Newcastle University - Student Life

Housing: One year in halls; then most students in private accommodation - cheap, plentiful and close to city centre. Uni accreditation scheme helps avoid dodgy landlords; rents £30-£80 a week depending on area (and size of wallet!).

Eats: Excellent value in SU with meal deals and other promos (£1-£3). Lots of reasonable places to eat out in town eg Komal Curry House in Fenham (BYOB), Nachos, Uno's, Est Est Est, Old Orleans (£10-£25 incl wine).

Drink: Cheap (average of £1.40 a pint).

Nightlife: Union has great gigs all year round eg The Darkness, Kosheen, Elbow, Super Furry Animals etc. Nightclubs eg Ikon, Baja's, The Boat, Blu Ba Bu, Cuba Cuba, Foundation, Legends.

Locals: Footle mad, with new St James' most prominent feature of the skyline, very friendly.

Financial help: Available. Jobs: Available through Union Job Shop (advertises reputable companies with decent wages).

Annual living costs: The minimum amount students say you need to live on each year (covering all living expenses but excluding tuition fees) is £5800 (in uni accommodation), £6200 (in private accommodation).

Best features: Campus university, slap bang in city centre.

And worst: Can be very cold.

More info: Check out Union Society website: www.unionsociety.co.uk

Past students: Rowan Atkinson (comedian), Brian Ferry (musician), Miriam Stoppard (TV doctor), Richard Hamilton (painter), Kate Adie (reporter), the Lighthouse Family.