A few weeks ago, a colleague wrote a piece outlining the various reasons why Newcastle University is a great place to come to study politics at the postgraduate level. In it, he detailed the different courses you can study, the engagement with staff and researchers, the active postgraduate community, and the potential funding and career opportunities that might come from studying here. Another reason he mentioned was that Newcastle is a great place to live. I’d like to build on that point in this blog post.
I must admit that one of the reasons for wanting to write this post is due to a negative and at times condescending piece written in The Guardian last month, which asked if the north-east of England was becoming Britain’s Detroit. The piece was littered with cases chosen to support the argument, with scant reference made to the countless cases that would weaken it. My post features just on Newcastle, but will hopefully in part respond to the arguments made in The Guardian. For a lengthier response, see ‘100 Reasons Why It’s Great Up North‘ in the local newspaper.
The city centre itself
Newcastle is a vibrant city, full of shops, galleries, restaurants, cinemas, and much more. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you’ll find it in Newcastle. However, you’ll find without having to travels for hours on the underground or bus like you might in London. From the top of Newcastle to the bottom takes about 25 minutes to walk. During that time, you’ll pass our university, Northumbria University, Tyneside Cinema, Eldon Square Shopping Centre, Laing Art Gallery, Theatre Royal, Live Theatre, Monument, and finally the River Tyne. A short walk across one of the fine bridges takes you to The Sage Gateshead and the Baltic Art Gallery.
Getting here, there and everywhere
If you want to travel around the city and its inner and outer suburbs, you just need to hop on the bus or the Metro train system. You can even get a seat in rush hour. If you want to go further afield, the East Coast trainline provides you with some of the best views around. Within three hours, you’re in London directly.
Everything around you
Ten miles south, you’re in Durham to see the cathedral and much more. Ten miles east, you’re at the coast to spend time on some of Britain’s best beaches. Tynemouth, South Shields and Cullercoats are all worth visiting. Ten miles north and you’re in deepest darkest Northumberland for a wonderful weekend walk. Finally, ten miles west, and you’re exploring Hadrian’s Wall and all its fascinating forts and tempting trails.
Nightlife
If you enjoy the student nightlife of bars and nightclubs, then Newcastle is a fantastic place to live. If you prefer a slightly quieter atmosphere, you’re also very well served by a variety of pubs, and even a tea-house that’s open til late… right on campus.
Beer
Following on from the last point, Newcastle has some of the finest pubs and beer in the land. The Crown Posada, The Cumberland Arms and many more pubs provide beer from many local breweries.
Sport
For football, we have St James Park. For rugby, we have Kingston Park. For cricket, we have the Emirates Durham International Ground. For athletics, we have Gateshead Stadium. For horse racing, we have Newcastle Racecourse and Hexham Racecourse, and much much more.
Come along and check it out!
Above are just a few reasons why Newcastle is a great city to live. Read Tristan’s piece too to see why it’s a great place to study. You won’t regret it.