Student Living Costs

We offer accommodation to suit every type of student budget with your rent usually including energy and water bills, making budgeting easier. Accommodation costs can vary check out our Accommodation pages for specific information about each of our residences.

At the end of your first year, you’ll normally move into privately rented accommodation. You’ll need to pay a deposit for this, so start budgeting now to meet that cost. Newcastle University’s Student Union’s Student Advice Centre has information and advice about renting privately.

Family accommodation: We offer family accommodation at a heavily discounted price compared to the private rental market. Costs don’t include utility bills. To help you, we’ve compiled a useful guide for students with families.

Food expenses will make up a large portion of your monthly budget so plan your meals in advance to avoid overspending.

Shop at local markets such as Newcastle’s popular Grainger Market for fresh produce – it’s cheaper and better for you. If you can’t cook invest in a student cookbook or find easy-to-follow recipes online.

For a cost-effective option, we also offer a catering package covering your breakfast and lunch on campus seven days a week.

Costs will depend on the subject you are studying and can include:

• books
• stationery
• photocopying
• field trips
• specialist materials or equipment

Course costs are estimated at around £11 - £59 per month.

Newcastle is a big city in a small space making it easy to get around. Student discounts are available on public transport, including our light rail Metro system and local buses.

Travel is cheaper if you plan ahead, so book your tickets in advance if, for example, you’re going home at the end of term.

Socialising is an important part of university life and something you’ll need to budget for. Costs will vary depending on your interests.

You can enjoy a range of budget-friendly activities and events through the Students' Union including free and discounted taster sessions organised by our Give It A Go programme. We also offer competitively priced membership packages for our Sport and Fitness Centre, giving you access to our state-of-the-art facilities.

Eligible undergraduate students can apply to our Activities Access Fund for financial support to cover some of the costs of getting involved.

Rent for University-owned accommodation or managed partnership accommodation includes contents insurance. You won't need a separate policy, but it’s worth making sure it provides adequate cover. 

If you need to take out contents insurance, shop around for the best deal and the cover that’s right for you.

If you live in any other accommodation, you’ll need to arrange your insurance separately. Shop around to find the best deal and the right cover to suit you.

For more information check out our Financial Advice.

In the UK, it’s a legal requirement for any property with a television to have a TV licence. You’ll also need one if you’re watching live television through an app such as BBC iPlayer.

Find out more about TV Licensing, check if you need a licence and – if you do – how to buy one.