Newcastle is a major student city located in North East England. The city is famous for its historic bridges, industrial heritage, and distinctive “Geordie” identity. The city is absolutely loved by students due to the presence of some of the top universities in the UK clubbed with affordability and greenery. Did you know? One out of every 6 residents of the city is a student.
Newcastle is one of the most walkable cities in the UK, and also boasts an extensive network of public transit systems that help students and residents travel from one place to another. The best part is that most of the student accommodation in Newcastle are located near major transport hubs, which in turn is very advantageous for students. Therefore, in this article, we shall try to understand how walkability and transport affect student living in Newcastle!
Walkability and Student Convenience
Newcastle is a relatively small city located in the north of England. This city is a highly walkable city, and it has the shortest average distance (258m) to green space among UK cities. The overall area of the city is pretty small, and everything from libraries to supermarkets, cafes, and study spaces is located in close proximity to each other. There are plenty of neighbourhoods in the city that already have an established student community, like the Newcastle City Centre, Jesmond, Sandyford, and Heaton, which offer convenient access to universities and amenities.
Public Transport and Accessibility
Newcastle is home to more than 300,000 residents, and in order to make commuting easier, the city has built an extensive network of public transit systems. These modes of transport include metro, bus, train, and ferry services. These services are a boon for the students as they can travel across the city at affordable costs. These modes of transport are explained briefly below:
Tyne and Wear Metro
Consisting of Green and Yellow lines and serving 60 stations across the city, the Tyne and Wear metro is Newcastle’s signature light rail system that provides high-frequency links between the city centre, Newcastle International Airport, the North Tyneside coast, and the city of Sunderland. The metro is used both by students and residents for intra-city travel.
Bus Services
The bus services in Newcastle are operated mostly by Stagecoach, Go North East, and Arriva. This is the next most widely used mode of transport in the city. The fare for buses is less than that of the Metro; also, buses cover a more wider area than the Metro and provide 24/7 access to all parts of the city. Some of the major bus stops include Eldon Square and Haymarket. Students can also take advantage of the flat fare caps of £2–£3.
National Rail
Newcastle is also connected to the East Coast Main Line, with Newcastle Central Station being a major interchange on the service. The National Rail services connect the city to other major British cities like London and Edinburgh in a very short time. There are several operators on this line, including LNER, CrossCountry, and Northern. The Newcastle station is also an architectural marvel and is connected with the Metro for easy city wide transfers.
The Shields Ferry
The ferry services in the city provide a scenic and practical link across the River Tyne between North Shields and South Shields. Each one-way trip is just 7 minutes, and services run every 30 minutes in each direction. Operated by the Shields Ferry, this service is fully integrated with the regional ticketing system, and therefore, students can use the Metro Day passes or the Pop Card to pay.
How Location Influences Rent and Lifestyle
Location is a major factor in Newcastle that influences the rent and lifestyle of a student studying in the city. Therefore, it is very important to find the perfect student accommodation in Newcastle at the right location. Properties that are closer to the university and major transport hubs are generally more expensive than those located far away. Students pay extra for the convenience that they get.
Staying closer to the university not only helps save time but also reduces transport costs by a huge margin, while the high rent can set you back by several pounds. Therefore, students must find a location that is not too far away from the university and has great transport connectivity. There are several organizations like University Living that help students find some of the top affordable student accommodation in UK.
Conclusion
Newcastle is a major student city in the United Kingdom and is one of the most walkable cities in the country. The strong transport network, combined with the walkability, makes Newcastle a top option for students who wish to pursue their education in the UK. Students must remember that choosing the right accommodation with good accessibility improves both lifestyle and budget management. Therefore, students can enjoy a more comfortable university experience by prioritising location and connectivity.
