Everybody lives in Jesmond during their second year. Or do they? Is Jesmond actually worth it, or is it just one of those things? I know plenty of people who did and didn’t live in Jesmond during second year, and what I found was that student athletes tended more towards the Jesmond/Heaton area, while others had a wider spread.
Bearing in mind that this is one woman’s opinion, and that this woman’s opinion is seriously clouded by her attitude towards Jesmond student house landlords – here’s what to bear in mind when considering Jesmond to live in.
How expensive is Jesmond?
The big question is – does Jesmond have the most expensive Tesco?
Sorry to disappoint, but the idea that Acorn Road’s Tesco Express as the ‘most expensive Tesco in the UK’ is an urban myth. However, the fact is that they do only stock larger versions of certain items (mostly alcohols), which gives the impression of paying more for the same things. It’s easy to keep to a budget (alcohol aside) in Tesco, as long as you avoid the call of the Waitrose on one side and the excellent Oxfam Books on the other.
But beyond Tesco, estimates place Jesmond costs at around £604 for a single person’s estimated monthly expenses (excluding rent). The cost of living for students in the area ranges from £1,400 to £2,000 per month, including accommodation, food, and transport. Importantly, Jesmond is said to be on the rise though.
How safe is Jesmond?
Last year (2024)’s big Jesmond scandal was the ‘Jesmond balaclava men’, a group of masked men allegedly wrecking havoc and threatening residents. As far as any official news on that front, The Courier Newcastle confirms that these men did not exist. On an evidence-based level, Jesmond’s crime rates are quite high. In May of 2025, 144 crimes were reported, most of a violent, sexual, or antisocial nature.
How’s the transport?
Transport to, from, and within Jesmond is great. Jesmond has two Metro stations – West Jesmond and Jesmond – and plenty of well-spaced bus stops. As long as you get yourself a Pop Card, you’ll be grand.
How’s the housing in Jesmond?
Honestly, this part is quite anecdotal, but some of the student housing in Jesmond is abysmal. My own Jesmond house was disgusting, with mould, fungi in the shower, and frequent infestations of snails, silverfish, spiders and woodlice. My friends living on my street were in similar situations, with a friend of mine having had her bathroom ceiling collapse in, the debris left for months.
That’s not to say that Jesmond doesn’t have nice housing. My now-boyfriend lived in a lovely two-storey for wayyyy cheaper than my terrible three-bed flat. The difference lies in price point, naturally, but also in the number of people per house. Groups of around 6 and upwards tend to get multiple storeys to themselves, and the larger houses are more well kept. The smaller flats get away with being more run-down for sure…
When student housing opens in November, you should get on it! Pick your people and get viewing.
What’s the social scene like in Jesmond?
Osbourne street is where it’s at. A lot of society events or bar crawls will start here, in either Spy Bar or Osbourne’s/ Jesmond Soho. However, you are a bit far from the main bars, as addressed below. For pres, Jesmond is great but expensive. For clubbing, City Centre is still it imo, but if you’re a fan of a themed night or a society bar crawl, chances are you’ll become well acquainted with Jesmond’s bars. Top tip: keep your eyes peeled for student deals, especially surrounding Wednesdays (sports clubs day), big concerts, and match days.
How far is Jesmond it from Newcastle University?
My usual commute from West Jesmond to the Henry Daysh was about half an hour. Anything further—like the Business or Medical Schools—would be between a 40 and 50 minute walk. My journey from West Jes to any of the bars/clubs in Newcastle City Centre—such as Market Shaker or Rusty’s—would be about a 40-minute walk. Add drinks to the mix, that’s an hour’s tipsy stumble. Also, not great for the end of the night when you’re already exhausted. That uphill walk is killer.
My friends who didn’t live in Jesmond for second year don’t regret it. However, I will say Jesmond is a great social scene. The structures of the housing and the Metro’s framework around it make socialising and travelling for any pres/afters simple. So, I’d say take what you hear about Jesmond with a grain of salt. Living away from Jesmond won’t completely ruin you, I promise. But then again, living there has its perks too. And hey, if you’re set on Jesmond, check out this article on letting agencies in Newcastle!
