Living in Newcastle

Newcastle is a smart place to start your graduate career, with growing tech, engineering, science and creative sectors. Global companies across a range of industries are located here, including Amazon, Accenture, EY, Sage, Deloitte, PwC, Procter & Gamble, BT, Ubisoft, IBM and KPMG. 

All across the city, you’ll find authentic food from every corner of the globe – from restaurants in Chinatown to delicious street food in the Grainger Market, as well as traditional European and British options. Don’t forget to try some of the North East’s local specialties, such as stottie (a kind of soft, white, round bread) and pease pudding (a spread made from split peas, often served with ham and butter in a stottie). 

Newcastle ranks in the UK top 10 for affordability, with rent and cost of living up to 77% cheaper than London (QS Best Student Cities 2025). 

Estimated budget (for illustrative purposes only, actual costs may vary) 

Sources include Numbeo.com 2024

Newcastle is a compact city, so it’s easy to get around – and walking or cycling is a great way to see your new home in all its glory. It’s also very well connected, with a Metro network (similar to the London Underground) that runs across the city, from the airport to the coast.  

For travel further afield, Newcastle Central Station offers rail connections to London, Edinburgh and other major UK cities. 

Whatever you enjoy, there’s something different to do every day of the week in Newcastle. 

• Music – watch world-famous acts at the Utilita Arena, Sage Gateshead and O2 Academy, or check out up-and-coming musicians at The Cluny and Tyne Bar. 

• Galleries – visit art exhibitions at The Baltic, The Laing and the Biscuit Factory. 

• Museums – learn about natural history at the Hancock, Newcastle’s industrial history at the Discovery and science at the Centre for Life. 

• Festivals – experience Chinese New Year, Northern Pride and a huge variety of music festivals. 

• Theater – see a national touring show or a classic Shakespeare play at the Theatre Royal, independent productions at the People’s Theater, the Live Theater and Northern Stage. 

For more information about everything Newcastle has to offer, check the latest updates on the Newcastle Gateshead Tourism website.

Sport is a huge part of Newcastle’s culture and identity, with many places to enjoy playing and watching sport all over the city. It’s home to several high-profile professional sports teams, including Newcastle United, Newcastle Falcons and the Newcastle Eagles, as well as the annual Great North Run – the world’s biggest half marathon.