Explore our campus, including our modern accommodation and innovative course facilities on our virtual tour.

Why Waterside Campus is the perfect place to live and study

Date 8 August 2025

There are so many reasons why Waterside Campus is a great place to study and live! Emilia shares why she loves studying at UON.

Emilia Sarniak

UON’s modern campus

The University of Northampton’s Waterside campus was designed for student comfort, accessibility, and safety.

Accommodation

Waterside Student Village is a great place to live and socialise, it’s minutes away from all University facilities including the library and catering. There are various accommodation options to suit different living needs. This includes accessible en-suite rooms which are suitable for disabled students, single and double en-suites, and studio flats. Flats are usually shared between 8 to 10 students, but if you’re looking for a single living experience, you can opt for a single studio with own kitchenette and bathroom. Waterside All are fully furnished, with support from 24-hour security and the Accommodation Services team.

A tidy study desk with a laptop, headphone, books, a plant, and a drink on it. A chair faces the desk under a window with gray curtains. A bed and lamp are partially visible in the foreground.

Modern facilities

There are many study areas including teaching rooms with digital monitors and plenty of space to study and collaborate with peers and lecturers. Students can take advantage of smaller study rooms which can be booked on chosen days and times.

UON’s modern library is a place with a wealth of resources and there is area dedicated for silent study too (Shh! Quiet study only here). The library creates a positive learning atmosphere where students can borrow and return books and study.

The University’s laboratories are where study meets practical experience! They are fully equipped with suitable tools and research facilities.

UON also has professional practice rooms including:

  • Media, fashion and hair and beauty studios
  • Workshops
  • Performance spaces
  • Podiatry Clinic at the nearby Northampton General Hospital
  • Midwifery and nursery suites

A group of people work on laptops at a table while a man presents a tote bag design on a large screen in a modern office setting.

Essential living facilities

Morrisons Daily is the on-campus shop, it is great for every day essential shopping, with variety of products to choose from. It can save you lots of time, and you can shop without leaving campus.

Having a doctors’ surgery on campus is very helpful for if you are feeling unwell or need medical advice.

The launderette is also an easy-to-use service, you can use the washing machines and tumble driers by using an app or your user card.

UON respects all religions, cultures and traditions. The Waterside campus has the Multi faith Centre- friendly space which is ideal for prayer or where you can spend some quiet time.

Multi-Faith Centre on Waterside campus

Places to eat

Don’t have time to cook? Waterside Campus has you covered with:

  • The Market which offers a variety of affordable meals and free bowls of cereal every morning
  • The Ground coffee shop for quick food grabs and snacks.
  • The Exchange Café which serves barista-style coffees, sandwiches, cakes and confectionery
  • The Waterside Restaurant offers a student-friendly menu with different options and offers, including takeaway pizzas. Every week, they host student events, including karaoke and bingo.

A young woman wearing glasses and a lanyard plays an arcade game in a brightly lit room with large windows.

Nature

Waterside campus is surrounded by nature and is next to the River Nene, which allows students to enjoy great views and spend lots of time outside. Here you can take a relaxing break between studies, have a picnic, or take a walk to nearby Becket’s Park.

Four people sit at a wooden table outdoors in a park, talking and drinking beverages, with trees and sunlight in the background.

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Visit an open day and see what Waterside campus has to offer.

Visit an Open Day

Image of Emilia Sarniak, wearing a blue and white patterned top, stands outdoors with greenery in the blurred background.
Emilia Sarniak

Emilia studies Business Management Finance at UON, and is also a Course Rep and Student Ambassador. She is very passionate about marketing and finance, and enjoys learning. In her free time, she likes travelling, social media and taking photos.