Cost of Living at University: How Much Money Will You Need?

The cost of living at university can vary by thousands of pounds depending on where you study, where you live and the choices you make.

Tuition fees are only one part of the cost of university. You may also need to pay for:

• Accommodation

• Food

• Household bills

• Transport

• Books and equipment

• Laundry and toiletries

• Phone and internet

• Course-related activities

• Socialising

• Travel home

• Unexpected expenses

A Maintenance Loan can help with these costs, but it may not cover everything. Before choosing a university or signing an accommodation contract, compare your expected income with the realistic cost of living in that location.

This guide explains how much students spend, which costs are easy to overlook and how to create a university budget that works.

Figures in this guide were checked in July 2026. Rent, food, transport and energy prices can change quickly, so use current accommodation listings and your university’s own cost estimates before making a final decision.

What Is Included in the Cost of Living at University?

The cost of living at university covers the everyday expenses you face while studying.

It does not normally include tuition fees, which are paid separately through a Tuition Fee Loan or another funding arrangement.

Your living costs can be divided into four broad groups.

Essential fixed costs

These are predictable expenses that are difficult to avoid:

• Rent

• Accommodation deposit

• Utility bills

• Mobile phone contract

• Insurance

• Regular transport passes

Essential variable costs

These are necessary, but the amount can change:

• Food

• Toiletries

• Laundry

• Course materials

• Medical and dental costs

• Travel home

Optional spending

These expenses depend largely on your choices:

• Takeaways

• Nights out

• Streaming services

• Gym membership

• Clothing

• Holidays

• Society activities

Irregular and emergency costs

These are easily forgotten because they do not appear every week:

• Replacing a broken laptop

• Emergency travel

• Accommodation deposits

• Graduation costs

• Moving expenses

• Field trips

• Professional clothing

• Repairs or replacement belongings

A reliable university budget needs to cover all four groups, not just rent and food.

What Is the Average Cost of Living at University?

There is no single figure that applies to every student.

In the 2025 National Student Money Survey, surveyed students reported average living costs of £1,142 per month. This included an average of:

• £529 per month for rent

• £146 per month for groceries

• £69 per month for household bills

The reported regional average ranged from £977 per month in Northern Ireland to £1,269 per month in London. These are survey averages rather than guaranteed costs, and individual spending can be much higher or lower.

UCAS research uses a different method and found average student spending of £219 per week excluding rent. This difference shows why headline averages should be treated cautiously. Surveys may include different students, cost categories and accommodation arrangements.

Your own cost will depend on:

• University location

• Accommodation type

• Contract length

• Whether bills are included

• How often you travel

• Course requirements

• Dietary needs

• Lifestyle

• Personal responsibilities

How Much Does University Cost Each Month?

A broad monthly student budget might look like this:

Expense	Example monthly amount
Rent	£600
Groceries	£160
Household bills	£70
Transport	£60
Phone	£20
Books and course costs	£30
Laundry and toiletries	£35
Social activities	£100
Travel home	£50
Clothing and personal costs	£40
Emergency savings	£40
Total	£1,205

This is an illustration, not a recommended amount. A student living at home may spend considerably less on rent, while a student in expensive private accommodation could spend much more.

The most accurate budget uses the actual rent for the accommodation you are considering.

Accommodation Costs at University

Accommodation is usually the largest student expense.

UCAS estimates that rent may account for around half of a student’s living costs.

How much you pay depends on:

• City

• Distance from campus

• Room size

• Whether the bathroom is shared

• Whether catering is included

• Whether bills are included

• Contract length

• Private or university ownership

• Quality and age of the building

• Additional facilities

University halls

University halls may include:

• Electricity

• Heating

• Water

• Internet

• Basic contents insurance

• Cleaning of shared areas

• Security

• Maintenance

UCAS gives a broad student halls estimate of around £115 to £175 per week, although accommodation in some locations can cost considerably more.

The headline weekly rent does not tell you the full annual cost. A room costing £170 per week would cost:

Contract length	Total rent
39 weeks	£6,630
42 weeks	£7,140
44 weeks	£7,480
51 weeks	£8,670

Always compare the total contract cost rather than looking only at the weekly rate.

Private student halls

Private halls may offer:

• En-suite bathrooms

• Gyms

• Study spaces

• Cinema rooms

• Social events

• On-site security

• Bills included

These facilities can be useful, but premium buildings may cost substantially more than standard university halls.

Ask yourself whether you will use the extras often enough to justify the price.

Private rented houses

Many students move into a shared private house after their first year.

Rent may initially look cheaper than halls, but you could also need to pay for:

• Gas and electricity

• Water

• Broadband

• Contents insurance

• A TV Licence

• Summer rent

• Cleaning products

• Replacement household items

Private rents continued to rise across the UK in 2026. ONS data showed that the average monthly rent for a complete private property reached £1,388 across the UK in June 2026, an increase of 3.3% over the year. These figures cover the wider rental market rather than individual student rooms, but they illustrate the continuing pressure on housing costs.

Living with parents

Living at home can reduce accommodation and food costs, but it is not automatically free.

You may still need to pay for:

• A contribution to household costs

• Commuting

• Parking

• Trains or buses

• Lunches on campus

• Late-night travel

• Increased travel time

Compare the full cost and practical impact of commuting with the cost of living closer to university.

A long commute may also affect your ability to attend societies, evening events, group work or early teaching sessions.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing Accommodation

Before accepting a room, find out:

• What is the total contract price?

• How many weeks does the contract cover?

• Are electricity, heating and water included?

• Is broadband included?

• Is there a deposit?

• Is a guarantor required?

• Are there booking or administration charges?

• Is contents insurance included?

• Are laundry facilities free?

• What happens during university holidays?

• Can you remain during Christmas and Easter?

• Is summer accommodation available?

• When are the rent instalments due?

• Do rent dates match Maintenance Loan payments?

• Is catering included?

• What happens if you leave university?

Never assume two rooms with the same weekly price offer the same value.

One may include bills and a shorter walk to campus, while the other creates significant transport and energy costs.

How Much Should You Budget for Food?

Food spending depends on:

• Where you shop

• Whether you cook

• Dietary needs

• Food allergies

• Access to a freezer

• Whether catering is included

• How often you eat out

• How much food is wasted

Surveyed students reported average grocery costs of £146 per month in the 2025 National Student Money Survey.

That works out at roughly £34 per week, but some students will need more.

A realistic food budget should include:

• Breakfasts

• Lunches

• Evening meals

• Snacks

• Drinks

• Cooking ingredients

• Cleaning products

• Food for weekends

• Occasional meals out

Ways to reduce food costs

You can spend less by:

• Planning meals before shopping

• Taking a list

• Comparing supermarket prices

• Buying own-brand products

• Cooking several portions at once

• Freezing leftovers

• Sharing basic ingredients with flatmates

• Taking lunch to campus

• Limiting delivery apps

• Checking reduced sections

• Avoiding shopping when hungry

Do not create a budget that depends on eating unrealistically little. Food is an essential expense, not an optional extra.

Household Bills

Bills may be included in university halls, but students in private accommodation often pay them separately.

Possible bills include:

• Gas

• Electricity

• Water

• Broadband

• TV Licence

• Contents insurance

• Cleaning products

• Shared household purchases

Surveyed students reported average household bills of £69 per month in 2025, although energy use, property size, tenancy arrangements and the number of housemates can create large differences.

Before renting privately, ask the current tenants or letting agent for realistic information about previous energy use. Do not rely only on a low estimate in the property advert.

Bills-included contracts

A bills-included contract can make budgeting easier, but check:

• Whether there is a fair-usage limit

• Which bills are included

• Whether excess energy use creates extra charges

• Whether broadband speed is guaranteed

• Whether the price can increase

• Whether every housemate is jointly responsible

A higher inclusive rent may still be better value than a lower rent with unpredictable bills.

Do Students Pay Council Tax?

Households occupied entirely by qualifying full-time students do not normally pay Council Tax.

Students may still need to apply for the exemption or provide a student-status certificate. If one non-student lives with students, the household may qualify for a discount rather than a full exemption.

Do not ignore a Council Tax bill simply because you believe you are exempt. Contact the local council and provide the evidence requested.

Part-time students and students whose courses do not meet the full-time definition may not qualify for the same exemption.

Do Students Need a TV Licence?

You generally need a TV Licence to:

• Watch or record live television on any channel or service

• Watch live streams provided through television services

• Use BBC iPlayer

A licence for a communal area in halls may not cover television watched in your own room. You may need your own licence if you have a separate tenancy agreement or live in self-contained accommodation.

The cost was £180 at the time this guide was checked.

You do not need a TV Licence merely to own a television or watch most on-demand services other than BBC iPlayer, provided you are not watching live television. Check the current official rules for the services you use.

Transport Costs

Transport costs can include:

• Daily buses

• Trains

• Underground travel

• Fuel

• Parking

• Cycling equipment

• Taxis

• Travel home

• Placement travel

• Trips between campuses

A cheaper room far from campus may cost more overall once daily transport is included.

Calculate the annual commute

Suppose a bus pass costs £55 per month for nine months.

The annual cost is:

£55 × 9 = £495

If a room within walking distance costs £10 more per week for a 40-week contract, the additional rent would be £400.

In this example, the more expensive room could actually save money.

Student travel discounts

Available discounts depend on location and transport operator.

For example, eligible students in London can use an 18+ Student Oyster photocard to save 30% on adult-rate Travelcards and Bus and Tram Pass season tickets. A suitable Railcard can also reduce some off-peak pay-as-you-go fares.

Check:

• University bus passes

• Local student travel cards

• Railcards

• Coachcards

• Cycling schemes

• Free campus shuttle buses

• Placement travel support

Do not purchase a travel pass automatically. Pay-as-you-go travel can be cheaper if you are only on campus a few days each week.

Books, Equipment and Course Costs

Course-related spending varies considerably by subject.

Possible costs include:

• Textbooks

• Printing

• Stationery

• Laptop

• Software

• Laboratory coats

• Art materials

• Musical equipment

• Professional clothing

• Protective equipment

• Field trips

• Placements

• Travel

• Professional-body checks

• Auditions or performances

Before accepting a university offer, ask:

• Which equipment is compulsory?

• Are textbooks available online?

• Can items be borrowed?

• Are field trips included?

• Are placement expenses reimbursed?

• Is specialist software provided?

• Are there departmental grants?

• Can equipment be bought second-hand?

Avoid buying every book on the reading list before teaching starts. Libraries often provide physical or digital copies, and lecturers may identify which texts are genuinely essential.

Laptop and Technology Costs

A laptop is effectively an essential item on many courses.

Include possible costs for:

• Laptop purchase

• Repairs

• Charger replacement

• Cloud storage

• Software

• Headphones

• Printing

• Internet access

• Adapters

• Insurance

Check what the university provides before buying expensive software. Students may receive free access to academic programs, cloud storage and Microsoft 365 through their institution.

Some universities also offer:

• Laptop-loan schemes

• Technology bursaries

• Hardship funding

• Library computers

• Equipment grants

A small emergency fund can stop a broken laptop from becoming an academic crisis during assessment season.

Laundry and Toiletries

Laundry costs are easy to underestimate.

Students in halls may pay separately for every wash and dry. Private houses may include a washing machine, but electricity, detergent and repairs still have a cost.

Your personal-care budget may include:

• Shampoo and soap

• Toothpaste

• Period products

• Laundry detergent

• Cleaning products

• Haircuts

• Prescription or over-the-counter medicines

• Contact lenses

• Dental care

These items are not exciting, but your bank account remains stubbornly interested in them.

Healthcare Costs

Healthcare costs differ across the UK.

In England, NHS prescriptions cost £9.90 per prescribed item at the time this guide was checked. Students are not automatically entitled to free prescriptions simply because they attend university, although eligible low-income students can apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland under their respective systems.

Students may also need to budget for:

• Dental treatment

• Eye tests

• Glasses or contact lenses

• Travel to appointments

• Over-the-counter medication

The NHS Low Income Scheme can provide full or partial assistance with prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests and other eligible healthcare costs.

Socialising and Student Life

University life is not only rent, lectures and lentils.

A realistic budget should include some money for:

• Clubs and societies

• Nights out

• Coffee

• Meals with friends

• Cinema or entertainment

• Sports

• Birthdays

• Trips

• Freshers’ activities

Setting the social budget at £0 is rarely sustainable. It can also make it harder to participate in university life.

Instead, choose a weekly amount you can afford and decide which activities matter most.

Low-cost options may include:

• Free university events

• Society taster sessions

• Student cinema screenings

• Games nights

• Shared meals

• Museums and galleries

• Walking groups

• University sports facilities

• Student-discounted performances

Freshers’ Week Costs

Freshers’ Week can create a perfect storm of:

• Deposits

• Course purchases

• Society memberships

• Tickets

• Takeaways

• Drinks

• Transport

• Room decorations

You do not need to attend every paid event.

Before buying a wristband or package, check:

• Which events are included

• Whether your flatmates are attending

• Whether tickets are refundable

• Whether the event is officially connected to the university

• Whether cheaper individual tickets will be available

Keep part of your first Maintenance Loan instalment untouched until you understand your normal weekly spending.

Travel Home

Students often remember the daily journey to campus but forget the cost of travelling home.

Your budget may need to include travel for:

• Reading weeks

• Christmas

• Easter

• Birthdays

• Family emergencies

• Summer

• Moving belongings

Book long-distance travel early where possible and compare:

• Rail

• Coach

• Lift sharing

• Advance tickets

• Railcards

• University transport

Students studying far from home should also keep a small emergency travel fund.

Placement and Study Abroad Costs

Some courses include placements, fieldwork or study abroad.

Potential extra costs include:

• Commuting

• Temporary accommodation

• Uniform

• Professional clothing

• Vaccinations

• Visa fees

• Insurance

• Flights

• Additional deposits

• Living in two places

• Reduced opportunity for part-time work

Ask the department:

• Which costs are reimbursed?

• When reimbursement is paid

• Whether advance funding is available

• Whether placement bursaries exist

• Whether accommodation support is offered

• Whether travel grants are available

Reimbursement after several months is less useful when you need to buy the train ticket today.

Hidden Costs of University

Costs students commonly overlook include:

• Accommodation deposit

• Guarantor service

• Advance rent

• Bedding and kitchen equipment

• Moving costs

• Summer storage

• Society memberships

• Sports kit

• Printing

• Graduation clothing

• Graduation photographs

• Guests’ graduation tickets

• Professional registration

• Disclosure checks

• Replacement keys

• Tenancy cleaning charges

• Summer accommodation

• Travel between campuses

• Buying food during long days on campus

Read Hidden Costs of University [Hidden Costs of University] for a complete checklist.

How Does Location Affect University Living Costs?

The same lifestyle can cost very different amounts in different cities.

London usually involves higher accommodation and transport costs, which is why Student Finance England offers a higher maximum Maintenance Loan to eligible students living away from home in London.

For 2026/27, the maximum English Maintenance Loans are:

Living arrangement	Maximum Maintenance Loan
Living with parents	£9,118
Living away from parents, outside London	£10,830
Living away from parents, in London	£14,135
Studying abroad for a year	£12,403

Actual entitlement depends on household income and personal circumstances.

London is not the only expensive place to study. Cities with limited student housing, high private rents or expensive transport can also create substantial costs.

When comparing universities, research:

• Typical first-year halls prices

• Private rent in later years

• Contract lengths

• Local transport

• Distance from campus

• Part-time job availability

• Placement travel

• Cost of travelling home

Does the Maintenance Loan Cover Living Costs?

Not always.

The 2025 National Student Money Survey reported an average gap of £502 per month between surveyed students’ Maintenance Loans and their living costs.

This will not apply to every student. Some receive more funding, spend less or live at home. Others face an even larger shortfall.

Student Finance England also makes clear that students may need to combine the Maintenance Loan with other sources of support.

Possible sources include:

• Family contributions

• Scholarships

• Bursaries

• Savings

• Part-time work

• Paid placements

• University hardship funds

• Additional grants

• Employer sponsorship

Read Maintenance Loans Explained [Maintenance Loans Explained] and Scholarships vs Bursaries [Scholarships vs Bursaries] before deciding whether a university is affordable.

How to Calculate Your University Funding Gap

Use this calculation:

Total annual living costs − total annual income = funding gap

Example

A student expects the following annual costs:

Cost	Annual amount
Accommodation	£7,800
Food	£1,600
Transport	£600
Phone and bills	£600
Course costs	£350
Social and personal spending	£1,200
Travel home	£500
Emergency costs	£400
Total costs	£13,050

Their expected income is:

Income	Annual amount
Maintenance Loan	£9,285
University bursary	£1,000
Savings	£800
Total income	£11,085

Their funding gap is:

£13,050 − £11,085 = £1,965

That is approximately:

• £164 per month across 12 months

• £49 per week across a 40-week academic period

The student would need to reduce costs or find additional income.

Completing this calculation before signing an accommodation agreement gives you more options.

How to Create a University Budget

Step 1: Calculate your total income

Include:

• Maintenance Loan

• Grants

• Bursaries

• Scholarships

• Savings

• Family support

• Reliable earnings

• Benefits, where applicable

Do not include money you merely hope to receive.

Step 2: Calculate annual fixed costs

Include:

• Full accommodation contract

• Deposits

• Regular bills

• Phone

• Insurance

• Transport passes

Step 3: Estimate variable costs

Include:

• Food

• Laundry

• Toiletries

• Socialising

• Course materials

• Travel home

Step 4: Add irregular expenses

Include:

• Moving

• Technology repairs

• Medical costs

• Clothing

• Field trips

• Emergencies

Step 5: Divide the remaining money

Divide the money available after fixed costs by the number of weeks it must cover.

This gives you a realistic weekly spending allowance.

Step 6: Review the budget regularly

Your first estimate will not be perfect.

Review it:

• After your first month

• When rent changes

• When student finance arrives

• Before signing next year’s tenancy

• When your work hours change

• Before placement or study abroad

Read Budgeting for Students [Budgeting for Students] for a detailed budgeting system.

Should You Get a Part-Time Job?

A part-time job can help cover:

• Food

• Travel

• Social spending

• Emergency savings

• The gap between rent and student finance

However, work needs to fit around your course.

Consider:

• Contact hours

• Independent study

• Placement requirements

• Travel time

• Assessment periods

• Employer flexibility

Do not base your entire university budget on working hours you may not be able to maintain during exams or placements.

Read Part-Time Jobs at University [Part-Time Jobs at University] for advice on hours, job types and balancing work with study.

What If You Cannot Cover Your Costs?

Act early.

Possible steps include:

1. Review your budget and identify the immediate shortfall.

2. Check that you are receiving the correct Maintenance Loan.

3. Make sure household-income evidence is complete.

4. Check whether a current-year income assessment is appropriate.

5. Apply for scholarships and bursaries.

6. Contact your university’s money advice team.

7. Ask about hardship funds and emergency support.

8. Speak to your accommodation provider before missing rent.

9. Seek independent debt advice before using commercial borrowing.

UCAS recommends exploring bursaries, grants, university support and other income sources when student finance does not cover expected costs.

Avoid using one form of expensive debt to make minimum payments on another. A university adviser may be able to help negotiate urgent costs or identify support you have missed.

Ways to Reduce University Living Costs

Practical ways to spend less include:

• Choose accommodation using total contract cost.

• Walk or cycle where practical.

• Use student travel discounts.

• Cook several portions at once.

• Take food to campus.

• Buy used textbooks.

• Borrow from the library.

• Use university software licences.

• Cancel subscriptions you rarely use.

• Share household basics.

• Buy non-urgent items after arriving.

• Use free university facilities.

• Apply for bursaries.

• Compare utility contracts carefully.

• Avoid unnecessary overdraft spending.

• Keep an emergency fund.

The goal is not to remove every enjoyable activity. A budget should make university life sustainable, not joyless.

Common Cost-of-Living Mistakes

Looking only at weekly rent

Compare the full contract price and check what is included.

Assuming the Maintenance Loan will cover everything

Calculate the gap before committing to accommodation.

Forgetting summer costs

You may still need somewhere to live after the academic year ends.

Ignoring placement expenses

Travel and temporary accommodation can be significant.

Spending the first instalment too quickly

Divide it by the number of weeks until your next payment.

Buying everything before arriving

Wait until lecturers confirm which books and equipment are essential.

Choosing accommodation based only on appearance

Location, bills and contract length may matter more than a cinema room you use twice.

Relying on an arranged overdraft as income

An overdraft is borrowing and must eventually be repaid.

Setting no social budget

An unrealistically strict budget is difficult to maintain.

Waiting too long to ask for help

Universities can offer more options before rent has been missed or debts have escalated.

University Cost of Living Checklist

Before choosing a university

• Check first-year halls prices.

• Research likely private rent for later years.

• Compare contract lengths.

• Check local transport costs.

• Estimate travel home.

• Ask about course-related expenses.

• Estimate your Maintenance Loan.

• Research bursaries.

• Calculate the annual funding gap.

Before choosing accommodation

• Check the total rent.

• Confirm which bills are included.

• Check deposit and guarantor requirements.

• Compare distance and travel costs.

• Read the tenancy agreement.

• Check rent payment dates.

• Confirm whether summer accommodation is available.

• Compare rent with your Maintenance Loan.

Before university begins

• Create an annual budget.

• Divide your first instalment into weekly amounts.

• Set aside rent immediately.

• Keep money for food and transport.

• Build a small emergency fund.

• Check student discounts.

• Avoid buying unnecessary equipment.

• Register for any Council Tax exemption required.

• Check whether you need a TV Licence.

During university

• Track spending.

• Review the budget monthly.

• Check bills and subscriptions.

• Apply for support early.

• Keep evidence of rent and payments.

• Plan for holidays and summer.

• Reapply for student finance each year.

• Budget for a lower final-year Maintenance Loan where relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions About University Living Costs

How much does a student need each month?

The 2025 National Student Money Survey reported average student living costs of £1,142 per month, but actual costs vary considerably by location, accommodation and lifestyle.

What is the biggest student expense?

Accommodation is usually the largest expense and may take around half of a student’s living budget.

Does the cost of living include tuition fees?

Not usually. Living costs normally refer to accommodation, food, transport and other everyday expenses. Tuition fees are considered separately.

Is London much more expensive for students?

London students generally face higher accommodation and transport costs. Surveyed students in London reported average monthly spending of £1,269, compared with a UK survey average of £1,142.

Does the Maintenance Loan cover rent?

Sometimes. For other students, rent costs more than the entire Maintenance Loan. Compare your exact entitlement with the full accommodation contract.

Do students pay Council Tax?

Households occupied entirely by qualifying full-time students are normally exempt, although students may need to apply or provide evidence.

Are bills included in halls?

They often are, but you must check the individual contract. Laundry, television licensing and premium internet services may still cost extra.

How much should I budget for food?

Surveyed students reported spending an average of £146 per month on groceries in 2025. Your own amount will depend on dietary needs, location and shopping habits.

Should I choose the cheapest accommodation?

Not automatically. Consider bills, transport, contract length, safety, condition and distance from campus.

Can I receive help if my Maintenance Loan is not enough?

You may be able to access bursaries, scholarships, hardship funding, additional grants or part-time work. Contact the university’s student money team before the situation becomes urgent.

Do students get free prescriptions?

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are generally free. In England, university students are not automatically exempt, although low-income students may qualify for help.

How much emergency money should a student have?

There is no universal amount. Even a small fund can help with emergency travel, laptop repairs or an unexpected bill. Build it gradually if setting aside a large sum is not possible.

Are student discounts always the cheapest option?

No. Compare the discounted price with sales, own-brand products and prices from other providers.

What happens if I cannot pay my rent?

Contact the accommodation provider and university money advice team immediately. Do not ignore messages or wait for the debt to increase.

Final Thoughts on the Cost of Living at University

The cost of living at university depends on much more than the city’s reputation for being cheap or expensive.

Your largest financial decisions are likely to be:

• Where you live

• How long the accommodation contract lasts

• Whether bills are included

• How far you travel

• How much Maintenance Loan you receive

• Whether you can access bursaries or other support

Research the actual costs before choosing accommodation. Calculate your expected income, include irregular expenses and work out the funding gap before university begins.

A good budget does not mean saying no to everything. It means knowing what you can spend without reaching the middle of term with £4.17, an impressive collection of meal-deal loyalty points and absolutely no plan.

Continue with Budgeting for Students [Budgeting for Students], Maintenance Loans Explained [Maintenance Loans Explained], Scholarships vs Bursaries [Scholarships vs Bursaries], Part-Time Jobs at University [Part-Time Jobs at University] and Hidden Costs of University [Hidden Costs of University].