Hartlepool is a lively coastal town in the North East with a strong sense of community and plenty going on. It is home to The Northern School of Art’s Hartlepool campus and offers a great balance of seaside living, creativity and student life. The town’s mix of historic docks, marina views, Victorian parks and open beaches creates a constantly changing backdrop for creative study. One day you might be sketching by the seafront, the next photographing street scenes, murals or industrial architecture. Hartlepool is the kind of place where inspiration turns up when you are not even looking for it.

Our Hartlepool campus sits right in the centre of town, within the Innovation and Skills Quarter. The marina, shops, entertainment venues and the National Museum of the Royal Navy are all close by, and the train station, cafés and bars are just a short walk away. Everything you need day to day is right on your doorstep, which makes student life easy and sociable. Inside campus, you will find modern creative facilities alongside spaces that reflect the character of the town itself. Professional studio spaces, specialist equipment and collaborative areas give you room to experiment, make mistakes and develop your skills with confidence. The Northern School of Art is known for its friendly, close-knit atmosphere. With smaller class sizes, you quickly get to know your tutors and fellow students. There is lots of contact time with staff, plenty of encouragement to work together, and a real sense that students are listened to and supported. “The student life in Hartlepool is really vibrant. When I came here I was worried I would be lonely and make no friends, but it was the complete opposite.” — Current student

Hartlepool is one of the most affordable places to live as a student, which makes a big difference. Lower rent and everyday costs mean you can enjoy student life, try new things and still focus on your studies without the pressure that often comes with bigger cities. Find out more information on our student accommodation and how its prices compare to other citieshere.

Living by the coast is a huge part of what makes Hartlepool special. Seaton Carew Beach is a favourite with students for walks, fresh air, beach games and watching the sun go down after a long studio day. It is the perfect place to clear your head, take photos or just spend time with friends. If you prefer green spaces, Ward Jackson Park offers calm right in the town centre, with space to relax, picnic or sketch outdoors. Summerhill Country Park gives you woodland paths, open views and room to breathe when you need a break from screens and deadlines. For students who like to stay active, there are plenty of opportunities locally for sport, fitness and outdoor activities. Whether that is going to the gym, swimming, cycling, watersports or just walking along the coast, it is easy to build movement and wellbeing into everyday life.

Hartlepool has a strong cultural identity that students quickly become part of. The town’s maritime history sits alongside a growing creative scene, giving you lots to explore in your downtime. You can step aboard HMS Trincomalee at the National Museum of the Royal Navy and wander a recreated 18th-century seaport, or spend time at Hartlepool Art Gallery, a free gallery in a beautiful Victorian church with regularly changing exhibitions. These spaces often become part of students’ creative process, whether for research, inspiration or just curiosity. Throughout the year, Hartlepool hosts festivals, markets, exhibitions and public art projects. From live music and summer events by the sea to seasonal celebrations and community arts activities, there is usually something happening that brings people together and adds energy to the town. “There is so much on your doorstep in Hartlepool. There are galleries, museums and festivals, and as a creative student you really feel part of it.” — Student representative

Hartlepool’s social scene is relaxed, friendly and very student focused. The marina is a popular place to meet, with cafés and casual eateries during the day and bars that come alive in the evening. Around Church Street and the town centre, you will find independent coffee shops, pubs and late-night venues, as well as a cinema, bowling and other easy go-to activities for evenings and weekends. Whether it is a quick coffee between classes, a chilled meal after a deadline or a night out with friends, there are plenty of options close to campus.

Hartlepool is compact and easy to get around on foot, but it is also well connected to the rest of the North East. Regular train services make it simple to visit nearby places like Middlesbrough, Durham and Newcastle for shopping, gigs, exhibitions or nights out. This means you get the best of both worlds. Coastal living with space to focus on your creative work, and bigger cities close by whenever you want something different.

explorehartlepool.com teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/visit/studying-in-hartlepool/ northernart.ac.uk/hartlepool-things-to-do/