17 March 2025

The Cost of Student Housing in Norwich (2025)

If you’re getting ready to study at The University of East Anglia (UEA) or Norwich University of the Arts (NUA), or perhaps you’re already a student looking to move out of halls and into your own place, choosing where to live is an exciting part of your university journey. 

Norwich is a welcoming city with plenty of affordable housing options for everyone, whether you’re just starting university or entering your second year. At Prolet, we understand how important finding the right home is, so we’ve created this guide to clearly show you what’s available and help you decide confidently.

Keeping Things Simple

Comparing rent prices can sometimes feel confusing. Some places list rent weekly, others monthly. To make it easier for you, we’ve listed all prices per week, based on the latest figures from February 2025.

Why Norwich is Ideal for Students

Norwich has around 20,000 students, making it a vibrant and student-friendly city. It’s regularly rated among the UK’s most affordable student cities, costing about £83 per month less than other university towns. Compared to London, Norwich’s living costs are about 44% lower (Expatistan, 2025). You’ll enjoy great transport, independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment, all easy to reach on foot. 

Your Student Housing Options and Their Costs

On-Campus Halls (UEA)

Campus halls at UEA are mainly for first-year students or postgraduates new to Norwich. Weekly rents for 2024/25 range from about £96 for a shared twin room to £206 for a premium en-suite room, with bills such as electricity, water, internet, and insurance included. Typical contracts last around 40 weeks from September to June. Each year, approximately 4,300 students stay in these halls, and accommodation is guaranteed for first-years applying by the deadline.

Off-Campus Halls (NUA)

NUA offers halls near its city-centre campus. Prices range from £117 per week for basic rooms to around £186 per week for premium en-suite rooms. Contracts usually run for about 46 weeks, and all bills, including Wi-Fi, are covered in your rent. Popular residences include Beechcroft at around £117 per week and Crown Place at about £186 per week.

Private Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Privately managed student halls in Norwich are open to students from any university. These accommodations typically feature modern amenities like gyms, cinema rooms, and study areas. Weekly rents are around £150 to £180 or more, usually on longer contracts of 44 to 51 weeks. While this option includes bills and offers comfort, the longer contract period can increase the overall annual cost.

Private Shared Houses and Flats

If you’re in your second year or simply want more independence, renting privately with friends is a popular next step. Around 60% of Norwich students choose shared housing because it provides flexibility, affordability, and more choice of location. Prolet specialises in student housing in areas students love, such as Earlham, Bowthorpe, and the Golden Triangle.

Weekly rents in shared houses typically range from £68 to £110 per person. Contracts last 52 weeks. Bills usually aren’t included, but at Prolet, we make budgeting easier through our partnership with UniHomes, offering all-inclusive packages. This means your gas, electricity, water, broadband, and TV licence are covered in one simple payment, taking away the stress of managing separate bills.

Benefits of Choosing a Shared House:

• More location options, whether near campus, in lively areas, or quieter neighbourhoods.
• Cheaper overall compared to private halls or campus accommodation.
• Chance to live with friends or meet new housemates.
• More independence and privacy compared to halls.
• Budgeting for Bills in Shared Housing

If your rent doesn’t include bills, expect to budget around £15 per person per week for utilities. Sharing these costs with friends or housemates keeps it affordable and manageable. 

Alternatively, choosing a Prolet property with our all-inclusive bills package simplifies your budgeting completely.

Quick Cost Overview (2025)

For private rentals, you’ll usually need a refundable deposit equal to five weeks’ rent and a guarantor, typically a parent or guardian. University-managed halls rarely require deposits upfront but may charge you for any damage or extra cleaning when you move out.

Administration fees are no longer permitted by law, so agencies and universities won’t charge these. However, always review your tenancy agreement carefully to avoid unexpected charges for things like late rent payments or damage.

Extra Costs to Keep in Mind

When planning your student budget, remember there’s more to think about than just rent and bills. Groceries and everyday essentials quickly add up, especially if you’re shopping regularly for yourself for the first time. It helps to set aside money each week for food, toiletries, and household essentials. Transport is another expense to consider. Norwich is easy to get around by foot or bike, but if you prefer public transport, regular bus journeys or occasional taxis might be part of your spending.

Your social life is important too. Budget for evenings out with friends, cinema visits, or grabbing a coffee at your favourite café. There are also study-related costs, including textbooks, stationery, or printing, which can add up throughout the year.

Finally, you might want to factor in extras like streaming services, clothing, haircuts, and unexpected expenses, such as replacing a broken phone charger or needing new shoes. While these costs might seem small individually, they can quickly add up if you haven’t planned for them.

Keeping some money set aside each month for these smaller expenses means you won’t be caught short. It makes life less stressful, helping you enjoy your student experience without unexpected financial worries.

Finding the Best Area to Live in Norwich

When looking for student housing, choosing the right area makes a big difference. Norwich offers neighbourhoods that suit different lifestyles and preferences. Just under half of second-year students choose the Golden Triangle, known for its community feel, independent cafés, shops, and being just a short walk or cycle from both campuses.

If living closer to campus appeals more to you, areas like Earlham and Bowthorpe are very popular. Earlham is right next door to UEA, making early morning lectures easy. Bowthorpe offers modern, comfortable homes with good transport links into the city and university.

Another key reason students choose shared housing is flexibility. About two-thirds of second-year students move from halls into shared houses because it feels like a natural next step. Shared houses give you more personal space and freedom to customise your environment. It also lets you choose who you live with, whether that’s friends you made in your first year or new people who match your interests.

Prolet has houses across these popular areas, making it easy to find a home that matches your priorities. Whether you prefer lively areas or quieter streets, you’ll find a neighbourhood in Norwich that feels like home.

Making the Right Choice

Norwich offers plenty of student housing options to match different lifestyles and budgets. Whether you’re starting university life, transitioning from halls, or exploring private accommodation, there’s something suitable for everyone. Understanding your total annual costs, amenities, location, and what’s included in your rent will help you find the perfect home.

If you’re considering private shared housing as your next step, Prolet can support you in finding an affordable, comfortable home. Visit our student accommodation page today to find out more about your options and how we can help simplify your move.

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