The Norwich Student Guide: North & West Earlham

About the author: Hiya, I’m Tabitha Woolcott! I’m originally from Brighton but currently live in Norwich, where I’m studying American Literature with Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. I’m a big old book nerd, a radio DJ at UEA’s student station, and fashion fanatic who can’t resist a charity shop.

Shopping for a student house in Norwich? If affordability, practicality, and a great sense of community check your house-hunting boxes, North and West Earlham may well be the neighbourhood for you. According to UniHomes, Earlham is currently Norwich’s most popular area for student living – with all its merits, it’s easy to see why this city suburb is the premier choice for so many students. It could definitely be the right fit for you!

The lowdown

Located west of the city centre, North and West Earlham is conveniently close to the University of East Anglia. You can reach the university in under 30 minutes on foot, and it’s even quicker by bike. If you’re a UEA student, don’t underestimate the advantage of saving on a bus fare! It’ll also keep you close to campus social life and all the fantastic amenities on offer there.

Price-wise, there’s without a doubt something for everyone. Rents start at a minimum of just £83 per person per week and reach up to £291 on the UniHomes website, with average rates clocking in at £142 per person per week. Student housing in Earlham consists of converted homes and is therefore ideal for groups of four or five, though both larger and smaller groups can also find options to suit their needs.

The shops

North and West Earlham has the major advantage of being close to the Aldi on Larkman Lane, one of the most affordable options for a big shop. There aren’t many large supermarkets in the centre of Norwich, aside from the city centre M&S and the Sainsbury’s on Queens Road – so having one within a convenient walking distance from your house can be an unexpected blessing.

For a small shop (your daily bits!), there are multiple local supermarkets and corner shops dotted across the area. Closest to UEA are the Co-op and Tesco at Fiveways, the latter of which is open 24 hours (always a perk, especially if you’re stumbling home after a late one at UEA’s library, or a night at the LCR!). There’s also Norwich Food Centre on Ivy Road, with offerings including local and international produce. Don’t miss their Turkish desserts, either: you can score delicious baklava, cheesecakes, and pastries until 11PM, perfect for those late-night cravings.

Don’t feel like cooking? You’ll be a short walk away from several great takeaway spots, too. At Earlham West centre, Golden Kitchen offers an excellent kebab until 12AM, while Earlham Pizza House has you covered for pizza (and some particularly impressive loaded chips). A little further north at the shops on Dereham Road, you’ll find a number of options, including Trawlers Fish and Chips, one of the best rated chippies in the city.

Activities

One feature that sets North and West Earlham apart from other neighbourhoods is its wealth of green spaces. Student life can be stressful, and spending time outside is an essential part of self care. With Henderson Community Park on your doorstep and the vast, beautiful marshlands of Earlham Park just a short walk away, you can soak up Norfolk’s distinctive regional wildlife whenever you need to unplug for a moment. When you’re craving something more urban, the 21 and 24 bus routes will take you directly to the City Centre in under 20 minutes. The walk is roughly 40 minutes and, helpfully, it’s very flat!

As mentioned, being walking distance from UEA’s campus is one of North and West Earlham’s biggest benefits – you can take advantage of this proximity even if you’re not a UEA student! You’ll have easy access to Sportspark, the University’s state-of-the-art community sporting complex, complete with climbing walls, tons of activity clubs, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Music gigs and club nights at the LCR are a breeze to come and go from, with no awkward fumbling for a taxi at peak times!

Find student accommodation in Norwich's North and West Earlham

Its campus proximity means Earlham is a very student-saturated area. It’s a neighbourhood that makes it easy to meet new people, expand your friend group, and maintain an active social life. If North and West Earlham sounds like it might be the right place for you, be sure to check out UniHomes’ Norwich listings and use the handy filter tool to browse houses in the area. Your next student home awaits!

Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details.

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.