Private vs University owned accommodation

Hi! I'm looking at student accommodation for Newcastle University starting in September and was wondering if it was worth looking at private accommodation for my first year? Does anyone have any suggestions?

Reply 1

Newcastle University

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Hi Anonymous,

It's great to hear you're coming to study with us :smile:

In terms of accommodation, it can be really useful to browse all options - both university-owned and private- as it all depends on what you're looking for. If you haven't already browsed our accommodation sites, you can do so here. Many of our sites are close to campus, only include Newcastle University students and will involve a contract direct with the university accommodation services.

We also offer a range of managed-partnership sites which means we can offer you an even greater range of excellent en-suite accommodation across the city. The private provider owns the accommodation and will manage your tenancy, but we'll manage your application and allocation for you. At the moment, this includes partnerships with Unite Students, Abodus Student Living and Downing Students. Managed partnership accommodation is a balance between both private and university-owned and may be something you wish to consider if you'd like an en-suite room and a greater range of options yet still have involvement with the university accommodation services.

Thirdly and finally, we have private accommodation which as you know, specialise in the student sector and most of them provide modern, safe accommodation which complies with the most up-to-date safety regulations. Private accommodations can include students beyond Newcastle University but you will still be within range of the university. Many private sites even have cinemas, gyms and study rooms alongside the regular laundry facilities, common rooms and communal flat areas :biggrin:

You can find all of this information here.

Of course, each type of accommodation has it's pros and cons but if you're set on seeking private accommodation, our current students may be able to offer some advice. You can reach them via our Unibuddy platform here. Follow the link to be connected with a range of students from all backgrounds and degree programmes. Here you can ask them about any accommodation they've stayed in/experienced and form your own opinion based on their recommendations. Likewise, if you'd like some formal advice, you may reach our accommodation team via email at [email protected].

Hope this helps! If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Laura

Newcastle University

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Original post by Anonymous

Hi @Anonymous,

How exciting! It is always good to have a look at all available options before making a decision on your accommodation. Private accommodation often offers more facilities and modern fully furnished rooms. Just browse around and think about what you find important for your student experience and take a look at your budget.
We, Nido Student, are a private student accommodation and have three modern student residences in Newcastle where we welcome many first year students every year. All our residences are located in the trendy student quarter of Ouseburn and just a 15-minute walk from Newcastle University We offer studio and ensuite rooms with a shared living and kitchen area, perfect to get to know your neighbours. On top of that, we offer an on-site gym, study spaces and social spaces such as cinema and games rooms offering you an opportunity to mingle with your fellow peers. We also try to host many events to bring all residents together and have some fun. If you have any further question, don't hestitate to ask me, or have a look at our website including 3D tours through the residence https://www.nidostudent.com/locations/newcastle/.

Thanks,
Puck

Reply 3

ProperLad

Hey, I'm a first year at NCL. There's plenty of great private options, from Verde to The Shield or any suggested above, many more are easy to find with a Google search. They are often cheaper than a lot of university accommodations, so definitely worth looking at.

Two points of caution from me:
1. This year, I don't believe private accommodation providers have any obligation to refund accommodation fees for time spent at home due to the lockdown (some may, but some won't and in those cases NCL won't be covering private accommodation tenants for that money). Perhaps this is something to consider, just in case, for next academic year. Perhaps it won't be an issue.

2. These may not be an issue to you but certainly worth mentioning - you may not be with students solely from Newcastle University or in first year. In many cases you will be with first years in private accommodation, but in some it is entirely possible to be with some older. You may also get some students from Northumbria University, but hey, it's a bit more interaction with different people!

Reply 4

Kbell6279

I’m struggling to decide

Reply 5

AliceHew

Hello,

I am looking for a replacement tenant student to take over my booking from September 2021 for a student accommodation at Vita Student Newcastle Westgate - it’s a modern fully furnished studio with amazing facilities, services and events. It’s £178 per week for 51 weeks tenancy with all utilities and bills included. I have stayed with them for over 3 years and can vouch for their excellent facilities.

- Central prime location just opposite the Newcastle Central Station and close to universities, shopping and entertainment venues
- Fully furnished, stylish studio with en-suite bathroom and fitted kitchen, great for privacy!
- Free weekly events and free weekday breakfasts
- Fortnightly free studio cleaning service
- Wifi, all bills and utilities included in rent
- Facilities: On-site laundry, gym, 24/7 reception, study areas, cinema room

Sorry for the lengthy message! Please feel free to contact me if you’re interested, I can send you the link for more pictures and details, we can also negotiate prices potentially looking at a 20% discount. Thank you!