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

Newcastle is a fantastic place for shopping, with options to suit everyone - from students on a budget to those looking for high-end fashion. You’ll never be short of choices.

Newcastle City Centre is just a five-minute walk from our city campus, where you’ll find Northumberland Street and Eldon Square, one of the UK’s largest city-centre shopping malls. Alternatively, you can take a short bus ride to Metrocentre in Gateshead, a large indoor shopping mall. Newcastle also boasts a wide variety of boutiques and markets.

Don’t forget that during Black Friday, Easter, and Christmas, shops offer extra discounts and sales. You can also enjoy year-round student discounts at many stores and restaurants with your TOTUM card.

Whether you love watching the latest movie releases, hanging out with friends, or staying active, we’ve got you covered.

The Students’ Union is at the heart of our City Campus, offering a vibrant social scene. The Union building features three award-winning bars and hosts some of the biggest club nights and gigs in Newcastle.

There are over 100+ clubs and societies to join. With thousands of students at Northumbria, you’re sure to find people who share your interests and are eager to try new activities. If you enjoy sports at any level, Northumbria is the place to be. You can join ‘Team Northumbria’ or take up a new sport.

Our £30 million flagship facility, Sport Central, offers fantastic amenities. Student memberships start from £200 per year, granting access to a fully equipped gym, a 25-metre swimming pool, a sauna and steam room, and over 60 instructor-led exercise classes per week.

Newcastle and Gateshead have excellent transport links. Whether you want to explore our city, countryside or coastline, there are many ways to get around, including the Tyne and Wear Metro, buses, and trains.

If you wish to visit other UK cities during your studies, you can travel by train from Newcastle Central Station. Additionally, Newcastle International Airport offers flights to destinations across the UK, including London, Scotland, and Ireland.

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