North East England sits on the border of Scotland, and features landmarks including Durham Cathedral and the Angel of the North. Dotted with castles and historical sites, the region is home to 2.5 million people and six major universities, offering a range of different locations and experiences. Compared to other regions in England, North East England can be a very affordable place to study. In this guide, we’ll show you what to expect and where you can save.
Tuition fees represent a significant portion of your annual budget, so it makes sense to take the stress out of tuition fees and get a loan from Student Finance. Most UK undergraduate students are eligible for a loan which covers all course fees for the duration of study and is paid directly to your chosen institution at the start of each year.
There’s also a maintenance loan which is designed to help out with living costs such as rent, transport, groceries and other uni expenses. The amount you receive will be based on your household income and can be up to roughly £10,000 per year (this will be rising to up to £10,544 from the 2025/26 academic year). What’s more, these loans do not require paying back until you finish the course and are earning over a certain threshold.
For further funding opportunities, it’s definitely worth checking out your university’s fees and funding page for financial schemes, scholarships and bursaries. Most institutions have a range of options, and you might be surprised at what you’re eligible for. Newcastle University has a large portfolio of scholarships including those for academic excellence, sporting prowess, subject-specific awards and family-based discounts. Similarly, Durham University has more than 15 schemes available to both UK and international undergraduate students.
University-owned halls of residence accommodation are a popular housing option for undergraduate students in unis across the country and this is no different in North East England. Options are varied, but typically include self-catered single rooms organised in shared flats for 3-8 students, arranged in large apartment buildings. Usually, placement is guaranteed for incoming first-year students who apply before a particular deadline, and halls provide a convenient housing package and are usually just a short walk from campus. At the University of Sunderland, prices for a single room start at only £81 per week, very budget-friendly! Rent contracts are available for the precise duration of the academic year, meaning that you won’t be paying for housing that is unused over the summer holiday.
Nonetheless, you may prefer to rent during your first year, and it’s likely that for your second and third years you’ll be flat sharing with new friends. If you prefer to live alone, then the most affordable city in the region is Sunderland which has a remarkably low average cost for a city-centre studio apartment of only £590 per month. In contrast, Durham has the highest average studio rent of around £1,100 per month, which is still much less than in London. Utilities bills in North East England generally sit around £195 - £220 per month for a three-bedroom apartment, apart from Middlesbrough which is a lot cheaper at only £180. Make sure you factor these expenses into your monthly budget, but remember you’ll split utilities between everyone living in the flat.
Of all the cities we looked at in North East England, Middlesbrough has the lowest cost-of-living in terms of grocery shopping. Average prices for commonly bought items are:
Milk (1L): £1.17
Bread loaf: £1.38
Rice (1kg): £1.58
Eggs (12): £2.40
Cheese (1kg): £4.71
Chicken fillets (1kg): £4.46
Apples (1kg): £1.85
Potatoes (1kg): £1.17
Our top tips are to pick up a loyalty card for your local supermarket and keep an eye out for low-cost outlets such as Cost Cutter, Aldi, and Lidl. By buying in bulk, you can save time and money.
Fortunately, a night out in North East England on a student budget is very doable. Costs are generally lower than much of the rest of the UK, and a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Sunderland or Middlesbrough can cost as little as £55 on average. Newcastle and Durham are priced a little higher at £60, but there’s a greater amount of choice and therefore a greater range of prices. Low-cost options are always available and wherever you choose to live, a combo fast food meal at the end of the night will set you back around £7 - £10. Average prices for a pint of beer range between £3.70 - £5 and there are plenty of student-friendly bars offering discounted drinks deals to make sure your night out doesn’t break the bank.
Taxis are cheaper in North East England than places like London, so wherever you’re going you can get home safely and conveniently at an affordable cost.
Public transport in North East England is generally by bus or rail. Average one-way fares are quite variable, from around £2.50 in Newcastle up to £5 in Durham. Although this is quite high, a monthly travel pass in Durham costs only £65, so if you use the bus at least once every day, you’ll save over 50%. To save 1/3 on all train fares, we recommend buying a 16-25 Railcard for £30 a year. It often pays for itself after a few weeks of use, especially if you use it for longer journeys around the UK.
North East England is right on the Scottish border and a train journey to the capital, Edinburgh, takes only 90 minutes and costs about £15.
Once you’ve budgeted for fees, rent, transport and food, you’ll want to make sure you have enough to enjoy yourself and explore the opportunities which going to university creates. Your uni will have a range of clubs and special interest societies which are often fairly low cost to join, but may later incur extra costs such as equipment, events or trips. Make sure to consider this while planning your monthly budget and you’ll always be ready to go. Similarly, keep a small amount of cash set aside for things like printing and photocopying. You never know when you’ll need it most!
If you’re in the mood for an affordable evening’s entertainment, then you’ll be pleased to know that the cost of a cinema ticket is usually inexpensive in North East England, with Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland all averaging less than £8.50 per seat.