Best Student Areas to Live in Newcastle

The most popular student area and the one with the strongest social infrastructure. Osborne Road is here, the independent cafes and restaurants are here, and the Metro station at West Jesmond connects you to the city centre in under ten minutes. It’s not the cheapest – Jesmond is popular with young professionals as well as students so rents reflect the competition. Expect to pay more for the social convenience. Best for students who want to be in the thick of the social scene.

East of the city centre, Heaton is the area students move to when they want slightly more space for slightly less money. The housing stock is Victorian terraces – typically better quality than purpose-built student accommodation. Good local pubs including the Chillingham, reasonable transport links to both universities. Less of a student bubble than Jesmond but a more rounded residential experience. Popular with second and third-year students who want a more settled life.

West of the city centre, Fenham is cheaper again and has a strong student community, particularly from Northumbria University. Excellent transport links into the city centre by bus and Metro. The area is more residential and less socially concentrated than Jesmond – you’ll have to come into town rather than finding the social scene on your doorstep. Good value for money.

Between Jesmond and the city centre, Sandyford is a transitional area that has steadily become more student-populated over the past decade. Good location – walkable from both Newcastle University campus and the city centre – but the area lacks the distinct identity of Jesmond or Heaton. Rents are mid-range. Worth considering for its central position.

Purpose-built student accommodation in the city centre has expanded significantly. The convenience is genuine – everything is walkable – but the experience is more enclosed than living in a residential area. Fine for first year; most students move out to the areas above in subsequent years.