Northampton is the affordable town for international students
As an international student, I had concerns regarding the living costs in the UK. Fortunately after I researched universities, I found that Northampton was the best place for studying and affordability, whilst also offering necessities that I need as a student.
Good-value student accommodation
The University of Northampton has a variety of student accommodation options, both on-campus (Waterside) and off-campus options (St John’s and Scholar’s Green). I’m living in off-campus student accommodation at St. John’s Hall of Residence, where it only takes 10 minutes to walk to the Waterside Campus and 10 minutes to the Town Centre. The utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are covered, so there’s no extra bills showing up.
Retail stores have student discounts
I always buy my grocery items at Asia Oriental Supermarket, where it gives a 5% student discount when I spend £20 or more. Another retail store which I also often visit is Sing Long, a small Asian shop which offers 5% student discount without minimum purchase. There are various places in Northampton which also offer discounts for students.
Walkable town
Northampton town centre has everything that students need, such as a shopping centre, food trucks, banks, supermarkets, restaurants, and more. To reach the town centre, it’s easily walkable from Waterside Campus, so I don’t need to pay for a bus fare.
Study-Life Balance
So far, I haven’t had any issues with balancing studying and having social life. I simply go to the Learning Hub, one of the main buildings in the Waterside Campus, to do my assignments or study together with my friends. For social life, I became a student ambassador, where I have built new relationships with other students and hang out with them. Besides that, I have also participated in some social events on campus, so I could expand my network.
Find out how UON can support you with living costs.
