Navigating the world of shared housing as a student can be daunting, especially in a city as vibrant and bustling as Newcastle. From Jesmond's charming streets to the City Centre's lively atmosphere, Newcastle offers a diverse range of shared accommodation options that cater to every student's unique needs and preferences. But how do you sift through these options to find the perfect home away from home? In this guide, we'll be sharing insider tips and expert advice on everything you need to know about shared housing in Newcastle. We'll delve into the popular student areas, the process of choosing the right shared housing, understanding the legal aspects, and even the average costs you can expect. So, whether you're a first-year student or a seasoned scholar, this guide is your comprehensive resource for shared housing in Newcastle.

Why Choose Newcastle for Studying and Living

Vibrant Student Life in Newcastle

Newcastle is a city that's teeming with life, especially for students. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a plethora of bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to all tastes. But the city's appeal extends beyond its nightlife. Newcastle is also home to a rich cultural landscape, with numerous art galleries, museums, and theatres offering diverse experiences. From attending live music performances at the O2 Academy to exploring contemporary art at the BALTIC Centre, Newcastle always has something to do. The city's cultural activities and lively nightlife make for an exciting and enriching student life.

Affordable Housing in Newcastle

One of the key factors that make Newcastle an attractive city for students is its housing affordability. Whether you're looking for a shared house in Jesmond or a studio apartment in the City Centre, there's a wide range of student accommodations to fit different budgets. Many of these accommodations come with all-inclusive bills, making it easier for students to manage their expenses. Moreover, compared to other major UK cities, the cost of living in Newcastle is relatively low, which means your money goes further here.

Work Opportunities in Newcastle

Newcastle is not just a great place to study but also to work. The city offers a variety of part-time job opportunities for students, ranging from roles in retail and hospitality to positions at the university itself. These jobs provide a source of income and valuable work experience that can enhance your CV. Additionally, Newcastle's thriving sectors, such as digital technology and renewable energy, offer exciting internship and placement opportunities, providing a stepping stone for your future career.

Understanding Shared Housing

What is Shared Housing

Shared housing, often referred to as a house or flat share, is a common form of accommodation for students. Shared accommodation is also more recently known as co-living. It typically involves a group of unrelated individuals living together in a house or flat, each with their own bedroom but sharing common areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. This form of accommodation is particularly popular among students due to its affordability and the social opportunities it provides. It's a way for students to enjoy the independence of living away from home while sharing the responsibilities and costs of maintaining a household.

Benefits of Shared Housing

Shared housing offers numerous benefits for students. Firstly, it's a cost-effective option as the rent and bills are split among the residents, making it more affordable than living alone. Secondly, it allows building relationships and making friends, which can greatly enhance the university experience. Living with others also teaches students important life skills such as cooperation, compromise, and conflict resolution. Lastly, shared housing often comes with shared responsibilities, which can lighten the load of household chores and make managing the home easier.

Challenges of Shared Housing

While shared housing has its advantages, it also comes with potential challenges. One common issue is dealing with different lifestyles and habits of housemates, which can sometimes lead to flatmate disputes. For instance, disagreements may arise over cleaning duties, noise levels, or the sharing of communal items. Another challenge is the lack of privacy, as shared spaces and thin walls can mean little room for solitude. It's also worth noting that if one tenant fails to pay their share of the rent or bills in a shared house, the other tenants may be liable. Therefore, it's crucial to establish clear rules and open communication from the outset to ensure a harmonious living environment.

Popular Student Areas in Newcastle

Jesmond

As a student in Newcastle, you'll quickly discover that Jesmond is one of the city's most popular areas for student housing. Jesmond is a hub of student activity, known for its vibrant atmosphere and close proximity to both universities. With a range of student houses and flats available, you'll find accommodation that suits your needs and budget. The area is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, providing plenty of options for socialising and leisure.

Heaton

Another popular area for student housing in Newcastle is Heaton. Known for its affordable housing options, Heaton is a great choice for students on a budget. The area offers a mix of traditional terraced houses and modern flats, many of which are within walking distance of the city's universities. Heaton also boasts a variety of local amenities, including shops, parks, and public transport links, making it a convenient and attractive place to live.

Sandyford

Sandyford is another fantastic location for student housing in Newcastle. The area offers a diverse range of housing options for students, from shared houses to modern flats. Sandyford is also conveniently located, with easy access to both universities and the city centre. With its quiet, residential feel, Sandyford is a great choice for students looking for a balance between city living and a peaceful study environment.

City Centre

For students who want to be in the heart of the action, the City Centre offers a range of student accommodation options. Living in the City Centre puts you within walking distance of both universities, as well as a host of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. While living in the City Centre can be a bit pricier, the convenience and excitement of city living often make it a worthwhile investment.

Choosing the Right Shared Housing

Distance to University

When choosing shared housing in Newcastle, one of the first things I consider is the distance to the university. It's crucial to find a place that's within a reasonable commuting distance of your campus. This not only saves time but also reduces the stress of long commutes. According to Save the Student, the location of your accommodation can significantly impact your university experience. So, when you're looking at potential houses, consider how far they are from your university, how easy it is to get there, and what transport options are available.

Local Amenities

Another important factor to consider when choosing shared housing is the availability of local amenities. You'll want to ensure your potential home is close to essential facilities such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and healthcare services. Having these amenities nearby can make your life as a student much easier and more convenient. According to Accommodation for Students, the proximity to local amenities is a key consideration for students when choosing their accommodation.

Transport Links

Good transport links are another crucial factor to consider when choosing shared housing. According to Student.com, easy access to public transport can significantly impact your student life. It makes it easier to get to and from university and allows you to explore Newcastle and its surrounding areas. So, when you're looking at potential houses, consider how close they are to bus stops, metro stations, and other transport links.

Rent Price

Finally, the rent price is a critical factor to consider when choosing shared housing. As a student, you'll likely be on a tight budget, so it's essential to find a place that's affordable. According to Unipol, it's important to consider not just the rent but also other costs such as utility bills and internet charges. So, when looking at potential houses, ensure you understand all the costs involved and ensure they fit within your student budget for housing.

Legal Aspects of Shared Housing

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant is crucial when it comes to shared housing, especially as a first-time renter. As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe and well-maintained property. This includes having access to functioning utilities, such as heating and hot water, and the right to live undisturbed by your landlord.

On the other hand, your responsibilities include paying your rent on time, taking care of the property, and living in a way that doesn't cause nuisance to your neighbours. If you live in a shared house, you're usually responsible for the shared areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom, as well as your own room.

In a shared housing situation, you might have a joint or individual tenancy. With a joint tenancy, all tenants are equally responsible for the rent and keeping to the agreement's terms. In contrast, with an individual tenancy, each tenant has a separate agreement with the landlord and is only responsible for their own rent.

Role of the Landlord

The role of the landlord in shared housing is to ensure the property is safe, clean, and well-maintained. This includes ensuring the property isn't overcrowded, keeping shared areas clean and in good repair, and ensuring safe gas equipment and electrics.

In the UK, most landlords of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) must be licensed by the council. This means they have to meet certain safety standards. If you live in an HMO, your landlord must also keep shared areas clean, repair faulty gas and electrical appliances, and ensure the property is kept safe.

The landlord is also responsible for protecting your deposit in a government-approved scheme and returning it to you when you move out, provided you've met the terms of your tenancy agreement. They can't take money from your deposit to cover unpaid rent or damage caused by another tenant in shared housing.

Remember, your rights and responsibilities may vary depending on your specific situation and the type of tenancy agreement you have. Always check your tenancy agreement and seek legal advice if you're unsure about anything.

Cost of Shared Housing in Newcastle

Average Cost of Shared Housing

When it comes to shared housing in Newcastle, it's important to understand the costs involved. On average, the cost of a room in shared accommodation in Newcastle is around £514 per month, according to data from SpareRoom's Quarterly Rental Index for Q2 2023. This figure is based on the average monthly room rent in the North East region of the UK, which includes Newcastle.

However, it's worth noting that the cost can vary depending on factors such as the property's location within the city, the size and quality of the room, and the amenities provided. For instance, a room in a modern, centrally-located property with high-end amenities will likely cost more than a room in an older property located further from the city centre.

As a tenant in shared housing, it's also important to consider other costs that may be associated with living in the property. These can include utility bills, council tax, and any service charges or maintenance fees if the property is part of a larger building or complex.

Cost Comparison with Other Cities

When comparing the cost of shared housing in Newcastle with other cities in the UK, it's clear that Newcastle offers a more affordable option. For instance, London's average monthly room rent is a staggering £971, significantly higher than in Newcastle. Even in the South East region, excluding London, the average rent is £693, which is still much higher than in Newcastle.

In fact, the North East region, which includes Newcastle, has one of the lowest average room rents in the UK, second only to the East Midlands region, where the average rent is £542 per month.

This makes Newcastle an attractive option for those looking to save money on housing costs, particularly students and young professionals who are often more likely to live in shared accommodation. However, considering other living costs, such as food, transport, and leisure activities, is always important, as these can also vary between cities.

In conclusion…

Navigating the world of shared housing in Newcastle can be a rewarding journey. From understanding the vibrant student life, the affordability of housing, and the work opportunities in Newcastle, to grasping the concept of shared housing, its benefits, and challenges. Newcastle offers a unique blend of affordability, vibrant student life, and a range of shared housing options that make it an ideal choice for student accommodation. It's a city that truly offers a home away from home.

A trusted lettings agent like award-winning M Apartments can help to guide you through the process with your best interests at heart. Book a viewing or give us a call today.