It is a city that is renowned for its no-fuss attitude and friendly nature, and you will rapidly develop a fondness for it.
5 tips for your first week in Newcastle
Familiarise yourself with the public transport options.
The Nexus Metro system is one of the most convenient and hassle-free methods of transportation, as is the Go North East bus network, which offers free WiFi on the majority of its fleet.
Discounted pricing is available for student passes for both. If your residence or apartment is not within walking distance of the university or city center, it is highly recommended that you purchase a pass. Download the companies’ applications to access route planning, service status updates, and announcements, thereby simplifying your journey.
It is always beneficial to maintain a list of local transportation companies.
It is advisable to investigate local firms that are specific to your area, as Blueline is quite popular. Black cabs are available at numerous locations throughout the city, such as Central Station, the Bigg Market, and the Gate. However, it is important to note that they are always more costly and should only be accessed from official taxi ranks.
Who to follow on social media and which apps to get
Following the accounts of the people, businesses, and local institutions of Newcastle is an excellent method of discovering upcoming events, offers, and activities, as they are highly engaged on social media.
Begin by visiting your university; however, it is also advisable to explore intuEldon Square, the indoor retail and dining area in the city center, the tourist board NewcastleGateshead, and NE1 Get Into Newcastle. These websites are excellent for initiating an exploration of the city and provide a comprehensive overview of its activities.
Seek out local bloggers for personal perspectives and word-of-mouth recommendations regarding the city. The city and the new places they discover, as well as some old favorites, are frequently discussed by many who use #nebloggers. A wide variety of local bloggers cover a wide range of topics, including Newcastle, fitness, cuisine, fashion, travel, beauty, and lifestyle.
In addition to the public transport and transportation apps, it is worthwhile to download and configure Uber if you have not already done so, as well as Deliveroo, a company that delivers food directly from restaurants to your doorstep.
Locate where to do your food shop
The most cost-effective method of shopping is to purchase food in bulk. The closest supermarkets that offer excellent value to Newcastle center are Morrisons and Asda in Byker, which are located just two metro stops and a five-minute walk away. If you prefer to purchase online, Asda and Sainsbury’s also provide home delivery.
Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Locals are prevalent in the city, providing a variety of fast and essential items. The Grainger Market has been selling fresh produce, vegetables, meat, fish, and cheese for more than 200 years and is open Monday through Saturday. It is a historical district of the city and is likely to provide the most value for your money.
Wing-Hong and Tsang Foods, both Chinese supermarkets, are located in Chinatown. HiYoU, an Asian products supermarket, is situated on Fenkle Street. Clayton Street is the location of the Farplace Vegan store.
For more luxurious alternatives, visit M&S Food, Waitrose, or Fenwick’s Food Hall. These establishments offer a variety of gourmet foods, organic fruits and vegetables, butchers, and delicacies, as well as fresh seafood.
Decorate your accommodation and include a bit of local flair
It is a well-known fact in the United Kingdom that students who are relocating to a new city immediately visit IKEA to purchase the necessary items. The nearest IKEA is located in Gateshead, adjacent to the Metro Centre. Ensure that you have a sufficient supply of homeware, bedding, kitchenware, and other essentials that are of reasonable quality.
BM Homeware, Wilko, and the homeware departments of Primark, New Look, and the slightly more expensive Next are additional excellent value shops in Newcastle.
However, Newcastle is home to numerous local businesses that specialize in the customization of a variety of items, including mugs, tea towels, coasters, and door stops, with a Geordie theme (referring to Tyneside, the region in which Newcastle is located). The Quayside Market on Sundays and Geordie Gifts at the Grainger Market are both excellent sources for these small trinkets.
Discover the city
The metro station, shop, taxi rank, and café with complimentary WiFi are all located in close proximity to your current location. Additionally, it is advantageous to determine the duration of your commute to your university.
Utilize the time you have available before your university obligations and lectures intensify by exploring the city’s attractions. Visit the shops in Eldon Square, where the majority of them will be offering student discounts for the first few weeks on a variety of items, including clothing, stationary, and university supplies.
Visit the renowned student neighborhoods, each of which is distinctive in its own right. The more affluent suburbs of Jesmond are an excellent location for student bars, while Heaton is home to independent businesses and quirky food sites. The culturally diverse Fenham and the emerging industrial Ouseburn are excellent locations to connect with students who share your interests and discover your preferred coffee shop.
Each institution has adjusted to the annual influx of students that bring them to its vicinity, and you will soon discover which ones captivate you.
5 local things unique to Newcastle you can’t miss while living there
A Newcastle United football match at St. James Park
Newcastle United plays home games at St James’ Park approximately every other weekend during the football season, which spans from August to May. Additionally, there are occasional midweek evening games.
The city’s football team is the lifeblood of the city, and it is at its most vibrant on match days. You must at least once experience the atmosphere and passion that accompany supporting the Magpies (the club’s moniker).
Folk songs such as “Coming Home Newcastle” and “Blaydon Races” are chanted from the stands, and a mag-pie can be purchased from the kiosk during halftime. Regardless of the outcome, you are assured of a pleasant afternoon.
A Greggs pastry
Greggs Bakery, a renowned food franchise, was established in Newcastle over 80 years ago. Currently, there are over 30 stores that offer a daily selection of freshly baked goods.
It is considered a rite of passage in the city to consume a sausage roll, sirloin bake, or pasty at any hour of the day or night. The ‘festive bakes’ are in high demand during the holiday season, and they have recently introduced the vegan sausage roll.
Obtain your loyalty card during your initial visit, as it is probable that you will return on numerous occasions.
The Great North Run
The Great North Run is an event that is essential to attend, whether as a spectator or a participant.
Every year, the world’s largest half marathon is held on a Sunday in mid-September, drawing large audiences to support the runners.
The Tyne Bridge is one of the most iconic images from the race, as the runners cross it, typically accompanied by a flyover from the RAF’s red arrows overhead. Mo Farah has won the race a record-breaking five times, so keep an eye out for him taking the lead.
The Quayside markets
The markets are a historical feature of the city, dating back hundreds of years. They even have their own Twitter account, @Nclmarkets. On Sundays, visit the Quayside Market, an excellent location for people-watching, sampling a wide variety of multinational street cuisine, and securing a few bargains.
Bridge Tavern, Tyne Bar, the Red House, and the Broad Chare are among the finest British taverns located on the quayside. After perusing the market stalls in search of a traditional Sunday roast with all the condiments, pay a visit to any of them.
The Hoppings on the Town Moor
The Hoppings, a traveling funfair, is a popular attraction in Newcastle every June, drawing individuals of all ages to enjoy the fairground food, activities, and entertainment. Join the residents who travel far and wide to visit its location in the Town Moor, the expansive park that extends from Newcastle to Gosforth, on an annual basis.
It is free to attend; however, there is a nominal fee for parking and any transportation you take. It is an excellent destination for a day out with companions and is certainly worth a visit for the food alone.
Key phrases the locals use
The Geordie dialect is a challenging one to adapt to, but it is our intention that by the conclusion of your time in Newcastle, you will have become accustomed to the common phrases that are casually uttered in shops, on the metro, and while out and about.
The dialect has been ranked as one of the most amiable and friendly in the United Kingdom. Some of the most frequently employed phrases are as follows:
Howay
“Come on.”
It is capable of being employed in virtually any circumstance, whether it is advantageous or detrimental.
‘Howay the men!’ is a phrase that is frequently uttered during football matches, Howay ‘howay man!’ is a phrase that is either used to encourage someone to move quickly or to express confusion.
Whey aye man
‘Of course’
This is a favorable response to an event.
‘Aye’ is a continuous expression that conveys the affirmative, while ‘whey aye’ serves as an additional layer of emphasis. ‘Man’ is not a literal term that refers to a male human; it can be used at the conclusion of any sentence.
Areet/Alreet
A warm and friendly salutation that is equivalent to “Are you alright?” or “Are you feeling well?” does not necessitate a response.
It is a salutation in its own right, and responding with ‘areet’ is the same as saying ‘hello’ twice.
Canny
A person who is shrewd is a kind and amiable individual.
An affirmative response is indicated when an item is clever.
Yem/Hyem
The term ‘home’. If you are ‘gan yem’, you are returning home.
It is at home if something is ‘at yem’.
Gan
‘Go’.
Dee
‘Do’, often used as ‘what ya deein?’
Yee
‘You’
Nee
It is most frequently employed to denote ‘none’; however, it can also be incorporated into the phrase ‘nee way’ to convey the opposite meaning, ‘no way?!’
Bairn
A child.
The phrase “shy bairns get nowt” is frequently used in the Geordie language. It is a form of encouragement or justification for making cheeky requests, as it implies that shy children who do not ask for items will not receive them.
Giz a deeks
‘Let me see’ or ‘Give me a look’.
Pet, hinny
Term of endearment that are not intended to offend or patronize; they are authentically used to be friendly.
Where to take visitors
Although you will rapidly adapt to the lifestyle of this Northern city, it may be beneficial to allocate your time in a unique manner when you receive visitors from home. It is essential for all individuals to take infrequent breaks from their academic responsibilities.
Certainly, you should demonstrate the quayside, Grey Street, and your preferred destinations to them. However, visitors also provide an opportunity to investigate sights that are slightly further away.
Jesmond beyond Osborne Road
The student bars and cafés that are situated on Osborne Road are only a small portion of the diverse offerings in Jesmond. It is home to some of the most delectable dining experiences in the northeast, such as the award-winning Indian restaurant The Valley and high-end Restaurants like Branches, and Peace & Loaf. Alternatively, for a budget-friendly and cheerful meal, consider visiting Francesca’s, an Italian restaurant that requires a wait and cannot be reserved.
Experience the independent offerings on Clayton Road, visit the beauty salons of Julie Carter Beauty or the Jesmond Beauty Clinic, or peruse the boutique stores of Acorn Road and Brentwood Avenue. Jesmond Dene is a serene haven that boasts a breathtaking landscape, a waterfall, and woodland trails.
A day at the coast
A half-hour drive from the city center will take you to the North East coastline, and there are numerous small villages to explore. It is imperative to prioritize Tynemouth, where you can obtain fish and chips from Marshalls or Riley’s Fish Shack, which is situated directly on the shore.
Although there is a market in the station that operates on weekends, Front Street is home to numerous other small stores and cafes. Attempt the tapas at Ora or Allards; they are extraordinary.
Tynemouth Long Sands beach is a haven for beachgoers who appreciate a walk and an ice cream on sunny days. No matter the conditions, surfers are perpetually present in the waves.
Gateshead and The Angel of the North
The city of Gateshead, located on the opposite side of the River Tyne, is home to the renowned Angel of the North, a monumental sculpture that serves as a visible landmark in the northeast.
Newcastle is a brief commute away, and it is possible to walk directly to it. After your excursion, indulge in a pub lunch at The Angel Inn, which also provides breathtaking views of the countryside and the Angel.
Events and entertainment are frequently held at Saltwell Park, which is also located in Gateshead. Conflagration Night is one of the park’s most popular events, during which they host a grand, complimentary fireworks display and conflagration.
Your Graduation Meal
While Newcastle’s more upscale restaurants may not always be within one’s financial means, it is appropriate to indulge in a lavish celebration during the end of the year or commencement.
Newcastle’s sole Michelin Star restaurant, House of Tides, is situated near your residence.
Dobson & Parnell, which is named after two of Newcastle’s most renowned architects, Café 21, which frequently ranks at the top of the finest restaurants in Newcastle lists, Landmark in Chinatown, Aveika for Japanese cuisine, and Tomahawk steak restaurant are additional excellent choices.
All of them provide exceptional dining experiences and are an excellent way to conclude your time in Newcastle.