Ultimate guide for things to do in Jesmond as a student on a budget

Heaton and Sandyford will never compare. 

By Grace Bamforth 

As winter arrives in Jesmond it can be difficult to know what to do to keep yourself busy. When searching for things to do in Jesmond, a long list appears which is not adapted for us students who are on student loans and in a cost-of-living crisis (not everyone can afford to visit the local spa on a weekend). We simply cannot afford much but there are many ways to keep busy because, there is no debate that Jesmond is the nicest and best student area to live.  

If you are new to Jesmond or need some help with what to do with your time on a weekend or Wednesday afternoon, then look no further, because here’s six ways you can keep yourself busy whilst not breaking the bank and only walking down the road. By reading this useful information guide, you don’t have to spend the time researching. Here’s a step-by-step guide from my top picks. 

1.Visit Jesmond Dene 

Jesmond Dene: Bridges and waterfalls. Image by: Grace Bamforth

This may seem like a more boring and obvious one to start with, but having this on your doorstep is a beautiful and free luxury. From sunset walks, to a morning run, or stroll on a Sunday, it is a rewarding, three kilometre escape, from university and the city centre. With green scenic walking areas visiting the waterfall, Jesmond Dene has 4.5-star reviews on TripAdvisor. It is a great way to get to know your new house, if just moved in, or to go on a walk and catch up with your friends from lectures. I also advise you pay a visit to the Pets Corner, a farm inside the Jesmond Dene where you can feel you’re back in the countryside, it’s not just for kids! Not to mention the health benefits of fresh air as times can be very stressful as a student and it costs nothing to visit here. 

Here is a map of Jesmond Dene, so you can plan your route before venturing in. 

2. Brunch in Jesmond

Brunching your way through NE2 is one of the best things to do when you have an extra bit of money spare on a weekend. Unlike the centre of Newcastle, it is full of independent cute cafes, perfect to start your days off before heading for a busy day. Two places which I love to brunch at and are not too expensive are: 

Caffe 1901 Bistro. Here the décor is comforting and cosy, uniquely in an old, refurbished church with a range of menus which change seasonally. A place which serves all day breakfast from prices ranging from £4 to £14 for breakfast but the cheaper, ‘quick bites’, had a great portion size and vegan options are available. There is often a que as a popular space in Jesmond, but it is so worth the wait. All menus are here: 1901.

Caffe 1901 Bistro: Quick Bites brunch menu. Image by: Grace Bamforth

One Kitchen Social also does a great brunch in a warm and cosy fairy light atmosphere, right near Jesmond Dene so you can visit here after a long morning walk. They do pancakes and a full English together, because why should we have to choose between the two? The menu has many options (including vegan, veggie and gluten and dairy free) with prices ranging between £3.50 to £12. All menus are here: One

One Kitchen Social: Breakfast menu. Image by: Grace Bamforth 

If you are wanting something to fulfil your sweet tooth, or a stop off for a coffee, then stop at Pink Lane Bakery where brownies are to die for. Pink Lane Bakery is in the centre of Jesmond, right around the corner from Osborne Road, difficult to miss with a bright pink front and even more difficult to resist the tempting fresh bread in the window. 

Tweets by PinkLaneBakery

Pink Lane Bakery X account: (Credit: Pink Lane Bakery)

Here is the menu before you give it a try. Independent businesses are what makes Jesmond feel so friendly and unique as a student area.

But, if you are wanting a more familiar, well-known coffee, then Café Nero is close by to any student street and on your way to uni. They do a great student discount, so you don’t have to pay extortionate amounts for a coffee.

If you are not a brunch person, then there are many other eateries all around Jesmond if you click on the map, here are many examples. But this brings me onto my next point…

3. Restaurants 

Although, these are more expensive and may not fit within your budget as a student, I couldn’t not mention Francesca’s, as this delicious restaurant is a place which must be visited, even if on occasion. This authentic looking Italian, has a 4.5 star rating on trip advisor with a range of options and is frequently posted on TikTok due to its popularity. Who doesn’t love an independent, irresistible Italian restaurant?  

Francesca’s Jesmond: Half pizza half pasta option. Image by: Grace Bamforth 

Students especially love it as it is embedded within most the student areas in Jesmond and is perfect for a house trip. There is often a queue (go early, open Monday to Saturday 12:00pm- 2:30pm, 5:00pm- 9:30pm), but it is worth it for the half pizza and half pasta option and décor which makes you feel as though you have travelled to Italy. The menu for this is here: Francesca’s. 

Instagram: Quote taken from comments section of @yourjesmondnews_ Image by: Grace Bamforth

There are several other restaurants in Jesmond, from chain restaurants like Fat Hippo and Pizza Express, to Florence Jesmond and Dabbawal, located in West Jesmond. These won’t break your bank, not too expensive, and perfect if you are needing a change from your basic university meals but, you may need to get tap water and stop by at a pub on your way home for a cheaper meal.

4. Osborne Road

If you didn’t know already, Jesmond has its very own famous strip of pubs and bars. It is one of the main reasons students love living here and often base their location of their house on how close it is to these pubs. It is always jam-packed with students, especially on a Wednesday, as a starting destination to sports social nights, or a catch up with friends over a pint. Other areas cannot compete, with bars just around the corner from you. If you are looking for a sit-down night in the pub, make sure to get here early because you won’t get a seat and will end up holding your drink for the rest of the night standing. 

From the mass of choices, my personal favourite bars are Phoenix Bar Jesmond, Spy bar, Bar Blanc and if you are looking for a more ‘club’ experience and BTEC Market Shaker, Osbornes (Soho Jesmond) is great and a personal favourite, especially on a Tuesday. The only point to not forget is these shut at 11pm so be sure you make the most of your night early on. This selection is cheap and convenient with heated outdoor areas for the winter to fit most of the student population in. 

5. Two-pound Tuesdays 

Following on from my last point, this deserves its very own section because as students on a budget, this is the biggest pub night we look forward to each week. Yes, drinks are as little as £2, the doubles and pints make Osborne Road packed with students every Tuesday. We aren’t lying when we say Jesmond nightlife is the best. And if you’re a foodie like me, before grabbing a drink, Osbornes and Jam Jar do great deals every Tuesday on food. Each week be sure to get there extra early as you will see rows of people queuing to get a drink from the bar as soon as it opens.

Spy Bar and Jam Jar Offers: Two pound Tuesdays. Image by: Grace Bamforth

6. Window Shopping

Jesmond isn’t just about drinking and eating, it also has a great selection of shops to browse in and window shop, if you have not yet found something to entertain yourself with in Jesmond. Yes, your student budget may not allow you to shop frequently, especially in Jesmond, but browsing without buying anything, is just as fun!

Jules B: Window shopping. Image by: Grace Bamforth

Shops which are great for this, financially supported by the yummy mummy residents of Jesmond are: Oliver Bonas, Jules B, Gourmet Gifts and Sweaty Betty, all located right near Osborne Road, in West Jesmond. However, I also love to frequently go into Oxfam Books and Music charity shop to keep myself entertained with a new and cheap book.  

To conclude, Jesmond is one of the best student places to live and without a doubt you can keep yourself entertained, all whilst remaining within a couple-miles radius and within your student budget. From walks, restaurants, pubs and shops it really has got everything. Could you do all this in Heaton or Sandyford? The answer is most likely no, so don’t waste your time living in, what most of us think, the most iconic student area in Newcastle.