city centre – 2 to 5 minutes with a train station, coach • Train station to city centre – 10 minutes station, international airport 1h 5 mins and even a ferry terminal. By Metro The Metro is Newcastle’s So, wherever you live, we’re version of the Underground, closer than you think! NCL connecting the city, coast and campus. NEWCASTLE Haymarket station is directly opposite By train Newcastle’s train station is Newcastle University campus. Student right in the city centre, so once you get discounts and travel passes make it a off at Newcastle, you’re never far from really affordable way to get around. home... • City centre to Jesmond – 5 minutes • Edinburgh – 1 hour 30 minutes • City centre to the airport – 25 minutes • – 1 hour 25 minutes • City centre to the coast – 25 minutes • – 2 hours 35 minutes • London – 2 hours 55 minutes MANCHESTER By bus Opposite campus is the main • – 2 hours 50 minutes 2h 35 mins city bus station, Haymarket, with local By plane Loads of UK flights land buses taking you anywhere in the city at Newcastle Airport, which is a few and suburbs. Buses are also a great miles outside the city. You can fly here way to explore the region. Check out the UniRider bus pass for student fares. in no time and hop on the Metro for the mins 15 1h 15-minute trip to the city centre. • London – 1 hour 15 minutes BIRMINGHAM LONDON By bike The Cycle Hub offers bike

• Bristol – 1 hour 5 minutes mins 5 1h 2h 50 mins 2h 55 mins hire facilities and a place for cycling enthusiasts to meet over cake and coffee. • Dublin – 1 hour 5 minutes Recyke Y’Bike also provide second-hand bikes at reasonable prices.

‘Travelling to Newcastle is really easy, LONDON even though I live at the other end of BRISTOL HEATHROW the country! I can use my time on the train to get some work done or relax with a film. When I get to Newcastle, ‘Getting around Newcastle is cheap and it is a short walk to my house or five easy. I have a monthly student Metro pass. minutes on the Metro if I have luggage!’ I can get straight to uni in 10 minutes and it costs under £1 a day.’ Catherine Dani

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GET SOCIAL... AND SAMPLE STUDENT LIFE THROUGH ON COURSE TO NCL

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a student at Newcastle? Get connected to find out more: Through social media and our brand new On Course to NCL website we provide you with Website everything you need to know as you plan your ncl.ac.uk/oncoursetoncl course to Newcastle University. @studentsNCL With videos and articles written by experts and current students, On Course to NCL covers all Facebook /oncoursetoncl aspects of the application process, from choosing the right A levels through to submitting your Instagram @newcastleuni UCAS form and beyond. YouTube * Watch live webchats /newcastleuniofficial * Ask questions Google Plus * Read top tips /+newcastleuniofficial Follow our team of student bloggers The Student Room * search ‘Newcastle University’ Find out more www.ncl.ac.uk/oncoursetoncl Top 5 Is How I things about Newcastle Newcastle really came to call Newcastle’s – it’s a like Geordie Newcastle coast monumental Shore? home city Top 5 Why I chose Alternative Newcastle nights out in Newcastle

40 41 Contact us: Student Services, Gan canny! Newcastle University, King’s Gate NE1 7RU United Kingdom www.ncl.ac.uk/enquiries Telephone: (UK) 0191 208 3333 (International) +44 191 208 3333

Find out more about Newcastle University www.ncl.ac.uk

Questions about how to apply to university? www.ncl.ac.uk/oncoursetoncl

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content of this Guide. Details are correct at the time of printing (May 2015) but may be subject to change. Information regarding the University should be checked against the University’s website. This Guide is for information and guidance purposes only. We are very grateful to the following people for the photographs used in this Guide: Peter Atkinson, Chris Bishop, Colin Davison, John Donoghue, Jim Ellam, James Fish, Matt Horne, Richard Kenworthy/NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Garrod Kirkwood, Murdo MacLeod, Topher McGrillis, Allan Mushen, Newcastle United, Graeme Peacock, Idene Roozbayani, Scott Spock, John Williamson, Simon Veit-Wilson. Also Dabbawal, Luke Hand and Santana Zawarska. We would like to thank the following for their help and input with this Guide: NewcastleGateshead Initiative, the students of Newcastle University who contributed quotes and tips, and the business owners who provided photos and information.

Designed by Aspire Design. Printed by Statex Colour Print. © Newcastle University, 2015. The University of Newcastle upon Tyne trading as Newcastle University.