Living in England

Living Costs for students in England and the UK

Accommodation – can be divided into three basic types: college accommodation on campus, self-catering accommodation on campus and off campus accommodation. Rents therefore can range between around £70-165 per week. College accommodation usually includes room, utility bills and a meal allowance and will cost from approx. £106-163 per week for 31 weeks.  Self-catering accommodation includes utility bills but not food and the price range is around £89-150 per week for 39 weeks. Off campus accommodation students pay between £70.00 and £110.00 per week for a 52-week rental (plus costs for electricity, gas and water).
Council Tax – Students do not have to pay council tax, but you do have to get an exemption certificate. Your University will supply application forms for you to obtain your exemption certificate but it is up to you to make sure the certificate is given to the local council where you live.
Utility bills – £5 to £10 per week (off campus only)
Books and materials – £10 to £15 per week – Costs will depend on the subject you are studying and can include books, stationery, photocopying, field trips, specialist materials or equipment.
University local travel – £0 to £10 per week – Depending on where you live, you may need to budget for daily costs and weekend journeys if you wish to explore other areas of the country. You will also have to consider the cost of travelling to and from the University at the beginning and end of each academic year, especially if you are living in campus accommodation as this is allocated for one year at a time.
Food – £20 to £55 per week – The amount you spend depends on how much you eat and how expensive your tastes are!
Clothes and laundry – £10 to £30 per week – Costs will vary depending on your personal tastes and how much shopping you do!
Social life – £20 to £55 per week – This is an important part of University life, so it is important you budget for it. How much you actually spend will depend on your interests and how much socialising you do.

Mobile phones – £5 to £15 per week – The amount you spend is up to you – keep an eye on your bills. You should shop around for the cheapest tariff to suit your circumstances.

Television – £2.74 per week – If you decide to have a television in your room, you are required to have a licence.
Insurance – £0 to £5 per week – We strongly recommend that you insure your valuables such as laptops, TVs and mobile phones and it goes without saying that you should insure cars and motorbikes. Students living in privately rented off campus accommodation may also have to pay housing insurance.
Unexpected costs/Healthcare – £5 to £15 per week – It is recommended that you allow at least £5 per week for emergencies. You should budget for occasional expenses such as haircuts, gifts and medical or dental costs.
You should also budget for miscellaneous expenditure such as library fines and charges, lost student identity cards, examination resit fees and exam fees if your degree is post-graduate.