Its my first post though I've been reading the site for a while.
Just an idea about digs for Magic. Most universities have some accommodation available to let during weekends and university holidays (so about six months a year really !!). I've just looked on the Newcastle site and they seem to do it and at a very cheap rate. I don't know if they have any available but it could be worth a look.
url is:
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/accommodation/staff/
I've copied and pasted the relevant page below. You need to go on that page on the site then click on Carlton Lodge then the Booking Form. You then fill that in and they contact you if there's a vacancy.
Staff and Visitor Accommodation
If you are relocating to Newcastle to take up employment at the University and need a base until you find something permanent you can be considered for our non-serviced accommodation and bungalows. Alternatively, you may be merely visiting the University, City or even a relative studying or working with us, in which case you can be considered for our fully-serviced short-stay accommodation which is available for a period of up to 28 nights.
With over 60 rooms/flats, we offer a wide variety of reasonably priced self catered accommodation, ranging from standard (without washbasin) through to en suite (private bathroom) and even self contained flats.
Our staff accommodation proves very popular and priority is given to University employees, but we can consider enquiries from non-University staff (including students), who may be interested in a longer stay booking. Bookings in the staff only accommodation for non-University staff, can only be processed if there are vacancies and this cannot be confirmed until 14 days prior to the planned day of arrival.
What We Offer
Fully-Serviced Accommodation
This accommodation is offered on a self-catered basis with access to kitchen facilities providing several appliances including a refrigerator to allow you to store and prepare your own meals. Cleaning of all communal areas and a weekly bedroom tidy (Monday to Friday excluding public holidays), as well as provision of bedding and towels are included in the price. The minimum stay in this type of accommodation is one night and you can book up to 28 nights. We regret that we cannot allow bookings of greater than 28 days in this accommodation.
We can offer two different styles of accommodation so suit differing budgets.
Carlton Lodge is located on campus, close to the University library and a short walk from the city centre and offers a small hotel style collection of 11 double and three twin en suite bedrooms.
Alternatively, if you are on a budget and would prefer something a little easier on the purse strings, why not try one of our guest rooms at Castle Leazes. We have four single rooms based within the Castle Leazes student accommodation that are available for booking. There is a washbasin within each room and access to a communal bathroom shared by the residents of the four bedrooms. The rooms are offered on a self-catered basis with access to kitchen facilities providing several appliances including a refrigerator to allow you to store and prepare your own meals. These rooms prove popular for non Newcastle students visiting friends/relatives but can be offered to anyone who is looking for a cheaper product than a hotel. Students can book the rooms for £15 per night and non-students can book for £27.50 per night.