NE1's Ultimate Student Guide: Getting Set Up in the City
Get set up in your new city with our essential student guide
Moving to the Toon this September? From doctors to discounts, we're sure there's a lot you want to know.
Don’t worry though, NE1’s got your back with our handy guide for incoming students, whether you want to know where the nearest supermarket is, where to get a haircut, or where you can make the most of your student discount. Newcastle will feel like home in no time!
Doctors & Hospitals
Hopefully you won’t need them while you’re at university, but it’s good to know that you’ve got a doctor close by. Down Northumberland Street inside Eldon Square, you’ll find Newcastle Medical Centre – but the Saville Medical Group isn’t too far away either.
Newcastle’s also home to a fantastic hospital, the Royal Victoria Infirmary (or RVI for short), providing specialist services to the North East so should anything happen, you’ll be in safe hands! For more advice, the NHS has a helpful rundown on getting medical care as a student too.
Dentists
Although everyone pretty much hates the dentist, you’ll definitely be thankful that they’re there when you need them!
There’s plenty in Newcastle to pick from – Newcastle Dental Care, St Mary’s Dental Practice and NEO Orthodontics for example – but just be alert to their availability, as not all practices are always taking on new patients.
Opticians
Whether you’re just due a regular check-up, or need one for the first time, you’ll find loads of opticians in Newcastle to suit every need, style and budget.
Vision Express, Specsavers, Optical Express and Boots are the obvious ones, but the city centre is also lucky enough to play host to a couple of fantastic independent stores too, like Robson Opticians and Grey St. Opticians. But, if none of those take your fancy, then why not check out our full round-up of outstanding opticians in Newcastle!
Gyms
If you want to be top of the sports team, or just want to improve your fitness while studying, there’s loads of gyms to register for in the city centre.
With 24 hour access, Pure Gym is a great option for early birds and night owls alike - although anyone prioritizing weights and cardio will love the space inside The Gym on Newgate Street.
Don’t forget to also check out the university gyms too! Newcastle university’s impressive Sports Centre even allows you to rent out courts (post-lecture badminton with mates, anyone?), while the Northumbria Campus boasts a 25m swimming pool and even a climbing wall! You can also check out our full round-up of great gyms in the city for even more choice.
Travel
There’s so many fantastic places to explore in the North East while you’re studying in Newcastle – and luckily, there’s plenty of handy student deals to help you get there!
The Tyne and Wear Metro service offers a Pop Blue card for 16-21 year olds (meaning £1 single journeys and £2.20 for all day travel!) or alternatively, a discounted four-week or annual season ticket. Prefer to travel by bus? Check out Go North East’s wide range of discounts too.
Supermarkets
Got big dreams of being the head chef flatmate? Then there’s loads of supermarkets in the city centre you’ll want to visit!
Tesco and Sainsbury’s are ideal for your everyday basics, with locations all around the Toon. Meanwhile, Grainger Market has plenty of independent vendors serving up everything from fruit to fish – and all at an affordable price.
Alternatively, why not check out Asian grocery shop HiYoU down Newgate Street? Offering a wide range of Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese food, it’s definitely worth exploring too.
Nails
If having a fresh set of nails makes you feel put together, then you’ll be spoilt for choice in Newcastle! With so many experienced and talented artists here, there’s really a salon for every style.
For the perfect set of gel nails, Nail It Fenwick is your go-to. With lovely staff and a huge rainbow of colours to choose from, it’s no wonder that this Northumberland Street salon is a favourite amongst Newcastle locals.
Alternatively, if you can’t get enough of your nail art (or perhaps even want to learn the technique yourself!), then head on down to Skullen Collective. This fantastic female-led studio not only retails its own range of gel supplies, but offers brows and lash treatment – not to mention training classes with their Creative Director!
But if you’ve not found your favourite yet, then read up on more of NE1’s choices of Where to go for the best nail designs in Newcastle.
Makeup & Toiletries
Need an electric green eyeliner for that super-specific society night-out? Or maybe your foundation just needs a top-up? Either way, there’s so many shops in Newcastle to help you get your beauty fix.
When it comes to big-name brands, Newcastle’s spoilt for choice! Head to M&S, John Lewis and Fenwick to shop the likes of Charlotte Tilbury, NARS, Gucci and everything in-between!
If its shower-gel and shampoo you’re after, then the city centre has you covered there too. You’ll find Boots in Eldon Square, as well as Blackett Street and Northumberland Street – while Superdrug isn’t too far away either.
Salons & Barbers
New city, new you? There’s loads of salons and barbers to help you find your new look - so step away from the box dye!
Hair Mechanics opened back in 2006, and continue to offer a wide range of style and colouring services for both male and female clients. They’re based in the heart of the city too (right by Tyne Theatre & Opera House), making an appointment here the ideal break away from writing those essays!
Specialising in colour, Wildes of Ridley Place guarantees to get your new ‘do is your best yet! Just want a quick trim? They even offer students 10% off cut and blow dry, so you and your bank account will leave feeling good.
Need even more choice? Catch up on our choice of 11 of the best hairdressers in NE1.
Best of luck for starting the new term, and remember to keep checking the NE1 website for all the best offers, events and things to do in Newcastle’s city centre!
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