UniHomes guide to

Northampton

Uni Life in Northampton

Northampton student life is built around the Waterside Campus, less than a 15-minute walk from the buzzing town centre. You’ll be able to enjoy more bang for your buck with the budget-friendly living and local nightlife here, as well as wholesome weekends in the green spaces and Cultural Quarter.

University of Northampton students typically flock to Abington, the city centre, and Kingsthorpe when choosing student accommodation.

Key reasons to study in Northampton

  • 1
    Art and culture

    Northampton is full of art and culture activities, from catching a film at the luxury Northampton Filmhouse to learning about history for free at the Museum and Art Gallery. Catch a comedy show or play at Royal and Derngate for something different.

  • 2
    Local nightlife

    Student life in Northampton comes with a diverse nightlife scene, with plenty of pubs and bars. On campus, the Waterside Bar is popular for its themed nights and student discounts. Off campus, NB’s offers vibrant DJ sets and delicious cocktails.

  • 3
    Green spaces

    Northampton has plenty of green spaces, boasting countless parks and nature reserves. Abington Park is one of the most popular, featuring a museum, café, and tennis courts. Delapré Park is also a must-visit (don’t miss the lake and abbey!), while Beckets Park and Duston Mill Meadow are alternative options.

  • 4
    Affordable living costs

    Student accommodation in Northampton is typically less expensive than that in larger cities like Manchester, making it ideal for student budgets. Plus, everything within town is generally walkable, so you can save on transport costs whilst saving more to splash out on social activities.

  • 5
    Shops galore

    If you’re a shopaholic, you’ll soon feel at home here, with Northampton's abundance of charity shops and high street chains. Grosvenor Shopping Centre features popular brands and an indoor setting ideal for rainy days, while Market Square hosts independent traders and quirky gift stalls.

  • 6
    Efficient transport links

    Northampton is a well-connected hub, featuring a train station with direct routes to London, Birmingham, and more, and sitting right next to the M1. Birmingham and Luton Airports aren’t too far away either for those travelling abroad to get home or go on holiday.

Northampton has plenty of green spaces, boasting countless parks and nature reserves. Abington Park is one of the most popular, featuring a museum, café, and tennis courts.

UniHomes City Guide

Universities in Northampton

University of Northampton

Picture of University of Northampton

With history dating back to 1924, the University of Northampton is now known for its modern and sustainable campus, which attracts over 12,000 students to its streets each year.

University of Buckingham

Picture of University of Buckingham

The University of Buckingham is the UK’s first private institution with a Royal Charter and is renowned for its small class sizes and high student satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Northampton student life is known for being affordable and relaxed with a tight-knit community feel. While it isn’t as large as major hubs like Manchester and London, there’s still plenty to get involved with here, with clubs and societies galore.
Abington is the most searched-for area in Northampton in our 2026-27 letting season, closely followed by the city centre. Both areas offer great access to campus and everyday amenities.
While the nightlife here tends to be quieter than that in big cities, there are still plenty of ways to have fun in Northampton, with options lining Bridge Street. Roadmender and The Charles Bradlaugh are good shouts for live music.
The University of Northampton Learning Hub on the Waterside Campus contains plenty of collaborative and silent study spaces. However, the Central Library and Welly Cafe are also worth hitting the books in.

What students are saying about us