Last updated: January 2026
Whether you prefer never-ending pub crawls or a chill walk in the countryside, Newcastle has something for everyone. Best known for its buzzing nightlife, the city is packed to the brim with pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants. With a student community of over 40,000, you’re pretty much guaranteed a good time. Within its cosmopolitan culture and history, Newcastle also boasts the Baltic Museum – showcasing contemporary art and the famous Hadrian’s Wall.
Arguably the most popular area for student housing in Newcastle, Jesmond offers loads of restaurants, bars, convenient transport links and other perks. We’ll break down why Jesmond is the place to be, how it compares to other areas, and how to pick the right house without the stress.
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Find out why Newcastle is so popular among students.
Read the key benefits of Jesmond and what it has to offer for students.
Read our guide to your options of accommodation in Jesmond.
Read our tips on what factors to consider when choosing your student accommodation.
Find out how Jesmond compares to other popular student areas in Newcastle.
We answer frequently asked questions on choosing student accommodation in Jesmond.
What makes Newcastle Upon Tyne a popular student city?
One of the best things about Newcastle’s centre is that it’s compact. You get all the perks of a big, exciting city, but most things are within walking distance. Plus, it’s much easier on your bank account than other big cities, so you can actually enjoy the nightlife without constantly checking your balance.
There are multiple pockets of student communities, each with its own atmosphere and culture, meaning there’s lots for you to discover.
Why choose Jesmond?
One of Newcastle’s hippest neighbourhoods, Jesmond, ticks every box. With amazing nightlife, beautifully deep-rooted architecture and beaches, Newcastle has the whole package. Newcastle University and Northumbria University are only a short trip away.
A vast range of boutiques, restaurants, and bars
Over the past decade, Jesmond has become one of the most sought-after spots in the UK. It’s packed with independent boutiques, restaurants, and bars that give it a unique vibe.
Impressive food and drink venues
Drop into the Londsdale for a pint and some proper pub grub, or take yourself to Dabbawal for some authentic Indian street food. Enjoy a thin-crust pizza at family-run Francesca’s or head down to As You Like It for dancing and great live music.
The beautiful Jesmond Dene
If you need a break from the books, Jesmond Dene is perfect for a summer picnic. A wooded park runs alongside the river Ouseburn, so you can spot some spectacular wildlife.
Excellent transport links
Jesmond has great transport links to both the city centre and further afield if you want to get away. And if you want to stay on your feet, Newcastle’s centre is only a 30-minute walk away.
What are the different types of student accommodation in Jesmond?
Like other uni locations, you can pick between student flat shares and house shares. Each has its benefits, and the best option for you depends on how many people you want to live with and what your budget looks like.
What to consider when choosing student accommodation in Jesmond
Rent price
Jesmond has some incredibly beautiful student accommodation, but it’s a bit more of a stretch on the pocket. If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, there are loads of options when it comes to renting in Jesmond, while still enjoying all the benefits of the neighbourhood. Have a budget in mind whilst viewing properties, or you might fall in love with the ‘wrong’ flat.
All-inclusive vs non-inclusive bills
A bills-inclusive property can save the headache of juggling direct debits and dealing with missed payments, and a bills-inclusive rent agreement is very common among student properties. On the other hand, if your bills aren’t included in the rent price, you’ll have to work out all the house bills and how to split them evenly amongst yourselves.
However, if your rent agreement isn’t inclusive of bills, services such as Split The Bills find the best and cheapest providers for you, so you don’t have to have awkward conversations with your housemates about who’s sorting the electricity bill or how much the gas bill is.
Are bills not included in your rent price?
Don’t worry – Split The Bills can find the best and cheapest providers for you and bundle all your bills into one easy payment. This means you don’t have to have awkward conversations with your housemates about who’s sorting the electricity bill or how much the gas bill is. That way, you can enjoy the benefits of just having one easy-to-manage payment to make each month and spend more time enjoying student life!
- Choose from our energy packages, superfast broadband, water and a TV Licence.
- Pay the same fixed amount every month and don’t worry about bills!
- Avoid arguments by everyone paying the same share.
- We set up the utilities for your house – so sit back, and relax!
- Less time worrying about bills = more time to enjoy being a student!
Find out more about how Split the Bills can help here.
Local amenities
Jesmond has something for everyone, including gyms, bars, coffee shops, beautiful parks and a lovely community. Whilst Newcastle is a walking city, on the whole, Jesmond really lays everything at your doorstep. Just keep in mind: if you’re looking for a quiet, sleepy area, Jesmond might not be the one!
Number of rooms/housemates
Consider how many housemates you want and how many people you would feel comfortable living with. Some people prefer living with a large group in uni halls, whereas other people prefer living with a smaller group.
Flat or house?
You also need to consider whether you would rather live in a flat or in a house. Houses come with gardens and are ideal if you prioritise a lot of space, whereas flats can be cheaper and may have fewer rooms/housemates.
How does Jesmond compare to other student areas in Newcastle?
Heaton
Another up-and-coming neighbourhood – Heaton is also close to the university campuses and the city centre and has plenty of bars and restaurants.
Average rent in Heaton
The average rent price for Heaton comes up a little cheaper than Jesmond at around £80 a week.
Pros of living in Heaton
Heaton is a fairly cheap area to rent; however, it is still close to all the amenities.
How does living in Heaton compare to Jesmond?
Heaton shares a lot of the benefits of Jesmond, including a lovely big park, and it’s a little bit less expensive, but it’s also a bit quieter and doesn’t have quite the same exciting atmosphere.
Sandyford
Sandyford is outside the city centre, and as close to the action as you can really get without paying too much for it.
Average rent in Sandyford
Sandyford costs around £100 per week to rent in Sandyford.
Pros of living in Sandyford
With a majority student population, you can enjoy a more campus-y atmosphere, plus it’s only a short walk from both Jesmond and Heaton.
How does living in Sandyford compare to Jesmond?
You won’t get the same mix of community, as it’s largely an area for student housing. But, as Newcastle is a fairly walkable city, you’ll be able to explore surrounding neighbourhoods pretty easily. Are you looking for somewhere to rent in Sandyford? View a selection of student homes in Sandyford here.
The Newcastle City Centre
Famous for its rowdy nightlife and bustling day trade, the city is full of popular bars and clubs, as well as plenty of shopping centres and arcades.
Average rent in Newcastle City Centre
It costs around £125 per week to rent in the city centre.
Pros of living in Newcastle City Centre
If you want to live in a modern flat right in the thick of it, the city centre’s the spot for you. It’s only a short walk from campuses and another short walk to surrounding neighbourhoods such as Jesmond and Heaton.
How does living in Newcastle City Centre compare to Jesmond?
You don’t have the same architecturally beautiful accommodation, and the vibe is a little less picturesque, but it does what it says on the tin; in the city centre, you are at the very centre of the action.
Newcastle Student halls
Student halls epitomise the university experience, living on or as close to campus as possible in ready-made accommodation.
Average rent in Newcastle Student Halls
Rent prices vary anywhere from around £100 to well over £200 depending on location and amenities.
Pros of living in Newcastle Student Halls
If you’re in your first year and don’t know anyone yet, or you’d just prefer not to have the hassle of finding a group of people to get along with, student halls provide you with prepackaged accommodation, covering all the basics, including catering and an en suite if you want to splash out, and there’s quite a lot of flexibility with term-time tenancy agreements.
How does living in Newcastle Student Halls compare to Jesmond?
Staying in halls is a true university experience, but it’s not really a true Newcastle experience. Student halls are almost self-contained villages, which means you might miss what’s going on outside the campus walls.
Frequently asked questions – Student housing in Jesmond
How much rent does a student pay for student halls in Newcastle?
On average, students pay anywhere between £100-£200.
What makes good accommodation?
There are multiple factors, and you must decide what you want out of your accommodation before considering what would be best.
Why choose to live in Jesmond?
It is easily the most sought-after area for student accommodation, and for a good reason. A small neighbourhood packed to the brim, it’s got something of everything, and it’s all right on your doorstep.
Can you rent student housing as a couple?
Student halls will have their own rules about renting as a couple, but for private flats and house shares, it’s down to the landlord and your house/flatmates. Just make sure everyone is on board first!
Is Newcastle a good student city?
Newcastle is a great city in general; however, its range of entertainment venues, affordable prices and culture make it particularly ideal for students.
Related content
Electricity. Gas. Broadband. Water. TV Licence.
Want to find out more?
Interested in splitting your student household bills rather than splitting up friendships? Check out SplitTheBills now and make life easier for everyone in your shared student house.
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