There are numerous advantages to studying abroad. Students can take a semester or longer at a location in many countries that offers excellent options for education. Students that study abroad have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with a different culture and enhance their language skills. There are many prestigious study abroad organizations as well as colleges that offer this option that you can find with a quick internet search.
One of the locations that you might want to consider in Europe is Newcastle, England. Situated conveniently in the Northeast of England, Newcastle has become one of the most popular cities for students. It is partly because of the city’s compactness which makes it large enough to be vibrant and offer unique opportunities while also small enough to be easy to get around and for students to feel like home. According to a recent report, one in every six people in the city is a student. Thus, you will be joining a vibrant and youthful community where you can fully experience your student life.
It is a city packed with bars, restaurants, and social venues that create an exciting environment for student activities, but also has top universities with highly-trained professors and well-developed education system. The city has a proud reputation for sport and it is just a short metro journey away from beautiful coastal towns in addition to offering its own legendary nightlife.
Read on to find out why Newcastle should be on your radar for a study abroad location:
The smallest big city
At first, it may be difficult to understand why Newcastle is thought of as one of the smallest big cities in the world. But upon visiting the town, one quickly realizes why, as most popular venues are accessible within a short walking distance. It also has a strong cycling culture that is popular among students who don’t own a car. But despite the town’s small size, it offers so many unique opportunities for entertainment, culture and shopping found in typical big cities. The city also has a fabulous piece of greenery that is even more sizable than New York’s Central Park.
Abundant student housing
Newcastle has the highest rate of student housing in the entire country with studies showing that one in every 15 homes in the city is now a student property. It is home of two large and popular universities, Newcastle and Northumbria, which has resulted in a steady rise in its student population in the past few years. There are various options for accommodating the increase in student population. Apart from the student housing options offered by the universities’ campuses, there are also many private landlords that rent their properties to students. You can find a lot of information for students online on how to find the best accommodation for your student years if you choose to study abroad in Newcastle.
A great nightlife
Student years are a great time to develop your skills and knowledge, become aware of your personal values, and, last but not least, to have fun. The city’s vibrant social scene and renowned nightlife are one of the reasons students choose to study in Newcastle. There are a number of venues to spend your evenings. Music lovers are well catered for with big names appearing on the large stages around town such as Metro Radio Arena and the O2 Academy. Moreover, the city hosts various international jazz, folk, classical, and pop artists at great festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the most popular music festivals are the Mouth of the Tyne Festival and Tipping Point Live.
Numerous venues for art and culture
One of the defining characteristics of the city is its arts and culture scene that attracts people from far and wide. For instance, the Baltic art gallery and Newcastle’s Theatre Royal are just two of the prominent institutions along with other museums and a great number of galleries to please those who love the arts.
The city also caters to sports and football fans. The St. James’ Park stadium looms large in the city center and is the home to the Premier League football team Newcastle United. Newcastle United team is well known for its passionate fans that make every match day seem like a football festival in Newcastle.
Getting around is extremely easy
As noted, making your way around Newcastle is extremely easy either by foot or on a bike. The city has also many easily accessible public transport options including bus and a Metro service. The Metro is usually the most popular method of public transportation because it is spacious, cheap, and less crowded. The Metro has over 60 stations across the city for easy access to a host of locations. It is the second largest Metro in the United Kingdom, after the Underground in London.
Super friendly town
Newcastle has been voted as one of the friendliest places in the United Kingdom. This is particularly important as often locals host students and provide the additional housing that is needed to accommodate the student population. In fact, the people of the North East of England are known for socializing, having a good chat with new people, and offering help whenever they can. You won’t have to worry about meeting new people and finding a friendly and accepting society when you start your student life in Newcastle. The residents open and happy attitude is a relief for those who can feel home sick.
So if you choose to go to school in Newcastle, you can expect to have an exciting time mixing academics with a broad range of social and cultural activities. From a crazy nightlife to relaxing parks, trips to the beach or a casual walk along quayside, Newcastle has it all.
