The Newcastle Student Guide: Jesmond

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.

About the author: Hello! I’m Lara, a student at Newcastle University who’s currently studying Journalism, Media and Culture. Running and painting are two of the things that keep me sane during uni. Going out with my friends has to be my favourite activity though 😊

Jesmond is by a distance Newcastle's most popular area for student accommodation, so the chances are you'll be coming across it a lot during your house hunting. But what's it really like to live there? Here's our ultimate guide to everything you need to know about student life in Jesmond.

Nightlife

Known as the ‘party city’ of the UK, Newcastle has a reputation for its diverse and vibrant nightlife. Although the clubbing scene in town is popular, Jesmond is home to a variety of venues to suit the needs of everyone—from dancing bars, like The Holy Hobo, to a string of cocktail bars and friendly pubs.

Full of hidden gems, Osbourne Road offers a range of dynamic and contemporary bars which generate a buzz amongst local residents. Student drink deals and sociable outside seating lure in customers, proving that Newcastle’s lively nightlife extends beyond the City Centre.

Accessibility is a key attraction here. Osbourne Road is just a three-minute walk from most local houses, providing you with an easy excuse to pop to the pub at any given time of day. Who would say no to a crisp pint, especially when they're £2 on Tuesdays?

Shops

West Jesmond high street boasts a variety of shops, catering to the preferences of both students and long-term residents alike. Amenities, such as convenience shops, hardware stores, brunch spots and even hairdressers, all exist in Jesmond—making for a pleasant day out without having to venture further than a mile!

More in need of a food shop than a haircut? Visit one of the express supermarkets, such as Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury's, which are all dispersed throughout the area. They sell everything from toilet roll and shampoo, to fresh fruits and vegetables. Open 'til late, these shops are ideal for those craving a sweet treat or needing to grab a last-minute ingredient for dinner.

Niche clothing shops, selling chunky knitwear and delicate trinkets, line the high street. Stores like Oliver Bonas, with their vast windows showcasing modern must-haves, catch the eyes of every passer-by. Their items are ideal gifts for others, or can be bought to quickly spruce up a bare uni room. 

Food and drink

The Jesmond food and drink spots deserve their own section within this article. An overwhelming number of cosy cafés are available to visit in the area, crowning Jesmond the most popular place to go for a coffee date—check out my blog post on the best student-friendly cafés in Newcastle for specific recommendations in Jesmond.

Brunch spots, perfect for a wholesome catch up or a post-night out debrief, are distributed all around the area, from the edges of West Jesmond all the way to East Jesmond. Wherever you choose to live, it is guaranteed that a hearty fry up or a cheeky eggs benny is within close proximity.

An array of cuisines can be found in one of the many restaurants. You can have it all: a pad Thai at Sohe, bao buns at The Little Dumpling House, spaghetti carbonara at Pizzeria Francesca, chicken korma at Dabbawal, a burger from Fat Hippo, or a classic roast dinner at 97 & Social. Treat yourself at any day of the week.

However, it would not be a perfect North-East community without a Greggs—which is ideally located in the heart of Jesmond. Convenient for if you're running late for your lecture and are in need of some journey juice.

Housing

Although Jesmond’s neighbourhood is largely families (due to the schools located within the area) it is the most popular area for student accommodation in Newcastle, with over 5x as much demand for student housing here than the next most-popular area so far in the '25-26 letting season.

Houses tend to get snatched up very quickly around late October to November, so I would recommend that you start searching for a house very early on in the academic year. 3-bedroom and 6-bedroom student properties are the most sought-after in Jesmond, but there are plenty more options available if you start browsing early!

Keep in mind, the average cost of student accommodation in Jesmond when you rent via UniHomes is £165 PPPW (including bills).

Don’t worry too much if you haven't found anyone you would be comfortable living with. Plenty of housing options become available in waves throughout the year, allowing you to take your time choosing your future housemates. Picking the people you're going to live with is arguably one of the most important decisions you will make at university, as they can often make or break your uni experience—so choose wisely!

Location and Transport

Walking: from the centre of Jesmond, it is a 25-minute walk to both the Newcastle University campus or to Northumbria University campus.

Transport: the Metro runs frequently to and from West Jesmond Metro Station and Jesmond Metro station. Buses also pass through Jesmond on a regular basis.

Whilst you’re out having fun in your new uni city, remember that UniHomes promotes responsible drinking, and any alcohol products featured within this article are for ages 18+.

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If you're considering searching for your next student house in Jesmond, compare the best student properties in the area here—all with bills already included.