Budgeting
Studying at university may be the first time you have to manage your finances on your own.
Budgeting is the best way to avoid hardship and debt, and to help you to do this we've created budgeting guides for living on, or off, campus.
Remember that taking control of your money equals less stress, so it's worth taking the time to budget and plan the best way to manage your money.
Budgeting guides
Living on campus
| Expense | Cost (monthly) |
|---|---|
| Hall fees* | from £500 to £735 |
| Food/Toiletries/Laundry | £175 |
| Social | £140 |
| Mobile phone | £25 |
| Books and equipment | variable – ask school to confirm amount = £25 |
| Travel | £1.80 per bus journey into the city centre |
| Total | from £865 to £1,100 |
*2020/21 on campus accommodation costs varied from £118 to £179 per week depending on the type of accommodation.
Living costs are approximate – Jan 2020
Living in a rented flat
| Expense | Cost (monthly) |
|---|---|
| Rent | £450 |
| Food | £175 |
| Social | £140 |
| Gas/Electricity | £50 |
| Travel | £48 for 4 weekly bus pass |
| Mobile phone & internet connection | £35 |
| Books & equipment | variable – ask school to confirm amount = £25 |
| Total | £923 |
Living costs are approximate – May 2019
We have put together information on council tax and television licences for those studying in our UK campuses.
This budget is meant as a realistic guide for UK undergraduate students only.
Every student's financial situation will be different. If you experience any financial difficulties, please get in touch with one of our advisors.
Top tips for saving money
- Complete a Budget Planner - these can help you map your expenditure and review how best to manage your money. The NUS website has some good advice and a budget planner.
- Don't shop when you are hungry
- Try supermarket own brand goods
- Stick to a shopping list and take advantage of buy 1 get 1 free
- Have breakfast before leaving in the morning and make sandwiches for lunch
- Consider a pay as you go mobile rather than an expensive contract
- Check bank statements to see actual spending and keep receipts
- Keep credit cards for emergencies only and pay the bill in full each month
- Keep a spending diary – monitor spending for at least a week and write everything down.