Northumbria University

Visiting your child at Northumbria University means flying into Newcastle (NCL); the Metro runs from the airport straight into the city in about 25 minutes. Plan the UK visitor visa well ahead.

Getting from NCL to campus

Visitor visa for parents

Indian parents need a UK Standard Visitor visa - one visa covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (there is no separate 'London visa'). It is applied for online and biometrics are given at a VFS Global centre in India. Most are 6-month visit visas; frequent visitors can choose 2-, 5- or 10-year multiple-entry visas. India has a high (around 82%) grant rate.

• One UK visa covers all four nations - no separate visa for London, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
• Apply about 3 months ahead, especially for graduation - slots book out and graduations are fixed dates.
• A complete file with strong home ties, clear funds and a clear purpose drives the high approval rate.
• Frequent visitors should consider the 2/5/10-year multiple-entry visa to avoid re-applying each trip.

Just admitted to Northumbria University? Here's your arrival checklist.

Arrival checklist

• Book your flight into Newcastle (NCL) early for the best September fares.
• The Metro runs from NCL straight into the city (~25 min) - the campus is central.
• Jesmond and Heaton are the student areas - line up housing before arrival.
• Carry your CAS, passport, proof of funds and confirmation of your visa (eVisa share code) in your cabin bag.

Newcastle is an affordable, friendly student city in the North East - about GBP 950-1,350 a month all-in sharing and cooking. Two universities right in the centre, a famous nightlife and social scene, and the Tyne and Wear Metro (which runs right to the airport) make getting around easy.

Monthly cost of living in Newcastle upon Tyne (a student estimate)

That's roughly £11,000-15,500 a year for living costs, on top of tuition.

Finding accommodation

Newcastle students share in Jesmond, Heaton and Sandyford near the universities; rents are affordable.

• The Tyne and Wear Metro runs from Newcastle Airport (NCL) straight into the city - very easy arrival.
• Jesmond and Heaton are the student heartlands.
• Both universities are right in the city centre.

Working part-time

On a Student visa you can work up to 20 hours/week during term time (degree level) and full-time during official university vacations. The 20-hour cap is per week, not an average, counts all jobs combined, and you must be a payroll employee - no self-employment, freelancing or gig/delivery work. After graduating you can apply for the Graduate Route: unsponsored post-study work with no job-type or hour limits, currently 2 years (3 for PhD). Note: from 1 January 2027 the Graduate Route drops to 18 months for non-doctoral graduates, so 2026 graduates should apply by 31 December 2026 to get the full two years.

Safety & student support

Newcastle's universities's areas are generally safe by UK standards; use normal city awareness at night.

• Newcastle's universities has campus security and student-safety services - save the campus number.
• Main student areas are busy and well-populated.
• A famously friendly city; normal awareness in the nightlife areas at night.

Indian community & food

Newcastle has a growing South Asian community, with desi grocers across the city.

Indian grocery stores

• Indian/Asian grocers around the West End (Elswick) and city carry spices and staples.
• Mainstream Tesco, Asda and Morrisons carry world-food aisles.
• Selection is good for the city's size; students stock up on staples.

Student community

• Newcastle's universities have active Indian/South Asian societies with Diwali and Holi events.
• The city has a Hindu temple and gurdwara.

• A good range of Indian restaurants across Newcastle.

Cost & living figures for Newcastle upon Tyne last verified Jun 2026. Figures are estimates and change over time.