What is student accommodation like?

Wondering how student accommodation works, what it’s like and what’s available?

If you’re thinking about going to university, here’s what you need to know about student accommodation at Newcastle University.

Explore where you could live, the types of rooms available, shared spaces, and how you’ll feel safe, supported and settled into student life

Contents:

1. What accommodation is available?
2. Where will you live as a student?
3. Our Accommodation Guarantee
4. What are the different room types?
5. What are facilities like?
6. What support is available?
7. Is student accommodation safe?

What accommodation is available?

At Newcastle, we have:

• University-owned accommodation – owned and managed by Newcastle University and staffed by our dedicated teams to make sure your experience is spot on
• managed partnership accommodation – owned by private companies, but run in partnership with us

All residences offer modern, high-quality accommodation across two student villages – Park View and Kensington/Park – creating strong, supportive communities.

Wherever you live, you’ll have a great experience with us, that’s why we’re ranked 3^rd in the UK for our student accommodation (Uni Compare 2026).

‘Everyone I know ended up happy where they landed. Newcastle University's accommodation is good quality across the board. So, if you’re stressing about applying, don’t!’

Issy

Private accommodation – owned and managed by private landlords – is available in the city but doesn’t feature in this blog.

Where will you live as a student?

Newcastle University is based in the heart of our city, with all our residences either on campus or just minutes away on foot or by quick and affordable public transport. That means, you’ll always be close to lectures, shops, cafés, and leisure facilities.

‘My accommodation was in an amazing location, so close to all my classes and near enough to the city centre for it to be convenient but not too busy.’

Stephanie

Our Accommodation Guarantee

Starting university comes with a lot to think about, so we offer an Accommodation Guarantee.

If you’re a new undergraduate or postgraduate student and meet our criteria, you’re guaranteed a room with us.

To qualify, you must be a new, single student applying for a full year’s accommodation

• if you’re an undergraduate, you must first make us your ‘firm’ choice university; after Results Day, you'll need to be holding an unconditional firm offer from us 
• if you’re a postgraduate you must hold an unconditional firm offer from us 

Deadlines apply, so find out what you need to do and when, plus other eligibility criteria here.

What are the different room types?

We have over 5,000 rooms – and nearly 90% of them have private en suite facilities!

Grouped into self-catering flats, you’ll have your own bedroom but share a kitchen and living area with other students.

All bedrooms include a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe and shelving. You can then choose rooms with:

• shared bathroom facilities
• private washbasin, but shared showers and toilets
• a private bathroom with a shower, washbasin, and toilet
• premium en suite facilities – some also include a bath

We also have a limited number of one-bedroom studios with private lounge, kitchen and bathroom, as well as self-contained two- and three-bedroom family accommodation.

Explore our accommodation here. 

'I settled in very quickly. Having an ensuite bathroom and a decent-sized room gave me space for myself to live independently.'

Katie

What are facilities like?

Open-plan lounges, well-equipped kitchens and dining areas make our shared flats stylish and social.

After that, the facilities you’ll enjoy will depend on your residence. They can include communal games and cinema rooms, bike stores, study areas and on-site laundrettes.

What won’t vary is the high spec of your accommodation. Our residences are regularly refurbished – that means you’ll live in modern, well-equipped accommodation that’s been designed for student life.

Adapted facilities, including wheelchair accessible rooms, Braille kitchen equipment, adjustable beds and desks, are available, too. Find out about our inclusive accommodation here.

‘My accommodation was a super social place to live, with great facilities and a brilliant kitchen and living area that made it easy for me and my flatmates to spend time together.’

Sophie

What support is available?

In University-owned accommodation, there’s always someone around to help. Our friendly Customer Services teams man the reception desks, while our Residence teams keep everything running the way it should.

Our ResLife programme will also help you settle in.

Each student village has a dedicated ResLife team that organises:

• social events – quizzes, games and movie nights – so it’s easy to meet people and feel part of a community
• ResHacks skills sessions, ranging from budgeting and cooking to getting on with your housemates
• one-to-one drop-ins to offer extra support

‘Living in university accommodation has been a really positive experience for me. The location was convenient for getting to campus and into the city, and the accommodation felt safe and well-managed.’

Yuying

Is student accommodation safe?

Yes! Our residences have entry-phone systems, CCTV and help points. Support is available on-site during office hours at most of our residences, with a 24/7 Security Team available outside those times.

Our free SafeZone app also lets you request help anytime.

Find out how we’ll keep you safe.

Find out more

• Understand how to apply for student accommodation
• Find your home from home
• Explore why you need to join ResLife