Does Newcastle have good nightlife?

Group of students toasting pints of lager

Famous for landmarks, such as the Tyne Bridge and Newcastle United football club, many students may decide to study at Newcastle due to its reputation as a party city. Pop culture programmes, such as Geordie Shore, have established the North East city as having a vibrant nightlife, and all types of nightclubs and pubs are featured throughout the city.

This guide will explore Newcastle nightlife for students, including pubs, bars, and club venues, and highlight the importance of choosing the right student accommodation

Where are the best student bars in Newcastle?

Newcastle is home to two universities: the University of Newcastle, currently ranked 122nd in the QS World University Rankings, and Northumbria University. It comes as no surprise that there are a variety of student nights for every day of the week, with cheaper drink deals and late-night events.

Habita is the University of Northumbria’s pub within its student union. Located on the university campus, it is a popular location for society meets and social events. Newcastle University also has its own student bar, Luther’s, and has The Hancock close by that often accommodates students.

At the mouth of the Ouseburn River and the River Tyne, The Tyne Bar has a free jukebox and a beer garden sheltered underneath a bridge. These student bars are ideal for relaxing after lectures.

What is the best bar on the Newcastle Quayside?

Although other Newcastle areas are popular with students, such as Ouseburn and the city centre, Newcastle Quayside is a picturesque area surrounding the River Tyne and Newcastle Gateshead Millennium Bridge. Livello is one of the most popular Newcastle nightclubs and is open till the early morning; a part of a family of bars, including The Crescendo, a stylish new urban rooftop bar.  

The Quayside area is popular amongst Newcastle students due to its proximity to vibrant nightlife and Newcastle amenities such as Newcastle Central Station and the universities.

Newcastle is just a short ten-minute train ride from Durham, another popular North East city among students. Known for its prestigious university, Durham is often considered a quieter area to live, with good transport links to Newcastle and strong amenities. Durham also boasts an impressive nightlife of its own right that should not be overlooked compared to the more well-known Newcastle.

Find out more about Durham and our Durham student accommodation here.

Does Newcastle nightlife have any hidden gems?

Above the popular Grainger Market, the No 28 bar was voted the best late-night venue in both 2013 and 2014. The hidden gem is located close to Eldon Square. If you believe in the supernatural, just off Neville Street there is Newcastle’s most haunted pub venue: The Old George.

Although prohibition did not affect the United Kingdom, there are several prohibition bars in Newcastle that are hidden from the general public. This includes Blues & Bourbon, nestled beneath Grainger Market, and The Exchange, which has a concealed entrance through a red telephone box. For late nights, there is Madame Koo, which provides a speakeasy feel with hidden caves and tunnels throughout its décor.  

What are the best late nightclubs in Newcastle?

Made famous by MTV’s Geordie Shore and as a popular stag and hen party location, Newcastle has several nightclub venues that are open to the early hours of the morning. If you are interested in clubbing, consider Digital in the city centre, which has a themed night on Mondays and rock music on Thursday nights.

Tup Tup Palace venue often attracts celebrity clientele, with past guests including Kanye West and Snoop Dogg, and is a short walk from the Quayside and Ouseburn areas. There is also Bijoux nightclub, which is often claimed to be the “busiest little bar in Newcastle”.  

Newcastle has a vibrant nightlife and is a great place for students, with various pubs and bars open late. It is important to remain aware and prioritise safety on nights out, especially in a new city. Consider travelling in groups and watching your friend's drink to reduce the risk of spiking.

As a student, it is vital to prioritise safety and wellbeing. Read our guide on student safety advice and what you should remember when living at student accommodation.

How Mansion Student can help

Since 2007, Mansion Student has acquired, developed and maintained modern student accommodations throughout some of the most popular student cities in the United Kingdom. We prioritise your welfare during your stay, and will help you through every stage of the booking and tenancy period. Browse through our different student accommodation locations below:

·       Student Accommodation Leeds

·       Student Accommodation Nottingham

·       Student Accommodation Durham

·       Student Accommodation Dundee

·       Student Accommodation Coventry

If you are interested in staying at any of our student accommodations, arrange a viewing here to ensure you are completely happy with the property before booking.  

Contact Mansion Student today for more information about booking accommodation, or call us at 0800 652 7844.

Frequently asked questions

How can you find the best place to live in Newcastle as a student?

Choosing Newcastle student accommodation can be difficult, especially if you are new to the area. It is important to consider certain factors, such as the location of the accommodation regarding Newcastle amenities and the university, who you will be living with, and what is included in the price.

Should you live close to a city's nightlife as a student?

Living close to a city's nightlife as a student can be both exciting and challenging. On the positive side, it offers easy access to social activities, entertainment, and networking opportunities, making it convenient to meet new people and unwind after studying.

However, there are potential downsides. The noise and commotion can be distracting and disruptive, particularly when trying to study or sleep.

At Mansion Student, we provide purpose-built student accommodation across the UK, including popular areas like Durham, Nottingham and Leeds. Our properties are conveniently located in each city, ensuring our tenants are near the best things to do, university resources and amenities.

Browse our student accommodation properties here, or arrange a viewing today to speak to our onsite hospitality teams.

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