Student Guide to: Newcastle

Newcastle is one of the most exciting, vibrant and welcoming cities in the country, and the ladies just got voted the sexiest in the country!

Enough reasons to come and check out mine and Ant & Dec's home town?

Why aye! Get the insider info here.

Travel

If you're coming by train, Newcastle Central Station is right in the centre of town.

Trains come direct from most major UK cities, and it'll cost you about £60 for a return from London if you've got a railcard.

Once you're here, getting around couldn't be easier.

The city centre is quite compact, so everything is within easy walking distance, although I'd recommend picking up an A-Z map from the WH Smith's in the station as some of the streets can be tricky to find.

If you do want to venture further afield, you're in luck! Newcastle has a 60 stop Metro system that stretches out to the coast and across the water to Sunderland and Gateshead.

A day saver ticket will set you back only £3.70 and allows you to hop on and off all day! Just look out for the yellow and black 'M' cubes outside of the stations.

Visit

Take a walk down to the Quayside and across the Millennium Bridge to The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.

Housed in a renovated flour mill, the Baltic is the biggest art gallery of its kind in the world.

The exhibitions are constantly being updated and the gallery prides itself on showing innovative works by exciting artists.

There's also a viewing gallery where you can take in the beautiful view of the Quayside, and a really nice café.

But best of all, it's free!

Eat

For gorgeous, affordable food in a trendy atmosphere make your way to Paradiso, tucked away on Market Lane.

You'll find a range of inventive dishes to suit everyone, from homemade hummus and tasty wraps to my personal favourite - the Paradiso fishcakes!

The staff are friendly and efficient, the cocktails are amazing, and nothing beats dining al fresco on the sun terrace with your mates. Don't miss out!

Shop

You'll find plenty of opportunities to spend your loan in Newcastle.

The typical high street stores are located on and around Northumberland Street and there's also Eldon Square, an indoor shopping complex with over 150 stores such as Fenwick, Topshop and USC.

Newcastle is one of the most exciting, vibrant and welcoming cities in the country

Rebecca Gould

It's also well worth hunting out the city's hidden gems: the vintage shops.

Try Royal Vintage on Worswick Street for cheap and trendy leather jackets or my favourite dressing up box, Period Clothing, on High Bridge Street.

On the down side if it's designer labels you're after, the range of shops is not very extensive - although Vivienne Westwood recently opened her 4th boutique on Hood Street.

Drink

Feeling thirsty after all that shopping?

Head to Bernaccia, situated down a pretty cobbled street near the train station.

This edgy and luxurious cocktail bar manages to mix decadent decor, attentive staff and excellent music with not so decadent prices - a winning combination!

Being a little bit out of the ordinary, the crowd isn't exclusively student but you won't feel out of place and if you're lucky you might be able to catch some live music while you're sipping on your Sea Breeze...

Dance

Newcastle has a reputation for excellent nightlife, and rightly so.

There really is something for all music tastes and price ranges, so the only problem is deciding what you can afford to pass up.

If you're raving on a Thursday, my advice would be to head to superclub Digital for their weekly Stonelove night - "the biggest indie disco in the world".

It's a cut above your typical indie night, both music and venue wise, but it'll only cost you four quid entry and drinks are reasonable too.

On Fridays, check out The Other Rooms for underground electro-alternative night 'Jukebox'.

Playing a huge variety of music (you can even bring down your own vinyl), this night attracts a hip and buzzing crowd, sp you'll really feel part of something special.

Sleep

After all the excitement, you're going to need somewhere affordable and functional to crash.

Only five minutes in a taxi from the city centre on Jesmond Road, you'll find the Newcastle Youth Hostel.

Here you'll get a clean and comfortable room, plus your breakfast in the morning to see you on your way.

Prices start at an unbelievably good £17.95 making this the perfect accommodation for those on a budget who still want to explore.

Check out the website here for more information and contact details.