STUDENT LIVING COSTS

If you prefer to live alone with your own bathroom and kitchen, a studio will cost more per week. However, if you don’t mind sharing a kitchen with others, you can save money by opting for shared accommodation. Keep this in mind when making your decision.

Visit our Accommodation page to explore our available student accommodation options and their associated costs.

If you’re a student who doesn’t like to cook or simply don’t want to cook every day, we recommend downloading the Uni Food Hub app on your smartphone. This app can be used to pay for meals across campus. Family and friends can also top up your Uni Food Hub account and pre-pay for your meals. Just ensure they have your login details before you leave for university.

We are also giving our students who book their accommodation for September 2025 a £100 catering credit to spend on campus*. This is perfect for grabbing coffee with your new course mates or going for a meal with flatmates.

If you want to join the movement against food waste, download the Too Good To Go app. This app allows you to rescue delicious food at a discounted price, so you can eat well with a clear conscience at all campus catering outlets.

Alternatively, there are plenty of supermarkets near campus where you can buy groceries to prepare your favourite meals.

We also believe no student should go hungry. That’s why Northumbria students in Newcastle can access our food bank service for short-term support. Visit our Northumbria Students’ Union Cost of Living page for more information.

*Terms and Conditions apply

Aside from typical living expenses, international students should consider the following additional costs when studying in the UK:

UK Student Visa
A one-time fee that allows you to live and study in the UK for the duration of your course. For more information on the UK Student Visa and its costs, visit: UK Student Visa

UKVI Financial Requirement
You’ll need to prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself—unless you have already lived in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months before your application. The required amount varies depending on your study location in the UK. For details, visit: UKVI Financial Requirement

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The exact amount you need to pay depends on the length of your UK Student Visa. To calculate your expected fee, visit: Immigration Health Surcharge

Graduate Route Visa
There are several visa options for international students who wish to stay in the UK and work after graduation. A popular choice is the Graduate Visa, which allows graduates to stay in the UK for two years after successfully completing their course. You must apply for this visa while living in the UK. For more information on costs and requirements, visit: Graduate Visa