Let’s set the scene. Northampton is a fast-growing town in the East Midlands of England. It’s not a London or Manchester, and that’s exactly the point.
With a population of just over 230,000, Northampton offers the space, affordability, and community feel that many students crave but rarely find in bigger cities. But don’t get it twisted, the town is far from sleepy. It’s lively, welcoming, and well connected, sitting just an hour from London by train.
You’ll find a charming mix of medieval architecture, riverside cafés, thriving markets, and leafy parks. The cultural scene is growing too, local theatres, music gigs, and food festivals fill the calendar.
Plus, with its central location, you can easily hop from Northampton to other major cities like Birmingham, Oxford, or Cambridge. It’s close to everything, but far enough away for you to breathe.
If you want an authentically British, student-first experience without the big-city chaos, study in Northampton might be your best-kept secret.
🌍 Why International Students Are Loving Life in Northampton
To be honest? Because it feels like home. Here’s why Northampton is growing in popularity with students from around the world:
1. It’s Focused on You
The University of Northampton is smaller than your usual mega-campus, but that’s its greatest strength. With around 11,000 students and a high international intake, teaching feels more personal. You’re a name, not a student ID number.
2. Cost-Friendly Vibes
Let’s talk money. Northampton is around 35% cheaper to live in than London. Student rent averages between £110–£150/week, and groceries, transport, and social life are student-budget-friendly too.
3. One of the UK’s Greenest Campuses
The Waterside Campus, opened in 2018, is energy-efficient, walkable, and purpose-built for modern learning. You can walk from your lecture theatre to the gym, grab lunch, and hit the library, all in under 10 minutes.
4. Central Location for UK Travel
Weekend in London? Day trip to Oxford? All doable. With excellent public transport links, students have the best of both quiet-town peace and big-city access.
5. A True Student Community
Northampton is built around its university. Student accommodation, cafes, nightlife, and festivals are all designed with young people in mind, making settling in so much easier.
So, whether you’re studying marketing, health science, design, or something else entirely, choosing to study in Northampton could be your smartest, most comfortable move yet.
🎓 Top 10 Universities and Colleges in Northampton
While the University of Northampton is the city’s main university, the surrounding region offers additional learning opportunities, gateways, and partnerships for international students.
1. University of Northampton
The city’s crown jewel. Known for education, health, business, engineering, fashion, and sustainability innovation. TEF Gold in teaching and a forward-thinking campus with fantastic student satisfaction.
2. Northampton College
Great for foundation degrees, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and pathways into the university. Very international student-friendly.
3. Moulton College
Located 15 minutes outside town. Offers land-based, animal care, construction, and sports science programs.
4. Tresham College (Corby Campus)
A short train ride away. Offers access to higher education, engineering, and art & design.
5. Bedford College Group
Nearby and strong in business, health, media, and applied learning. Good for those considering foundation year or technical entry.
6. University of Buckingham
About 45 minutes away by train, famous for law and small-class size. Some students live in Northampton for affordability.
7. Cranfield University
A postgraduate-only university ideal for engineering and business students doing distance or hybrid courses from Northampton.
8. Milton Keynes College
Within reach, offers solid vocational programs and pre-university prep.
9. De Montfort University (Leicester)
Accessible for weekend postgrad study, often used for part-time MBA and business programs.
10. Banbury and Bicester College
Slightly further afield, excellent for undergrad pathways in digital, creative, and construction tech.
🏠 Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Northampton
Student digs in Northampton are comfortable, affordable, and close to everything. Here’s a snapshot of the most popular places to stay:
- St. John’s Halls – On Waterside Campus
- The Pavilion – Near Town Centre
- Belinda Ferrison Court – Private Studios
- Scholars Court – Close to Learning Hub
- Newlife Apartments – Near Northampton Train Station
- St. Peter’s Hall – Modern student block
- Waterside House – Campus view rooms
- Gordon Road Flats – Budget shared housing
- Aspire Student Living – Private and ensuite rooms
- Briar Hill House – Affordable and student-run
🧭 Top 10 Student Areas in Northampton & Why They’re Perfect for You
Picking where to live isn’t just about cost, it’s about vibe. Here’s a breakdown of Northampton’s top student-friendly neighborhoods, from lively to laid-back.
1. Waterside Campus Area
- Nearby: University of Northampton
- Properties: St. John’s Halls, Waterside House
- Why It Works: Steps from your lecture hall. Clean, new, secure. Everything in one place, library, cafés, riverside.
2. Town Centre
- Nearby: Shops, pubs, buses
- Properties: The Pavilion, St. Peter’s Hall
- Why It Works: Super central. Ideal for social butterflies, part-time workers, or foodies. Nightlife? Sorted.
3. Far Cotton
- Nearby: Just across the river from campus
- Properties: Shared houses and flats
- Why It Works: Affordable. A quiet, walkable zone for focused students who still like being near the action.
4. Abington
- Nearby: Bus routes to campus
- Properties: Larger house shares
- Why It Works: Green parks, chill cafés, and very local. Great for international students wanting a homey vibe.
5. Kingsthorpe
- Nearby: 20 mins by bus
- Properties: Gordon Road Flats, private homes
- Why It Works: A little further out = better rent. Supermarkets and gym nearby.
6. The Mounts
- Nearby: 10-minute walk to the centre
- Properties: Shared student homes
- Why It Works: Spirited, diverse, artsy local scene. Cool spots without the premium price.
7. Delapré
- Nearby: Close to Delapré Abbey and parks
- Properties: Mid-range private lets
- Why It Works: Green and peaceful. Nature lovers, this one’s for you.
8. Briar Hill
- Nearby: South of campus
- Properties: Briar Hill House, budget housing
- Why It Works: Value-focused. Close to primary bus links. Strong for postgrads and mature students.
9. East Hunsbury
- Nearby: 20–30 mins by bike
- Properties: House shares
- Why It Works: Better for students with cars or looking for a calm, settled community.
10. Semilong
- Nearby: North of city centre
- Properties: Aspire Student Living, shared apartments
- Why It Works: Up-and-coming. Great for students who want equal access to uni, pubs, and peace.
🧾 Final Thoughts: What Makes Studying in Northampton Worth It?
So, is Northampton just another small town with a campus? Not even close.
To study in Northampton is to experience community over chaos, value without compromise, and a campus that feels like it’s designed around you. You get all the academic support, mobility, and cultural flair, without the expense or sensory overload of the mega-cities.
It’s a place where you grow, meet people from everywhere, explore the UK with ease, and walk to class with a coffee in one hand and zero stress in the other.
Whether it’s your first degree or just your next big step, Northampton delivers the kind of student life that sticks with you, long after graduation caps hit the ground.
