A First Year Student Guide to Newcastle Nightlife
Starting university in Newcastle brings new lectures, new accommodation and a new group of people. It can also be the first time many students have organised nights out without already knowing the city.
Newcastle has a strong reputation for student nightlife. The city centre contains traditional pubs, sports bars, music venues, late bars and clubs, giving students plenty of choice throughout the week.
The Geordie Star is a student friendly sports bar at 79 Westgate Road. It offers daily student drink deals, live sport, DJs, pool, darts and Xbox games, making it a useful place for new students to meet without immediately committing to a nightclub.
Choosing your first student bar
The best first meeting place should be easy to identify, offer transparent prices and provide something for the group to do.
A busy club can make it difficult for new housemates or course friends to speak. Beginning in a bar with games or live sport creates a more relaxed environment and gives the group time to get to know one another.
The Geordie Star provides several possible starting points:
Watch a televised football match
Play pool or darts
Organise an Xbox competition
Attend a DJ night
Meet before another event
Hold a society social
Have affordable post lecture drinks
Check the event calendar before visiting because the atmosphere can change significantly on Newcastle United matchdays.
Understanding Newcastle student deals
A student deal should state the price, qualifying products and identification requirements clearly.
The Geordie Star currently advertises:
Selected doubles at two for £6
Four selected doubles for £11
Two cocktails for £10
Three selected bottles for £10
Selected pints for £3.50
Bombs and shots for £2
Valid student identification is required. Prices and products can change, so check the official student page before visiting.
Do not assume that purchasing the largest bundle provides the best personal value. Decide what you actually want and set a spending limit before ordering.
Joining a university society
Societies are one of the easiest ways to build a social group during the first term. Students can choose from sports clubs, academic societies, cultural groups, volunteering organisations and interest based communities.
Many societies hold introductory events during freshers. Attend more than one before deciding which membership suits you.
The Geordie Star can provide a setting for society socials based around pool, darts, gaming or televised sport. Society organisers should contact the venue with an accurate attendance estimate rather than arriving unexpectedly with a large group.
Plan the journey home first
Do not wait until the end of the night to decide how to get home.
Before leaving university accommodation, check:
The final bus or Metro time
Licensed taxi options
The walking route
Who is travelling together
Phone battery level
Emergency contacts
Money reserved for transport
New students can become separated because they do not know the streets or each other’s habits. Agree on one meeting point if anyone loses the group.
Never leave an unwell friend alone or place them in a taxi without confirming they can safely reach their destination.
Identification and personal belongings
Bring an accepted form of identification and keep it secure. A university card can prove student status for offers, but it may not be accepted as proof of age.
Do not rely on photographs of identification. Check the venue’s requirements if uncertain.
Take only what you need. Keep your phone, keys and payment card in a secure pocket or bag. Avoid leaving drinks or personal belongings unattended.
Freshers week versus an ordinary week
Freshers week is busier and more heavily promoted than the rest of the academic year. Tickets, queues and large crowds can make it feel completely different from an ordinary student night.
Do not feel pressured to attend every event. A quieter evening playing pool, watching football or meeting housemates can be just as useful socially.
The Geordie Star states that its student offers run every day, allowing students to visit outside the biggest organised nights.
Make Newcastle nightlife work for you
Newcastle nightlife is not one fixed experience. Some students enjoy clubs, while others prefer sport, games, live music or casual drinks.
The Geordie Star combines several of these options at one Westgate Road venue. Bring valid identification, check the latest events and contact the team about larger student or society bookings.
Frequently asked questions
Where can first year students go in Newcastle?
The Geordie Star offers student deals, games, DJs and live sport in Newcastle city centre.
Do I need student identification?
Yes. Student identification is required for the dedicated offers, and accepted proof of age may also be required.
Are student deals available every day?
The official Geordie Star student page currently states that the deals run daily.
Can societies book space?
Yes. Contact the venue with the date and expected attendance.
What games are available?
The venue advertises pool, darts and Xbox gaming.