St Judes is a dynamic neighbourhood located just east of Plymouth’s city centre, offering students the perfect balance between affordable living and convenient access to university life. As one of Plymouth’s fastest-growing student areas, St Judes combines the character of a residential neighbourhood with the convenience of city-centre proximity, making it an increasingly popular choice for students attending Plymouth University, Arts University Plymouth, and other local institutions.
This Plymouth area guide explores why St Judes has become a sought-after location for student accommodation, from its affordable housing options and excellent transport links to its proximity to green spaces and the evolving local community. Whether you’re a first-year student looking for your first house share or returning students seeking great value accommodation, St Judes offers compelling advantages worth considering.
Local Area Guide for St Judes, Plymouth, UK: Student Focus
What Makes St Judes Stand Out?
St Judes occupies a unique position in Plymouth’s student accommodation landscape. Unlike the dense student populations of North Hill or Mutley, St Judes offers a more balanced community feel while maintaining excellent university access. This creates a living environment where students benefit from a quieter residential atmosphere without sacrificing convenience.
The area sits at a strategic crossroads in Plymouth’s geography. To the west lies Plymouth city centre with its shopping, entertainment, and nightlife. To the north, the student heartlands of Mutley and North Hill provide additional social options. To the south, Freedom Fields Park offers green space and stunning city views. This central positioning means St Judes students enjoy easy access to everything Plymouth offers while living in a calmer environment—perfect for students who value both social opportunities and study-friendly surroundings.
St Judes has also benefited from recent urban regeneration, with improved housing stock and local amenities making it increasingly attractive to students. The area offers particularly good value for money, with student house rents often £5-15 per week less expensive than equivalent properties in North Hill or Mutley Plain, while maintaining similar walking distances to campus.
St Judes Accommodation
Student Halls and Private Rentals:
- University Halls: While St Judes itself doesn’t have university-managed halls, its close proximity to the city center and the university means that students can easily access several nearby halls of residence.
- Private Rentals: St Judes offers a variety of student-friendly rental properties. Shared houses and flats are commonly available, providing affordable living options within walking distance of the university. Websites like Rightmove and SpareRoom are useful for finding rentals in this area.
Types of Student Housing Available in St Judes
St Judes provides diverse student housing options that combine affordability with quality living standards:
- 3-6 Bedroom Student Houses: The most common accommodation type in St Judes, these mid-size properties are perfect for small to medium friendship groups. Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses dominate the area, many recently refurbished to modern standards while retaining period charm. These properties typically feature separate lounges, well-equipped kitchens, and multiple bathrooms.
- Converted Flats and Apartments: St Judes also offers modern student flats, particularly along main roads like Salisbury Road and around the Beaumont Road area. These properties often feature contemporary open-plan living spaces, high-spec kitchens, and modern bathroom facilities.
- What’s Included: Most St Judes student properties operate on bills-included packages, typically covering gas, electricity, water, broadband, and TV licenses. Properties come fully furnished with beds, desks, wardrobes, and communal furniture. Many landlords have invested in property improvements, with high-speed broadband, modern kitchens, and renovated bathrooms becoming standard.
Amenities and Services
Shopping in the Plymouth Area:
- Supermarkets: Aldi and Sainsbury’s Local are nearby, offering a range of groceries at student-friendly prices.
- Convenience Stores: There are several local convenience stores and smaller shops in the area for quick and easy access to daily essentials.
Healthcare:
- GP Surgeries: Beaumont Villa Surgery and Tothill Surgery are the primary healthcare providers in the area.
- Pharmacies: Boots and several independent pharmacies on nearby Ebrington Street provide prescription services and health products.
Education:
- Plymouth University: Just a short walk away, Plymouth University offers extensive resources, including libraries, study spaces, and student support services.
- Libraries: The main university library and the Central Library in the city center are accessible and provide ample study materials and quiet areas.
Dining and Social Scene
Places to Eat in Plymouth:
- Monty’s Cafe: A cozy spot popular among students for its great coffee and affordable meals.
- Rockets and Rascals: Perfect for a coffee or a quick snack, with a relaxed atmosphere ideal for study breaks.
- Nawroz Restaurant: Offers a variety of delicious Middle Eastern dishes, great for a night out with friends.
Pubs and Plymouth Student Bars:
- The Tothill Pub: A local favorite, offering a friendly environment and a good selection of drinks.
- The Bread and Roses: Known for its live music and community events, this pub is a great place to socialize and meet new people.
- The Roundabout: Located just a bit farther towards the city center, this student-friendly bar offers great deals and a lively atmosphere.
Nightlife:
- Revolution: A popular nightclub in the city center, known for its themed nights and student discounts.
- The Depo: Plymouths top live and dance music venue, perfect for a night out with friends.
- The Cider Press: A great spot for a more relaxed evening with a variety of ciders on tap.
Recreation and Leisure
Parks and Green Spaces:
- Tothill Park: A lovely green space perfect for a relaxing walk, a game of football, or a picnic.
- Freedom Fields Park: Just a short distance away, this park offers stunning views of Plymouth and is a great spot for outdoor activities.
Fitness in Plymouth:
- 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.
Transportation
Public Transport:
- Buses: Regular bus services connect St Judes to Plymouth city center and the surrounding areas. The number 21 and 23 routes are particularly convenient.
- Trains: Plymouth Railway Station is within walking distance, offering direct services to major cities like Exeter, Bristol, and London.
Cycling and Walking:
- St Judes is pedestrian-friendly, and many students choose to cycle to campus. There are bike racks available at various locations in the area and on campus.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing:
- Taxis: Several local taxi services operate in St Judes, providing a convenient option for getting around, especially late at night.
Community and Lifestyle
Community Events:
- Local Festivals: St Judes and the surrounding areas host various community events and festivals throughout the year, offering opportunities for students to get involved and experience local culture.
- Farmers Markets: Regular farmers markets in nearby areas provide fresh, local produce and unique artisan goods.
Student Life:
- The proximity to Plymouth University ensures a strong student presence in St Judes, 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.
Living Costs and Student Budget in St Jude’s
St Judes offers excellent value for student budgets, making it particularly attractive for cost-conscious students:
- Average Rent: Student houses in St Judes typically range from £100-£125 per week per person with bills included—often £5-£15 per week less than comparable North Hill properties. This difference might seem small weekly, but amounts to £200-£600 saved over an academic year.
- Grocery Shopping: Aldi and Sainsbury’s Local provide budget-friendly grocery options within easy walking distance. The nearby Aldi is particularly popular with St Judes students for weekly shops, offering significant savings compared to smaller convenience stores.
- Reduced Transport Costs: The walkability to campus eliminates daily transport expenses. Students in St Judes typically spend significantly less on transport than those living in areas like Stoke or Keyham that require regular bus use to reach university.
St Jude’s FAQ
How far is St. Jude’s from Plymouth University?
St Jude’s sits just east of the city centre and is typically around a 10–15 minute walk from the main University of Plymouth campus, depending on which part of St Jude’s you live in. In distance terms, most student houses there are well under a mile from uni, so it still feels very walkable without needing buses or taxis day to day. For many second- and third-year students it’s a popular choice if you want a slightly quieter neighbourhood than North Hill but still an easy stroll to lectures and the library.
Is St Jude’s a good area for students?
Yes, St Jude’s is a really solid choice for students who want a quieter, more residential feel but still be within easy walking distance of campus. Rents here are usually a bit more affordable than the absolute prime North Hill/City Centre spots, and there is a good supply of student houses and flats aimed at second- and third-years. You’ve also got handy access to local shops, Ebrington Street, Beaumont Park and the city centre, so day-to-day life is convenient without feeling like you’re living in the middle of the nightlife strip.
Are there other students living in St Jude’s?
Yes, St Jude’s has a strong student community and you definitely won’t be the only one walking to lectures from there. The area sits within one of Plymouth’s main student belts, with a high concentration of shared student houses, flats and some private halls that give it a noticeable student population feel. You’ll find plenty of house shares, spare rooms and mixed student streets, so it’s easy to meet other students and feel part of a wider uni crowd while still having a slightly more residential vibe than North Hill.
Conclusion
St Judes is a dynamic and welcoming neighborhood perfect for students seeking a balance of study and social life. With its convenient location, affordable housing, and diverse amenities, St Judes offers everything a student needs to thrive academically and personally while living in Plymouth.
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