I’m going to newcastle uni in a few weeks, and i’ve had a nightmare when it comes to accommodation so far and now i’m stuck on what to do. Originally, me and my two mates were going to rent out an apartment to live in for first year, but they didn’t end up getting into newcastle so now i’m back to square one on finding accommodation. I have some family up in newcastle who owns properties, and is offering to give me a 1 bedroom apartment free of charge, which is obviously amazing and a massive money saver, but now I am worried i’ll miss out on socialising and making friends especially in the first couple weeks because i’m not in student halls, so i’m stuck between getting an apartment for free or getting a studio in student accommodation (I’m very particular and don’t like the idea of sharing a kitchen which is why i’d get a studio). I’m also not the biggest fan of going out and clubbing since I don’t drink or anything like that (i’m muslim) so i’m even more worried that i’m just gonna struggle making friends at uni since Newcastle seems to be all about nightlife. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.