Newcastle has a large and varied selection of private student accommodation, with properties concentrated in the city centre and within easy reach of both Newcastle University and Northumbria University. Most include bills in the weekly rent and offer facilities such as gyms, study spaces, and communal areas. Where you choose to live will depend on which university you are attending, whether you prefer city centre living or something quieter, and your budget.
For students at Newcastle University or Northumbria University, the city centre puts you within walking distance of both campuses. Garth Heads is one of the more affordable options, with en-suite and non en-suite rooms in shared apartments close to the Quayside. Verde sits opposite St James’ Park and next to Newcastle University Business School, offering en-suite rooms and studios with the city centre on the doorstep.
If you want something in the Ouseburn area, Portland Green Student Village is a large development with en-suite rooms, studios, and good social spaces, around a 20-minute walk to both universities. The Bridge and The Bridge Phase II are nearby with a range of price points. For something more central, Newcastle 1 is right next to Newcastle Central station, a short walk from both universities and the city centre nightlife.
At the higher end, Vita Student Westgate offers all-inclusive studios in the city centre, and Vita Student Leazes Park is a new development opening for September 2026, close to Leazes Park and Newcastle University campus. Sheares Hall is another new build on the doorstep of the Newcastle Helix quarter, with en-suite rooms and studios from a competitive starting price.
Newcastle is one of the more affordable major student cities in the UK, with options across a wide range of budgets. You can use the filters on Mystudenthalls.com to narrow your search by price, room type, and distance from your university.
Newcastle is one of the biggest student cities in the North East, with over 50,000 students across two universities and a college. Roughly one in six residents is a student, which gives the city a young, social feel that carries through from the campus to the city centre and beyond.
Newcastle University is a Russell Group university with around 27,000 students from over 130 countries, based on a 50-acre campus in the city centre. It is particularly strong in Medicine, Engineering, and Business, and the Students’ Union has over 180 societies, 60 sports clubs, and its own venue and bar. Northumbria University is the larger of the two by student numbers, with around 35,000 students across four faculties. It was named Times Higher Education University of the Year in 2022, holds a Gold TEF rating, and its Sport Central facility includes a swimming pool, climbing wall, and 3,000-seat arena. Newcastle College also offers some higher education programmes through its University Centre.
Both campuses are in the city centre, effectively within ten minutes’ walk of each other. This means that regardless of which institution you attend, you have access to the same areas, nightlife, and transport links.
There is plenty to see and do outside of university. The Quayside runs along the River Tyne with views of the Tyne Bridge and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. On the Gateshead side, the Glasshouse International Centre for Music (formerly Sage Gateshead) is a world-class concert venue home to the Royal Northern Sinfonia, and the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is a converted flour mill with free entry and regularly changing exhibitions. Theatre Royal in the city centre hosts major touring productions.
St James’ Park dominates the skyline with a capacity of over 52,000, home to Newcastle United. The Great North Museum: Hancock has free entry and includes a planetarium. Hadrian’s Wall begins at Wallsend, just a few miles east and accessible by Metro. The Biscuit Factory in Ouseburn is the UK’s largest independent commercial art gallery.
For green space, Jesmond Dene is a wooded valley with waterfalls and a free wildlife centre, a ten-minute walk from campus. Leazes Park is right next to Newcastle University and St James’ Park, popular with students for running and sitting out between lectures. For day trips, Durham is just ten minutes away by train, and the Northumberland coast is now accessible by the new Northumberland Line.
Newcastle is a compact, walkable city. Both campuses and most student accommodation are within 10 to 25 minutes of each other on foot, and most students walk or cycle to lectures daily.
By Metro
The Tyne and Wear Metro covers 60 stations across two lines serving Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, South Shields, and the airport. Key student stations are Haymarket (closest to both universities), Jesmond, and West Jesmond. Fares are paid using a Pop card, with singles capped at around £2.50 and a daily cap of £5. Under-21s can get £1 singles.
By bus
Go North East is the main operator. The number 1 bus is the key student route, connecting Heaton, the city centre, and both universities. A Network One student pass covers unlimited travel on buses, Metro, and the Shields Ferry. Under-21s benefit from £1 single bus fares across the region.
By train
Newcastle Central station has direct services to London King’s Cross (around two hours 50 minutes), Edinburgh (around one hour 25 minutes), York (around 55 minutes), and Durham (10 to 15 minutes). The Northumberland Line opened in December 2024, connecting Ashington to Newcastle Central via six new stations.
By bike
Newcastle has a growing network of cycle lanes, though the hilly terrain means cycling is more popular in flatter areas like Jesmond and along the Quayside. Both universities have bike storage.
On foot
Walking is how most students get around day to day. The city centre, both campuses, Jesmond, Sandyford, and Heaton are all connected by walkable routes, and the compact layout means you rarely need public transport for university life.
Jesmond
Jesmond is the most popular student area in Newcastle, known for tree-lined Victorian terraces and a strong high street on Osborne Road. Around 40% of residents are students. It sits 15 to 25 minutes’ walk north of both universities and is served by Jesmond and West Jesmond Metro stations. Osborne Road is the unofficial student social strip, with bars, restaurants, and cafes. Jesmond Dene is within walking distance. Rents are the highest among the traditional student areas, but the location, safety record, and Metro access make it a first choice for many. Properties tend to be let early, often from November for the following September.
Heaton
Heaton is the best-value student area, with a diverse, multicultural character centred around Chillingham Road’s independent cafes, takeaways, and local shops. It is around 25 minutes’ walk from campus or ten minutes on the number 1 bus. Heaton Park provides green space nearby. The area attracts students who prioritise budget over proximity, with a good mix of Victorian terraced housing.
Sandyford
Sandyford sits between Jesmond and the city centre, around ten to 15 minutes’ walk to both universities. It has a high proportion of student residents and is quieter than Jesmond, with fewer shops and pubs on the doorstep but an unbeatable location for getting to lectures on foot. Rents sit in the mid-range.
Ouseburn
Ouseburn is Newcastle’s creative quarter, home to The Cluny (live music), the Biscuit Factory, Seven Stories (the National Centre for Children’s Books), and a cluster of independent breweries and galleries. Portland Green Student Village anchors the student presence here. It is 15 to 20 minutes’ walk to campus and not directly on the Metro, but the creative atmosphere attracts arts-focused students and anyone who wants something a bit different.
Shieldfield
Shieldfield sits just two to five minutes from Northumbria University’s City Campus. The area is dominated by student accommodation in modern developments. It is adjacent to Ouseburn, so you are close to its bars, venues, and galleries. The trade-off is that it lacks the traditional neighbourhood feel of Jesmond or Heaton.
City Centre
City centre living puts everything on the doorstep: both campuses, shops, restaurants, nightlife, and the station. Student accommodation here tends to be studios or en-suite rooms in modern developments. Properties like Newcastle 1 and Market House are centrally located and within walking distance of everything. The trade-off is higher rent for maximum convenience.
Fenham
Fenham is further west and offers some of the most affordable rents in Newcastle. It is popular with postgraduate students and those on tighter budgets. Bus connections to the city centre are frequent, and the lower cost of living can make a real difference over the course of a year.
Newcastle has a reputation as one of the best student cities in the UK for nightlife. The city centre is compact enough that you can walk between most venues in a few minutes, and student nights run throughout the week.
The Bigg Market is the most famous nightlife area, packed with bars and clubs. It is the budget-friendly heart of a student night out. Nearby, Collingwood Street (sometimes called the Diamond Strip) has a more upmarket scene. Digital on Times Square is a well-known club for electronic and dance music. Jesmond’s Osborne Road is the local student bar strip for more relaxed evenings. Student nights tend to peak on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with discounted entry and drinks deals across many venues. Both university students’ unions also run regular events.
Beyond nightlife, the Grainger Market is a Grade I listed covered market with around 100 stalls, popular for cheap lunches. The areas around the universities have plenty of budget-friendly cafes and takeaways, and the Quayside and Ouseburn offer more independent restaurants and bars.
Newcastle has a good track record on student safety. Both universities run their own security teams with campus CCTV and late-night support. Newcastle University operates a SafeZone app and a Safe Taxi Scheme for students who are stranded at night. The main student areas of Jesmond and Gosforth have lower crime rates than the city average. As with any city, it is sensible to take normal precautions on nights out.
Newcastle is one of the more affordable major student cities in the UK. The cost of living, including rent, food, transport, and going out, is noticeably lower than in cities like London, Bristol, or Edinburgh. Student accommodation in Newcastle is available across a wide range of price points, from en-suite rooms in shared apartments to self-contained studios in the city centre.
The most popular student areas are Jesmond, Heaton, and Sandyford, all within walking distance of Newcastle University and Northumbria University. Ouseburn has a creative, independent character and is home to Portland Green Student Village. Shieldfield is closest to Northumbria University. The city centre is the most convenient but most expensive option. Fenham offers the lowest rents and is popular with postgraduate students.
Most students walk between their accommodation and campus. For longer journeys, the Tyne and Wear Metro runs across 60 stations, with Haymarket the closest stop to both universities. Go North East buses run frequently, and a Network One student pass covers unlimited bus, Metro, and ferry travel. Under-21s benefit from £1 single bus fares across the region.
Newcastle is consistently ranked among the best nightlife cities in the UK. The Bigg Market is the main student nightlife area, with cheap drinks and a lively atmosphere. Collingwood Street offers a more upmarket bar scene, and Digital is a popular late-night club for electronic music. Student nights run throughout the week, peaking on Tuesdays and Thursdays with discounted entry at many venues.
Newcastle has two main universities: Newcastle University (Russell Group, around 27,000 students) and Northumbria University (around 35,000 students, TEF Gold). Both have city centre campuses within ten minutes’ walk of each other. Newcastle College also offers some higher education programmes. Together they bring over 50,000 students to the city.
Newcastle is generally considered safe for students. The main student areas of Jesmond and Gosforth have crime rates below the city average. Both universities operate their own security teams, campus CCTV, and late-night support services. Newcastle University runs a SafeZone app and a Safe Taxi Scheme for students who are stranded at night. As with any city, it is sensible to take normal precautions, particularly on nights out in the city centre.
You can browse all available student accommodation in Newcastle on Mystudenthalls.com, compare prices and features, and contact providers directly through the listing pages. If you are unsure what type of room suits you, our guide to the different types of student accommodation is a good starting point. Many properties offer online viewings or virtual tours if you are unable to visit in person.
Most students begin searching around six months before they plan to move in. Providers typically start advertising from July onwards for the following September intake. In popular areas like Jesmond, shared houses can be let as early as November for the following year. If you are a first-year or international student, it is common to start your search from January.
Most student tenancy agreements in Newcastle run for between 42 and 51 weeks, covering the full academic year. Some providers offer shorter or more flexible contracts, so it is worth checking the details on each listing or asking the provider directly if you need something different.
Most private student accommodation in Newcastle includes bills (electricity, gas, water, and internet) in the weekly rent. This makes budgeting simpler and avoids unexpected costs. It is always worth confirming exactly what is included before you book, as the details can vary between providers and room types.
As an iconic city bustling with nightlife, more high street shops than you can count, and a variety of eateries, including inclusive vegan options, it’s no surprise that living in Newcastle is incredibly popular amongst students. This lively city provides young people with an unforgettable student experience stuffed with affordable renting opportunities, plenty of employment positions,…
