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Study in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme

A hive of lively towns in Staffordshire, steeped in both history and student life – playing host to Keele University and Staffordshire University.

Newcastle-under-Lyme is an old market town with a nice compact centre, which I like as it is easily walkable. Stoke-on-Trent is a small city made up of 6 towns, with the city centre being in Hanley. The Potteries shopping centre has all the main shops – the Potteries name coming from Stoke formerly being the centre of the pottery industry. (Second year student, Keele University)

What are Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme famous for?

The home of pottery

Stoke-on-Trent is the World Capital of Ceramics, and is affectionately known as 'The Potteries'. As well as the Potteries Shopping Centre, you can visit award-winning pottery museums and visitor centres, including The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, The World of Wedgwood and Middleport Pottery.

Nightlife, according to students

I'm in my first year and have had a few great nights out in clubs like Fiction in Hanley – amazing places, friendly and close to the Stoke-on-Trent campus. (First year student, Staffordshire University)

The great outdoors

As well as the UK's biggest theme park, Alton Towers – ideal for taking an adrenalin-filled break from your studies – Staffordshire has remarkable open scenery nearby, including over seven hundred acres at Trentham Estate. There's plenty to explore, including award-winning gardens, an enormous lake, woodland and a wide range of shops. 

Nightlife, according to students

Stoke’s nightlife is rather diverse. Around the town centre and nearby areas there are a wide range of night clubs, bars and lounges. So no matter how you like to spend your nights out, there is an environment to suit everyone. (Second year student, Keele University)

Student-friendly towns

Hanley town centre in Stoke-on-Trent is full of student life, entertainment and activities. You'll find plenty of nightlife, cinema, shopping and Waterworld. There's also plenty on offer over in Newcastle-under-Lyme – restaurants, markets to buy fresh produce, the New Vic Theatre and Laser Quest.

Student life in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme

Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Treat yourself
Alton Towers is a must visit. You can also visit the Gladstone Pottery Museum or Emma Bridgewater Factory in Stoke-on-Trent. Newcastle-under-Lyme is great for some good food and local shops. (Second year student, Staffordshire University)
Friday feeling
Flashback Fridays at LRV on Staffordshire's Stoke-on-Trent campus are a must! The music is always great. There are also the main clubs and venues in Hanley which offer a variety of nights out. (Second year student, Staffordshire University)
Sunday chilling
There is Trentham Estate near Stoke that is easily accessible, and the gardens are known for their beauty. (Second year student, Keele University)
When family visit
In Hanley you can find the Regent Theatre – and Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Hanley all have their own cinemas. If your parents are paying, there are many fancy restaurants for you to pick from! (Third year student, Keele University)
Grab a bite

Often students also choose to go food places in Hanley such as Nandos and TGIs for a nice meal out. And the Reginald Mitchell is perhaps one of the best Spoons I have ever been to. There is also Peaches in Newcastle-under-Lyme, which offers a Chinese buffet with a twist. (Third year student, Keele University)

Low on cash
Walking through Hanley Park to feed the geese and squirrels! They both love sunflower seeds and will eat from your hands if you let them. And usually, I go to the coffee shop in Hanley Park and sit by the Victorian gazebo! (Second year student, Staffordshire University)
Feeling cultural
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery showcases the history of the Pottery industry in the area. Also Middleport Pottery in Burslem is an old pottery and museum that allows you to see the history of the pottery industry. It also has a café! (Second year student, Keele University)
Catch up with mates

The Wetherspoons in Hanley is a great place to sit and chat. The Staffordshire University coffee shop, Squeeze Box is also great. Or go to the Tenpin Bowling Alley for some fun. (Second year student, Staffordshire University)

Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme in pictures

Fresher's Gate

Fresher’s Gate in Keele is special for most students as it symbolises the start and end of your degree – with a picture taken from this side when you start university and from the other side holding your final year dissertation when you leave university. (Third year student, Keele University)

 

Hanley

In Hanley there's the Potteries shopping centre next to Cineworld – a great place for you to shop and go on a spree. The biggest plus is all these places are close by! (Second year student, Staffordshire University)

Living in the area, according to students

Stoke is a city full of history and culture. It feels like a melting pot of different cultures and histories, creating a city filled with art and surrounded by nature in the distance. (Second year student, Staffordshire University)

Newcastle-under-Lyme

One of my favorite places to eat is Cappello Lounge in Newcastle-under-Lyme where there are a variety of options to choose from including my favorite food – calamari. (Third year student, Keele University)

 

Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall in Hanley are amazing to be at – the LOL Comedy Club at the Regent Theatre puts on a bunch of stand up shows quite often. (Second year student, Staffordshire University)

Where you'll find students
  • Hanley
  • Keele campus
  • Leek Road
  • Newcastle-under-Lyme
Local transport
  • Bus
  • Smart tickets
  • £12 a week

Living in the area, according to students

The majority of Stoke is really nice, and as it's home to two universities there's always plenty to do – plus loads of student discounts. The Potteries shopping centre has everything you could need, and it's always handy having a 24-hour Tesco. (First year student, Staffordshire University)

Student money tips

There are always markets going on nearby in Newcastle-under-Lyme, these stalls have cheap fruit and vegs as well as other exciting things such as homemade jams, street food and antiques! Perfect for buying unique gifts cheaper than you might find in stores! (Second year student, Keele University)

The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.

Discover more savings on student life in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme with UCAS student discounts. Find the latest deals, from fashion brands and eating fresh, to big discounts on tech and travel.

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