Living in Newcastle as a student
Newcastle upon Tyne is one of the UK’s best-loved student cities. It offers affordable living, a large student community and a global ranking – making it a top destination for international study.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England.
City ranking: World top 50, UK top 5 student city (QS Best Student Cities 2026).
Average monthly student rent: £492.27 – the second most affordable in the UK (NatWest Student Living Index 2025).
Average monthly spend on entertainment, going out, travel, food and items: £49.22, compared to the national average of £83.30 per student (NatWest Student Living Index 2025).
Why students choose Newcastle
Cost of living in Newcastle
Newcastle is one of the UK’s most affordable cities, with rent prices up to 146% lower than London* and daily living costs that suit a student budget.
Budget-friendly activities: free entry to museums and galleries, local markets and trips to the coast and nearby countryside.
Affordable travel: student Metro season tickets, £1 bus rides for under 21s and a walkable city centre.
Savings and services: student cinema tickets, thousands of discounts via UniDAYS and TOTUM, free health products on campus, free financial advice and a hardship fund for international students.
Cheap eats: affordable global cuisine in the Grainger Market, 10% off food on campus with the UPAY app, £1 hot meals, a free student pantry and discounts across the city.
Newcastle | London | |
Coffee (cappuccino) | £3.75 | £3.90 |
Cinema ticket | £9 | £15 |
Meal out (inexpensive) | £15 | £20 |
Gym membership (monthly) | £41 | £57 |
Travel (student monthly pass) | £35.70 (Metro) | From £89.90 (Tube) |
(Sources include Numbeo.com 2025)
What our students say
Gonzalo
| Peru"Every time I go for a walk in Newcastle, it feels like a city full of different people, culture and diversity."
Pathway: International Foundation
Degree: BA (Hons) Marketing and Management
Newcastle: a city made for students
Newcastle is a smart, future-focused city. The perfect place to launch your graduate career.
With thriving sectors in technology, engineering, science and the creative industries, this city is full of exciting opportunities. Newcastle is home to a mix of global companies and fast-growing start-ups, offering a wide range of career paths.
Major employers in the city include Amazon, Accenture, EY, Sage, Deloitte, PwC, Procter & Gamble, BT, Ubisoft, IBM and KPMG. There's also a range of innovative businesses in digital media, fintech, and life sciences.
Whatever you enjoy, there’s something different to do every day of the week in Newcastle.
Music – Watch world-famous acts at the Utilita Arena, Sage Gateshead and O2 Academy. Or check out up-and-coming musicians at The Cluny and Tyne Bar.
Galleries – Visit art exhibitions at The Baltic, The Laing and the Biscuit Factory.
Museums – Learn about natural history at the Hancock, Newcastle’s industrial history at the Discovery and science at the Centre for Life.
Festivals – Experience Chinese New Year, Northern Pride and a variety of food and music festivals.
Theatre – Catch a national touring show or a classic Shakespeare play at the Theatre Royal. Or head to an independent production at the People’s Theatre, Live Theatre or Northern Stage.
For more information on everything Newcastle has to offer, check the Newcastle Gateshead Tourism website.
Newcastle is a compact city, so it’s easy to get around. Walking or cycling is a great way to see your new home in all its glory.
It’s also very well connected, with a Metro network (similar to the London Underground) that runs across the city, from the airport to the coast.
Newcastle Central Station offers rail links to London, Edinburgh and other major UK cities. For travel further afield, Newcastle International Airport provides connections across the world.
Newcastle is a city full of flavour, with authentic food from around the world waiting to be discovered.
Explore international cuisine in Chinatown. Grab delicious street food at the historic Grainger Market. Or enjoy classic European and traditional British dishes across the city.
And while you’re here, don’t miss the chance to try some local favourites from the North East! Make sure to sample a stottie (a soft, round flatbread) or pease pudding (a savoury spread made from split peas, often served with ham and butter in a stottie sandwich).
Sport is a big part of life in Newcastle – it’s woven into the city’s culture and community spirit.
The city is home to several top-level professional teams, including Newcastle United (football), Newcastle Falcons (rugby), and the Newcastle Eagles (basketball).
Newcastle also hosts the Great North Run, the world’s largest half marathon, attracting runners from around the globe every year.
Students at Newcastle University also have access to excellent on-campus facilities. Plus, there's a wide range of clubs and societies covering everything from football to fencing.
Exploring Newcastle and beyond
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Newcastle is considered one of the most welcoming and affordable cities in the UK for international students, with a strong community, compact layout and vibrant social scene. Students benefit from a mix of city life, green spaces and easy access to the coast and countryside.
An average student in Newcastle spends £492.27 on rent and £49.22 on a combination of entertainment, going out, travel, food and items each month (NatWest Student Living Index 2025).
Yes. Newcastle is more affordable than other major UK cities such as London and Manchester, with lower rent, transport costs and everyday expenses on average (Numbeo 2026; NatWest Student Living Index 2025).
Yes. Newcastle is a compact and walkable city with low-cost public transport, including buses and the Tyne and Wear Metro system. Most students in Newcastle do not need a car.
Newcastle has a typical UK climate, with mild summers, cool winters and regular rainfall. Students should be prepared for changing weather throughout the year.