Rising rents and cost of living spikes are driving many university students out of Jesmond, as day-to-day prices have put a “burden” on student residents.

Accommodation prices have soared nationally over the past five years with student prices rising by 52% according to the NatWest Student Index. Newcastle has seen an increase in average rent price of 45%, with many shared accommodations/studios now ranging from £150-£200 per week.

With inflation, energy bills, food and other basic living costs all rising, students’ financial margins are under serious strain. Many students are opting to sacrifice the bustling Jesmond student night life, for a cheaper living alternative, in order to soothe these financial pressures.

Finn Rowling, a Newcastle University student currently in his third year of studies, told JesmondLocal why he made the move from Jesmond to Heaton. 

“I was initially attracted to the student community Jesmond has and probably was a bit naive,” he said. “Prices were a huge burden on me and my flatmates.” He added that “Heaton is much more affordable. My rent now is £30 cheaper per week than Jesmond.”

Niamh McGarvey, a 21-year-old student also at Newcastle University, also said she “couldn’t keep up with the expensive rent prices” in Jesmond and so has since chosen the farther, yet cheaper, Heaton as an alternative.

McGarvey admitted she was disappointed to make the move given the nightlife Jesmond offers, however, after a few months in Heaton, she seems pleased with her choice.

“The bus and Metro commute to uni is perfect and I actually get there quicker now than in second year [when she lived in Jesmond.] Our house is less expensive but is way bigger and more modern than last year.”

Given these price pressure, it is unsurprising some students are considering other areas such as Sandyford or Heaton and instead looking at less expensive areas.

Shared houses further from student nightlife, are lower in price, but are seemingly becoming more attractive.

For example, according to one source, rent rates in Jesmond can vary from £150-£200 per week, yet, areas such as Heaton range from £130-£180.

JesmondLocal spoke to representatives from Cloud Estates and Taylored Lets, two popular student letting agencies. The representatives, who both wished to remain anonymous, said that Jesmond remains a popular area.

The Cloud Estates representative said that Jesmond is “definitely an in-demand area, with some willing to overlook quality to remain a part of the student community.”

Both Cloud Estates and Taylored Lets did admit that enquiries about Heaton have increased in demand over recent years.