Living costs for students
Studying at a university or college can have different living costs for students depending on where and what you will be studying, the lifestyle, and any financial commitments you might have. Keep reading to learn about the average cost of university life, including accommodation, food, and going out. So, to help you start planning your student budget, we’ve done the hard work, so you don’t have to.
<H2>How much money do I need for bills?
You should allow around £10,000–£12,000 a year for your living expenses. Here are some of the things that you should budget for and their average prices. However, keep in mind the amount needed for living expenses changes, but here are some examples:
Transport £80
Food shop £74
Water, gas & electricity £46
Interests and hobbies £46
Clothing £42
Holidays and flights £89
Bank charges and fees £30
Takeaways and snacks £26
Phone and internet £27
Alcohol and cigarettes £15
Personal care £12
Coffee and tea £6
Other expenses £21
Has the pandemic affected living costs for students?
After the first lockdown universities made efforts to provide accessible teaching resources and mental health support for students. But not enough is being done across the UK, with many students feeling they’ve not had the support they needed.
Which cities are the most affordable for university students?
In terms of affordability, Sheffield overtakes Manchester (2020) to become the most cost-effective city for students. Although there are other universities that don’t empty the bank when it comes to living costs…
- Sheffield
- Cambridge
- Glasgow
- Oxford
- Birmingham
- Exeter
- Durham
- Nottingham
- Leicester
- Manchester
The typical student will spend around £375 a month, which is a hard call for first-timer students, and more likely the parents. The key is identifying how much you are going to need to get through each month and allocating money accordingly.