Student Accommodation in Northampton
Student accommodation in Northampton is highly sought after thanks to the town’s growing university, affordable living costs and strong community feel. If you’re considering studying here, understanding the local areas and lifestyle can help you decide whether Northampton is the right fit for you.
Here at Student Digs, we create student-focused location guides to help students understand what it’s like to live and study in university towns and cities across the UK. This guide explores accommodation and student life in Northampton, covering popular areas, transport links and what you can expect from day-to-day living.
Northampton Student Life
Northampton student life combines a modern academic environment with an affordable and welcoming atmosphere. Located in the heart of England, Northampton offers students access to a modern riverside campus, beautiful green spaces, independent cafés, restaurants and a growing social scene.
With around 12,000 students choosing to study in Northampton, the town has a strong student presence throughout the year. Many local businesses, entertainment venues and cafés cater specifically to student lifestyles and budgets.
One of the defining features of Northampton student life is value. While the town punches above its weight academically, students also benefit from some of the most affordable living costs of any UK university town, alongside green spaces, sports facilities, cycling routes and a variety of societies and clubs.
Why Choose Northampton As A Student?
Students are drawn to Northampton for several reasons:
- Affordable rents and cost of living compared to larger UK cities
- A modern, purpose-built campus in the heart of the town
- Central location with easy rail access to London and Birmingham
- Strong graduate employability support, including the Northampton Employment Promise
- A wide range of student societies, events and activities
The University of Northampton’s Waterside Campus, opened in 2018 on the banks of the River Nene, offers state-of-the-art facilities right next to the town centre, allowing for a walkable campus lifestyle that saves time and transport costs.
Popular Student Areas in Northampton
Northampton is made up of several distinct neighbourhoods, each offering different benefits for students.
Town Centre & Waterside: Ideal for students who want to be close to the Waterside Campus, shops, cafés and nightlife. The Town Centre and Waterside area offer unbeatable proximity to lectures and urban amenities. Living here keeps travel times to a minimum and puts students right at the heart of everything the town has to offer.
Abington: One of Northampton’s most popular areas for students, known for its vibrant atmosphere and great location. It’s home to Abington Park, one of the town’s largest green spaces, and the neighbourhood is filled with cafés, independent shops and restaurants, especially along Wellingborough Road.
Wellingborough: One of the most popular areas for students, thanks to its fantastic location and variety of housing options. It’s just a short bus ride from the University of Northampton’s campus and is home to many shops, cafés and restaurants, making it a lively and convenient place to live. It’s affordable and close by to pretty much everything students need.
Kingsthorpe: A quieter, residential area located to the north of the town centre, ideal for students who prefer a more peaceful environment while still having easy access to the university. The area offers a mix of housing types, including larger properties that are perfect for group student living, with frequent bus routes to campus and plenty of local amenities like supermarkets, gyms and parks.
Looking for more detail on finding the right place? Read our guide to what to look for in student accommodation before you start your search.
Northampton Public Transport
Northampton is well connected and easy to navigate for students living without a car.
- Regular bus services connecting all key student areas to the campus and town centre
- Northampton Railway Station with direct trains to London Euston and Birmingham
- A walkable town centre and campus area
- Cycling routes across the town
- Easy travelling distance from major centres such as Birmingham, Luton, Milton Keynes and Leicester, and within 90 minutes of central London by train
Both trains and coaches leave to other cities multiple times every hour.
Cost of Living For Students in Northampton
Northampton is one of the more affordable university towns in the UK, making it an attractive option for students conscious of their budget. Compared to London or even nearby Birmingham, Northampton offers significant savings on everyday costs.
Average rent for student housing in Northampton ranges from around £600 to £800 per month, often including bills and Wi-Fi. Students can reduce costs further by choosing shared accommodation in areas like Semilong or Far Cotton.
Budgeting will depend on factors such as rent, travel, social activities and day-to-day spending habits. For a broader overview, see our guide to student cost of living in the UK.
Student Nightlife in Northampton
Northampton offers a varied social scene that caters to different interests and lifestyles. While the town may be quieter than larger cities, students still benefit from a solid nightlife and entertainment offering.
The town also features:
- Independent bars, pubs and restaurants
- Student club nights and social events
- Live music venues, theatres and the Northampton Filmhouse
- Sports fans can catch matches at Sixfields Stadium or watch Northampton Saints Rugby at Franklin’s Gardens
- Parks and green spaces including Abington Park, Becket’s Park and The Racecourse
The Students’ Union offers a range of retail outlets, bars, sports, societies and volunteering projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Northampton a good place to live as a student?
Yes, Northampton is an increasingly popular student destination, particularly valued for its affordability, modern campus and central location within England.
- What is Northampton student life like?
Northampton student life is academically focused but balanced with social activities, societies, cultural events and outdoor spaces. The town has a welcoming and community-driven atmosphere with strong support services.
- Can students live in Northampton without a car?
Yes, most students in Northampton live without a car. The town centre and campus are walkable, and regular bus and rail connections make getting around straightforward.
- Which universities are in Northampton?
Northampton is home to the University of Northampton, alongside Northampton College and several other specialist educational institutions.
- Is Northampton a busy student town?
Yes, Northampton has a growing student population which contributes to a lively atmosphere throughout the academic year, particularly around the Waterside Campus and town centre.
- How does Northampton compare to other UK student cities?
Northampton stands out for its affordability, modern campus and convenient location. It offers a different experience to larger cities, combining quality education with a more relaxed, community-focused environment and significantly lower living costs.
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