STUDENT LIVING COSTS

The type of accommodation you choose has a big impact on your weekly costs. A studio gives you your own bathroom and kitchen, but comes at a higher price. Choosing shared accommodation - where you have your own bedroom but share a kitchen (and sometimes a bathroom) with others - is usually the more affordable option, and a great way to meet new people too.

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

If you'd rather not cook every day, we recommend downloading the Uni Food Hub app, which you can use to pay for meals across campus. Family and friends can top up your account too, so you always have funds ready for food on campus.

We are also giving our students who book their accommodation for September 2026 a £100 catering credit to spend on campus* - perfect for grabbing coffee with your course mates or going for a meal with flatmates.

Want to help cut food waste while saving money? Download the Too Good To Go app to rescue surplus food at a discount from campus catering outlets.

Prefer to cook for yourself? There are plenty of supermarkets near campus for picking up groceries and preparing your own 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

As an international student, you'll have some additional costs to plan for alongside your everyday living expenses. Here's a quick guide of what to expect:

UK Student Visa

 A one-time fee that allows you to live and study in the UK for the length of your course. Visit gov.uk: UK Student Visa for current costs and how to apply.

UKVI Financial Requirement

You'll usually need to show you have enough funds to support yourself, unless you've already lived in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months before you apply. The amount required depends on where in the UK you'll be studying. Visit gov.uk: UKVI Money and Financial Requirements for details.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

This gives you access to the NHS while you study, and the amount you pay depends on the length of your visa. Visit gov.uk: Immigration Health Surcharge to calculate your fee.

Graduate Route Visa

If you'd like to stay in the UK to work after you graduate, the Graduate Visa is a popular option, allowing you to remain in the UK for a period of time after successfully completing your course. You'll need to apply for this from within the UK. Visit gov.uk: Graduate Visa for current costs and eligibility.