First-time renter? Moving into your first apartment as a student in Newcastle is an exciting milestone, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From managing your finances to balancing academic and social responsibilities, the first year can be a whirlwind of new experiences. Adjusting to life in a new environment, especially if you’re sharing a space with roommates, requires preparation and a proactive approach. This guide aims to equip you with practical tips for surviving—and thriving—during your first year in a Newcastle apartment, ensuring you make the most of this time in your life.

Contents

Budgeting for Your First Year

One of the first and most important steps in preparing for your first year in a Newcastle apartment is setting up a realistic budget. Moving out on your own means taking responsibility for various expenses that can quickly add up if not carefully managed. By planning ahead, you can avoid financial stress and ensure that your money lasts throughout the academic year. It’s all about finding an affordable apartment that suits you!

Creating a Budget

When creating your budget, start with the essentials:

👉Estimate rent and utilities: Your rent will likely be your largest expense, so it's crucial to factor in any additional costs for utilities like electricity, water, and internet.

👉Include groceries and dining out: Plan for a weekly food budget that covers both groceries and the occasional meal out.

👉Account for transportation costs: Whether it’s public transport or maintaining a bike, consider the costs of getting around.

👉Allocate funds for social activities and emergencies: Set aside some money for leisure and unexpected expenses.

Tips for Saving Money

Use student discounts where available: Newcastle offers a variety of student discounts at local shops, restaurants, and services—take advantage of these savings whenever possible. Check out Unidays or Student Beans.
Cook meals at home instead of eating out: Preparing your own meals is significantly cheaper and often healthier than eating out regularly.
Share expenses with roommates for communal items: Split the cost of household essentials like cleaning supplies (e.g. washing-up liquid, cloths, sanitiser) with your roommates.
Opt for second-hand furniture and appliances: Consider buying pre-owned items for your apartment to save money on furnishing and equipping your space.

Getting Advice from Letting Agents

Before signing a lease or making any commitments, it's wise to seek advice from a reputable letting agent. Newcastle letting agents like M Apartments can provide invaluable guidance in finding a place that fits your budget and meets your needs. They help you navigate the rental market, ensuring you're aware of all costs upfront, and can protect you from common pitfalls, such as hidden fees, rental scams, or unfavourable lease terms. Additionally, they can offer insights on local neighbourhoods, helping you choose a location that suits your lifestyle and commute. The role of a letting agent is not only to ease the process of finding your dream apartment but to also offer peace of mind, knowing you’re making informed decisions at this key stage of your life.

Using a Budgeting App

Budgeting apps like Wally or Splitwise can be invaluable tools for managing your finances. These apps allow you to track your spending, set financial goals, and receive alerts when you're approaching your budget limits. They can also help you visualise your spending patterns, making it easier to adjust your budget as needed.

Dealing with Roommates and Neighbours

Living with roommates and neighbours requires a balance of communication, respect, and understanding. Building and maintaining good relationships in your new living environment can make your overall experience more enjoyable.

Setting Ground Rules

To avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, it's essential to set clear ground rules with your roommates:

👉Agree on cleaning schedules: A clean living space is key for harmony, so decide who will clean what and when. This can reduce any conflict from arising.

👉Discuss guest policies: Set expectations for having friends over, including how often and for how long. Make sure to respect these rules and if you intend to have friends staying over, inform your roommates.

👉Set quiet hours: Respect each other's need for quiet, especially during study times or late at night.

👉Address privacy boundaries: Establish what spaces and items are off-limits to ensure everyone feels comfortable.

Conflict Resolution

Even with the best intentions, conflicts can arise. Here's how to handle them effectively:

✔️Open communication channels early: Encourage honest and respectful communication from the start.

✔️Address issues calmly and directly: When a problem arises, discuss it as soon as possible to prevent it from escalating.

✔️Involve a neutral party if necessary: If you can't resolve the issue among yourselves, consider seeking help from a mutual friend or a resident advisor.

✔️Compromise and find mutual agreements: Be willing to adjust your expectations and meet your roommates halfway.

Respecting Neighbours

Being considerate of your neighbours is equally important. Keep noise levels down, especially during late hours, and be mindful of shared spaces like hallways or parking areas. Small gestures, like introducing yourself when you move in, can go a long way in forming good neighbourly relations.

Balancing Academic and Social Life

Finding the right balance between academic responsibilities and social activities is one of the biggest challenges students face. It’s important to manage your time effectively to ensure both areas of your life are fulfilled. It’s all about making your apartment feel like home.

Time Management Tips

Use a planner to schedule study sessions and social activities: A well-organised schedule helps you stay on top of your work and exams while still enjoying your social life.
Prioritise tasks based on deadlines and importance: Focus on high-priority assignments first, then move on to less urgent tasks.
Set specific study goals and reward yourself: Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks and reward yourself when you meet your goals.
Create a productive workspace: Designate a quiet, clutter-free area in your apartment where you can focus on your studies without distractions. A dedicated workspace helps reinforce good study habits and boosts productivity. Maximise your apartment space to ensure your study area is comfortable and efficient—consider using multifunctional furniture, organising your supplies neatly, and keeping the space well-lit to create an environment that encourages concentration and learning.

The Importance of Rest

Adequate rest is key for maintaining both academic performance and overall well-being. Lack of sleep can lead to poor concentration, decreased productivity, and increased stress levels, making it harder to keep up with your studies and social commitments.

Getting Involved in Campus Life

Joining clubs or societies is a great way to enhance your social experience without overwhelming your schedule. It’s a chance to meet new people, develop new skills, and take a break from the academic grind. Be sure to explore the wide range of student societies at Newcastle University and the diverse clubs at Northumbria University to find the perfect fit for you.

Surviving your first year in a Newcastle apartment comes down to effective budgeting, forming positive relationships with roommates and neighbours, and striking a healthy balance between academics and social life. With the right preparation and mindset, you can make this year not just a success, but one of the most memorable and enjoyable times of your life. If you're looking for the perfect student accommodation in Newcastle, find a local letting agent to assist you—like M Apartments, known for helping students and young professionals find their perfect homes in the heart of the city.

Get in touch with us today!

Book a viewing.