As one of Plymouth’s most sought-after student areas, North Hill combines convenience with character. The area stretches from the iconic North Hill roundabout down towards the city centre, creating a corridor of student life that’s become synonymous with Plymouth University accommodation. With hundreds of student houses lining the historic Victorian streets, North Hill has evolved into the heartbeat of Plymouth’s student community, where first-year university experiences transition into lifelong friendships.
Why Choose North Hill for Student Accommodation?
North Hill stands out as Plymouth’s premier student location for several compelling reasons. The area offers unbeatable walkability—most student houses are within a literal 2-5 minute walk to Plymouth University campus, eliminating commute stress and saving money on transport. This proximity means you can roll out of bed 10 minutes before a 9am lecture and still make it on time (though we don’t recommend making it a habit!).
Beyond convenience, North Hill boasts the highest concentration of student-focused amenities in Plymouth. The main thoroughfare features budget-friendly supermarkets including Co-op and convenience stores, ensuring your midnight snack cravings are always covered. The area has also developed a thriving micro-economy catering specifically to students, from affordable takeaways to laundrettes and print shops.
The sense of community in North Hill is unmatched. With such a high student population density, you’re constantly surrounded by fellow students, creating natural opportunities for socializing and networking. Whether you’re looking for study partners, sports teammates, or just friends to grab coffee with, North Hill’s vibrant student population ensures you’re never far from making connections.
Student Accommodation in North Hill
North Hill Student Halls and Private Rentals:
- Plymouth University Halls: Nearby university-managed Plymouth student accommodation such as Francis Drake Hall and Radnor Hall offer convenient living options with modern facilities.
- Private Rentals: North Hill is known for its range of student-friendly rental properties, including shared houses and apartments. These are often listed on websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom, but the best Plymouth student accommodation options can be found right here at Tudor Price.
Types of Student Housing Available in North Hill
North Hill offers diverse accommodation options to suit different budgets and living preferences:
- Large Shared Houses (6-13 bedrooms): North Hill is particularly known for its larger Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses converted into spacious student accommodation. These properties are perfect for established friendship groups or students wanting to meet lots of new people. Many feature multiple bathrooms, large communal lounges, and separate kitchen facilities on each floor.
- Mid-Size Properties (3-6 bedrooms): Ideal for smaller groups or students who prefer a more intimate living environment while still enjoying shared accommodation benefits. These properties often offer better bedroom-to-bathroom ratios and cosier communal spaces.
- Individual Rooms in House Shares: Perfect for students moving to Plymouth solo or those who missed out on group house hunting. North Hill’s strong rental market means individual rooms regularly become available, allowing you to join existing households and instantly expand your social circle.
North Hill Amenities and Services
Shopping for Plymouth Students:
- Supermarkets: The Co-op on North Hill is the main supermarket for groceries. For a wider selection, there is a large Sainsbury’s and Tesco Express within walking distance.
- Convenience Stores: Numerous convenience stores and smaller shops provide quick access to essentials.
Healthcare – North Hill Doctors and Pharmacies:
- GP Surgeries: North Hill Medical Group and the nearby Peverell Park Surgery offer comprehensive medical services.
- Pharmacies: Boots and Superdrug on Mutley Plain, as well as independent pharmacies, provide prescription services and health products.
Plymouth University Facilities near North Hill
- Plymouth University: Just a short walk from North Hill, Plymouth University provides extensive resources, including libraries, study spaces, and student support services.
- Libraries: The university library and Plymouth Central Library offer quiet study areas and extensive academic resources.
North Hill Pubs and Places to Eat
North Hill Restaurants & Cafes:
- Goodbody’s Cafe: Popular for its hearty breakfasts and brunches, this cafe is a favorite among students.
- The Caffeine Club: Open 24/7, it’s perfect for late-night study sessions or a quick meal anytime.
- Charlie Franks: Offers a variety of delicious meals, from comfort food to more sophisticated dishes, perfect for a casual dinner with friends.
- Quick bites and takeaways: The North Hill corridor features numerous takeaway options perfect for affordable student meals—from traditional fish and chips to international cuisines including Chinese, Indian, and Turkish restaurants. Most offer student discounts, especially on quieter weeknights.
North Hill Bars:
- The Penguin Lounge: Known for its relaxed atmosphere and wide selection of drinks.
- The Roundabout: A lively student pub offering great deals on food and drinks, as well as live music and events.
- The Skiving Scholar: A cozy pub with a student-friendly vibe, ideal for a casual night out.
North Hill Clubs and Nightlife:
- Revolution: A popular nightclub in the city center, known for its themed nights and student discounts.
- The Depo: Offers experience and is a staple for student nights out.
- The Cider Press: Perfect for a more relaxed evening with a variety of ciders on tap and live music.
Recreation and Leisure near North Hill
North Hill Parks and Green Spaces:
- Drake’s Place Gardens and Reservoir: A beautiful green space right on North Hill, perfect for relaxing, studying outdoors, or meeting friends.
- Freedom Fields Park: A short walk away, this park offers stunning views and plenty of space for outdoor activities.
Gyms near North Hill
- University Gym: Offers affordable memberships and a range of fitness classes tailored for students.
- Local Gyms: PureGym and The Gym Group are nearby options offering flexible memberships and 24/7 access.
North Hill Transportation
North Hill Public Transport options:
- Buses: Frequent bus services connect North Hill to Plymouth city center and surrounding areas. The number 42 and 50 routes are particularly useful for students.
- Trains: Plymouth Railway Station is within walking distance, offering direct services to major cities like Exeter, Bristol, and London.
Read our complete guide to Plymouth public transport for more information.
Cycling and Walking around North Hill:
- North Hill is pedestrian-friendly, and many students choose to cycle to campus. There are bike racks available at various locations around North Hill and on campus.
North Hill Taxis and Ride-Sharing:
- Taxis: Several local taxi services operate in North Hill, providing a convenient option for getting around, especially late at night.
North Hill Community and Lifestyle
North Hill Local Community Events:
- Local Festivals: North Hill and the surrounding areas host various community events and festivals throughout the year, providing opportunities for students to get involved and experience local culture.
- Farmers Markets: Regular farmers markets in nearby areas offer fresh, local produce and unique artisan goods.
Student Life & Living in North Hill:
- The close proximity to Plymouth University ensures a strong student presence in North Hill, contributing to its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. There are numerous student societies, clubs, and events that foster a sense of community and offer plenty of opportunities for socializing and networking.
North Hill FAQs
How far is North Hill from Plymouth University?
North Hill is effectively on the doorstep of the University of Plymouth, with many student properties only around 300–400 metres from the main campus. In practical terms, that’s about a 2–5 minute walk to most teaching buildings, so it feels more “on campus” than “off”. For a student, North Hill is one of the closest and most convenient areas to live if you want to roll out of bed and straight into a 9am lecture.
Can I find individual rooms in North Hill if I’m moving alone?
Yes, North Hill is ideal if you’re moving on your own, and you can absolutely find individual rooms rather than needing a full group. Tudor Price Lettings regularly advertises spare rooms in shared student houses and flats in the North Hill/PL4 area, with options like single rooms in 4–8 bed houses and individual rooms in larger blocks close to campus. As a solo student you can slot into an existing house share, with bills typically included and locations only a few minutes’ walk from the University of Plymouth, so you still get the full North Hill student scene without having to organise a whole group tenancy yourself.
Is North Hill safe for students?
North Hill is generally seen as a student-friendly area, and local crime figures for key North Hill postcodes sit at a low-to-medium level compared with many parts of England and Wales. As with any lively nightlife strip next to campus, most issues are typical city-centre stuff late at night, so sticking to well-lit routes, staying with mates and using licensed taxis is still sensible. The good news is that the University and Students’ Union run 24/7 security, safety schemes and night patrols around campus and nearby student areas, which helps most students feel comfortable living on or just off North Hill.
Does North Hill have good access to supermarkets?
Yes, North Hill has excellent supermarket access for students, so you won’t be short of places to grab food. There is a Co‑op/ convenience-style supermarket directly on North Hill itself, plus SPAR and several small shops for top-up shops within a couple of minutes’ walk of most student houses. For bigger, cheaper food shops, you’ve got Aldi on Greenbank Road and Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s Local on Mutley/near campus all within easy walking distance, which is why students rarely need a car for groceries here.
Conclusion – North Hill is a fantastic place for students to live
North Hill is a dynamic and welcoming neighborhood that caters well to student life. With its convenient location near Plymouth University, affordable accommodation, and diverse amenities, North Hill offers everything students need to balance their academic and social lives while living in Plymouth.
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