Student Life

Newcastle is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the UK for students. You’re at the start of an incredible experience. New place, new people. With over 100,000 students across the North East, Newcastle is the perfect place to start your student journey.

Northumbria University has modern facilities, extensive course choices and it’s based in a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant student community. What more do you need?

The Students’ Union offers a great social scene at the heart of our City Campus. The Union building features three award-winning bars and it’s the venue for some of the biggest club nights and gigs in Newcastle.

There are a huge range of clubs and societies that you can join. With all our thousands of students, there are sure to be people who share your enthusiasms and want to try new activities. If you enjoy any sport at any level, we’re the place to be. Join ‘Team Northumbria’ or learn a new sport and make use of fantastic facilities that include our £30 million flagship ‘Sport Central’.

You can also add a different dimension to student life by taking advantage of our partnerships across the world – perhaps registering for a summer programme in another country or completing part of your studies abroad.

Newcastle boasts a combination of friendly culture, rich history and sporting passion that can rival any city in the world. There is a thriving scene for those who enjoy theatre and cinema. Music lovers are well catered for with big names regularly appearing at the Utilita Arena and the O2 Academy. We are also fortunate to have The Sage Gateshead right on our doorstep; it hosts international jazz, folk, classical and pop artists as well as offering a wide range of learning and participation programmes.

The city’s arts and cultural scene has become one of its defining characteristics. The world-class BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art attracts people from far and wide. Northumbria University has partnered with BALTIC in opening a new cultural hub for art, called BALTIC 39. A number of other galleries in the city means that art-lovers will be spoilt for choice.

When it comes to shopping there is something for everyone. Outstanding shopping centres include Eldon Square, one of the UK’s largest city centre shopping complex, and intu Metrocentre, one of Europe’s largest indoor shopping and leisure complex. There is also a wide range of boutiques and quirky markets.

We also have lots to offer sports fanatics. If you like your football, there is St James’ Park stadium right at the centre of the city, with Sunderland’s Stadium of Light not far away. Beyond football, there are high-profile events such as the Great North Run and international athletics at Gateshead International Stadium.