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Money

How much does university cost?

One of the most important things to consider when going to university is how much it will all cost. Read on for what you can expect to spend money on during your time as a student.

Michaela Butler
by Michaela Butler
Last Updated:
18 Oct 2024

Tuition fees


You’ll be charged tuition fees for each year you study a degree at a UK university. The amount depends on which country you study in and which uni you choose, but you can generally expect to pay around £9,250 each year. If you’re an international student the cost is likely to be higher.

Take a look at our guide to student finance to see a breakdown of fees in the UK.

Tuition fee loans are available to help you pay for the full fees. These are very common loans to take out, and we’d definitely recommend looking into it if you’re thinking about going to uni. It’s paid directly to the university and you don’t start paying it back until you’ve graduated and are earning a certain amount.

Course supplies


No matter what course you take, you’ll need access to books and other study materials. The cost of this will depend on your chosen subject, but we’d recommend budgeting between £20 and £40 each month. It’s possible to make savings in this area. For example, you can keep an eye out for second-hand textbooks, use the uni library, or go fully digital and access all the materials online. 

Accommodation


The cost of rent and bills will vary depending on where in the UK you choose to study. It’ll be no surprise that London is the most expensive city to live in the UK, with the average university accommodation costing about £212 per week. This is much higher than the UK average of £166 per week. 

Small differences in weekly rent can make a huge difference to your annual budget. If you’re hoping to save money in this area it’s a good idea to check out unis in different parts of the UK where the cost of living is lower, such as Wales or Scotland.

Check out our advice on choosing a uni, which includes articles on the cost of living in different UK cities.

Bills


If it’s not covered in your accommodation contract you’ll need to budget for utility bills. The most expensive will be for gas and electricity, so be sure to shop around and find the best tariff. You’re allowed to switch suppliers even when you’re renting.

Similarly, university accommodation usually covers Wi-Fi and a TV licence, but if you rent privately you’ll have to pay for broadband and a licence. 

Mobile phone bills vary in price, but there are lots of ways to save money. Shop around for the best deals and consider buying a refurbished model rather than splashing out on a new phone.

In total, we’d recommend budgeting between £40 and £60 each month for bills.

Groceries


In 2023, students spent an average of £44 a week on groceries. However, the amount will depend on where you shop. Sainsbury’s and Waitrose are the pricier options, whereas Lidl and Aldi are the most budget friendly. 

Saving money on your grocery shops can be done quite easily by bulk-cooking meals and freezing them. You can also prioritise cooking cheap, healthy meals that don’t need many ingredients but include a good amount of fruit and veg.

Lifestyle


University life isn’t just about studying. For many students, uni is the first time you’ll live away from home and there will be plenty of opportunities for socialising and new hobbies. All of this comes at a cost, and we’d recommend budgeting from £60 to £80 each month.

Nights out can be done without breaking the budget by finding student nights where venue entry and drinks will be cheaper than usual. Make the most of student discounts too, as you can get cheaper deals on cinema tickets, eating out and in many high-street stores.


For more advice, tips and information on money while you’re a student, take a look at our ultimate guide to student finance.

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