Last updated: January 2026
Looking for student housing in Newcastle? Take a look at our guide to make sure you find the perfect home from home!
Top tips for picking student housing in Newcastle
If you’re currently studying in Newcastle, chances are you’re already thinking about student accommodation for your second year.
Unlike your first year, where you likely lived in university-owned halls of residence, your second year comes with an added challenge – choosing somewhere to live from the hundreds of privately rented student houses in Newcastle.
Don’t sweat it – we’ve got you. Here’s our guide to finding the perfect home from home in Newcastle.
1. Location, location, location
When it comes to looking for student housing in Newcastle, location should be your number one priority. You don’t want to end up living in the middle of nowhere, miles from your mates and any kind of nightlife! Unless, of course, that’s what you’re wanting from your new home!
When you’re viewing student accommodation, make sure you check out what the local area is like. There’s no point in finding the perfect student house with a huge garden, spacious living room, and modern kitchen if there’s nothing nearby.
Try looking for accommodation in Newcastle’s big hitters – think Jesmond, Heaton, and Sandyford. These are the go-to student hubs where a vibrant social life is basically guaranteed.
Check out our guide to student housing locations in Newcastle for more information.
2. The commute
If you have to wake up at 6 AM and hop on two different forms of public transport to make it to your 9 AM lecture on time, your attendance will likely take a hit!
When looking for student housing in Newcastle, check how long it’ll take you to get to campus and the city centre. If you want to save on transport cash, look for a spot within walking distance. Sandyford is a winner if you’re at Newcastle Uni – it’s only a ten-minute stroll!
3. What’s nearby?
Is there a trendy bar or a cosy pub where you and your housemates can grab a few cheeky pints? Is there a supermarket around the corner for your weekly shop? Is there a cheap takeaway within walking distance?
Make a list of what’s important to you and check what’s close to the accommodation you’re looking at. A cheap takeaway for the walk home? Make a list of your non-negotiables. If you’re a runner, check if you’re near a park like Heaton Park, or see if the local gym fits your budget.
4. Nightlife or nah?
The University of Newcastle and Northumbria were voted joint-best in the UK for student nightlife by Which? in 2016, and Student Crowd ranks Newcastle first for students. So, this northern stronghold is the place to be if you’re a big partier. There are a ton of amazing nightclubs in Newcastle, and there’s a student night every day of the week!
Some of the most popular nightclubs in the city are Skint at the Points every Thursday night (featuring the infamous £1 drinks!) and Feral Fridays at Think Tank (the name probably tells you everything you need to know).
Check how far your new student house will be from your favourite clubs and bars, or at least how much an Uber home will set you back.
5. Part-time student jobs in the area
There are loads of part-time student jobs in Newcastle upon Tyne – perhaps you’ve already got one or know you’ll need one next year.
If you’ve already got a job, keep the commute in mind. The last thing you want is to sign a contract with your mates only to realise your part-time job is three buses away! Staying near the city centre is usually a safe bet for finding work.
6. Budget
Newcastle is one of the most affordable cities in the UK, and this is one of the reasons why it’s so popular with students. But you still need to be realistic.
Know your max budget and stick to it. Have a chat with your future housemates before you sign anything to make sure everyone is on the same page.
7. Safety and security
Newcastle is generally a pretty safe city, but security should still be a priority when it comes to picking student accommodation.
When viewing properties, ask if there’s a burglar alarm system. Check if the front door is adequately secured – ideally, it should lock automatically so you don’t have to worry about anyone forgetting to turn the key.
8. Days out in Newcastle
When choosing student housing, consider all of Newcastle’s great days out and exciting attractions. Junkyard Golf Newcastle is always a firm student favourite, with three mashed-up crazy golf courses and mid-week deals on delicious cocktails!
Another popular option is Ouseburn, a trendy cultural hub with bars, pubs, and restaurants. Also home to a bustling alternative live music scene, Ouseburn is a great place to wander around and absorb the best of Newcastle’s music, food, and drink.
9. What about bills?
Most privately rented student accommodation doesn’t include bills. It’s possible to find student accommodation with all bills included, but sometimes it can reduce the pool of properties you can choose from. So, you might have to compromise on more important factors, such as location.
Don’t panic – this doesn’t mean that choosing student housing without bills means you have to deal with the hassle of utility bills all by yourself. You can rely on a bill-splitting service instead!
How Split the Bills can help
Once you’ve found your perfect student accommodation in Newcastle, it’s time to get your bills sorted.
Split the Bills is a bill-splitting service trusted by thousands of students. Relying on our bill-splitting service means you don’t have to worry about setting up complex direct debits and getting your housemates to pay on time!
We handle all that responsibility and stress, so you don’t have to. All you have to do is pay one neat monthly payment. We’ll automatically split the bills equally among your housemates, so you only ever need to pay your share of the bill. You won’t have to deal with ringing up multiple suppliers and trying to haggle over the best deal; we’ll do everything for you!
With Split the Bills, you can create a personalised package based on what your house needs. You can include energy, broadband, water and even a TV Licence if you plan on watching live TV.
If you want to make living in Newcastle as simple as possible, learn more about how Split the Bills works.