Living sustainably

Living in student accommodation or shared housing is a big step toward independence, but it’s also a great opportunity to build eco-friendly habits that make a real difference. At Newcastle University, sustainability is a key part of campus life, and there are lots of simple ways to reduce your footprint while saving money too. Here’s your guide to living more sustainably while studying in the Toon.

Get smart about recycling

Start by separating your recycling from general waste right in your kitchen. Use separate bins for dry recycling and general rubbish so it’s easier when you take items to the main bin stores.
Top tip: always rinse containers before recycling. Leftover curry sauce or coffee residue can contaminate the whole batch. Clean recycling makes recycling effective.

Use the food waste bins

From 2025, your accommodation will provide food waste bins as part of changes to government legislation. Use them for things like fruit peels, coffee grounds and tea bags to reduce what ends up in landfill.

Plan your meals and avoid food waste

It’s easy to overbuy when doing your own shopping. Plan your meals for the week before heading to the shop. This saves money and prevents food from spoiling.
• Only buy what you need
• Freeze leftovers or cook in bulk for the week
• Keep an eye on use-by dates
Your freezer is your best friend when it comes to sustainability and student budgets.

Save water and energy

Water and heating are included in your accommodation fees, but that doesn’t mean they’re unlimited. Small changes can make a big difference:
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
• Keep showers short and mindful of steam that may trigger fire detectors
• If your room gets too hot, turn the radiator down instead of opening the window

Make laundry more efficient

Run full loads to save water and electricity. Use lower temperature settings — most clothes clean perfectly at 30°C. Drying on an airer instead of the tumble dryer saves energy and helps your clothes last longer.

Walk or cycle to campus

Newcastle is very walkable, and many students are close to campus. Walking saves money, is good for the planet, and gives you fresh air before lectures. If you live further out, cycling or using public transport are great alternatives, with plenty of safe routes available.

Switch off and save

Turn off lights and electronics when leaving a room. Devices left on standby still use energy. Switching off reduces your carbon footprint and helps lower energy bills.

Give old items a new life

Looking for something new for your room or wardrobe? Check charity shops in Jesmond, Heaton, and the city centre for bargains and unique pieces. Donate clothes or homeware you no longer need instead of throwing them away. See our ResLife ReHome strategy for more guidance on donating preloved items.

Keep communal spaces clean and conscious

Student kitchens can quickly fill with takeaway boxes, plastic cutlery, and bottles. Plan meals at home where possible — it’s cheaper, healthier, and cuts waste. If you do order in, recycle packaging properly and don’t let pizza boxes pile up.

Small steps, big impact

Sustainability doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes. Small, everyday habits add up. By making eco-friendly choices in your flat, you support Newcastle University’s sustainability goals and help keep the city vibrant and green.

Final thoughts

Living sustainably isn’t about perfection — it’s about awareness and conscious choices. Separating recycling, reducing food waste, or turning off lights all matter. Next time you head to lectures with your reusable coffee cup, remember that small actions make a big difference, and together we can keep Newcastle a greener, cleaner place to live and study.