A guide to finding student accommodation for your first year of uni
If you’ve just secured your place at university in Newcastle — congratulations! Before you can make the most of Freshers’ Week, learning opportunities, and the all-important Newcastle nightlife, it’s important to get some student accommodation sorted.
Planning ahead and knowing you’ve got a safe, comfortable place to stay during your first year at uni will make the transition easier and mean you can jump right into student life in Newcastle.
What are your uni accommodation options in Newcastle?
Whether you’re enrolling at Newcastle University or Northumbria University, you have plenty of housing options.
Halls of residence can be a great option if you want to meet other freshers. But if there are no places available in halls, you aren’t allocated your preferred residence, or you’d simply prefer a bit more independence and your own space, you might want to look at renting.
Top tips for finding the best student accommodation in Newcastle
Whether you’re enrolling at Newcastle University or Northumbria University, you have plenty of housing options.
Halls of residence can be a great option if you want to meet other freshers. But if there are no places available in halls, you aren’t allocated your preferred residence, or you’d simply prefer a bit more independence and your own space, you might want to look at renting.
Top tips for finding the best student accommodation in Newcastle
You may wish to have your own space — in which case, renting a one-bed student property could be the ideal option for you. Or you could live with a group in a shared house.
Whichever you go for, here are some handy tips to help you find the best student properties Newcastle has to offer.
1. Start your search early
As with many university cities, student housing is in high demand in Newcastle. As such, you might find that the best properties get secured early. We suggest checking university term times and looking out for properties that have suitable tenancy start and end dates on the Seekers site.
You don’t want to have to pay for rent throughout the summer if you won’t be in the property. However, it’s also wise to move in ahead of term so you don’t have the stress of transporting your belongings and unpacking during your first week of lectures.
2. Consider the location
Newcastle is a great city to live in, and there are various student areas to consider. We recommend checking out student properties in the following locations:
Jesmond: With its vibrant array of bars, restaurants, and shops, it’s no surprise that Jesmond is one of the most popular student areas in Newcastle.
The Quayside: If you’re looking for student accommodation with stunning views of the River Tyne, take a look at the Quayside. This area has a welcoming community vibe and some beautiful Victorian properties.
Sandyford: If you’d prefer to live somewhere quieter, leafy Sandyford is both peaceful and charming. It’s a little further out of the city, but there are plenty of helpful transport links.
The City Centre: For those who enjoy hustle and bustle, there are some great student accommodation options in Newcastle City Centre. Here, you’ll be in the thick of “the Toon” and can benefit from fantastic amenities and a friendly atmosphere.
Heaton: Not far from the City Centre is trendy Heaton, a relaxed and friendly part of Newcastle that offers affordable housing options for students with lots of quick and easy routes into the city.
3. Look at local transport links
Newcastle is an accessible city with plenty of walking and cycle routes. However, it’s important to make sure you can get to the areas you’ll need to visit often without any hassle.
It can be beneficial to find accommodation close to the specific campus you’ll be studying at. If you plan to explore more of the Northeast, consider checking out Metro, train, and bus links.
International students may also find it helpful to look for a property with easy transport links to Newcastle airport to make travelling home for study weeks and holidays easier.
4. Think about your budget and bills
There’s no getting away from the adult responsibility of managing your rent when you move into student accommodation. We recommend setting a realistic budget before starting your property search.
If your budget is on the lower side, then living in a shared property can be a more affordable option.
At Seekers, we recognise that managing your rent and bills can be confusing, so we provide handy bills packages to streamline your finances. These bundles start from just £19 per month and allow you to pay a single sum that covers your utilities, internet, and TV licence, so you don’t need to worry about researching providers or setting up various direct debits.
5. Understand the paperwork
Before moving into your student property, there are some essential documents to navigate. From tenancy agreements and deposit protection schemes to contracts for your guarantor, we recommend taking a careful look at any paperwork you may need to sign so you have a clear idea of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Our Student Hub has lots of helpful guides to provide you with all the advice you need — whether you want to understand how joint liability works or how you can get your deposit back at the end of your tenancy.
Explore our student properties in Newcastle
At Seekers, we have the local knowledge and industry expertise to help you find the ideal student accommodation in Newcastle. From one-bed flats to nine-bed townhouses, we offer comfortable, well-kept properties across the city's best student areas.
Explore our student properties in Newcastle, and please don’t hesitate to get in touch to book a property viewing or if you have any questions.
