What money will you have to live off?
As a student you might get income from several sources including student loans, support from your family/friends, income from a part time job, savings, sponsorship from an employer, scholarships and bursaries. Before you decide on significant items of expenditure, like accommodation, you will need to understand how much money in total you will have to live off.
Accommodation
It’s likely that you will live in University residences, either on campus or in the city. You can also find your own accommodation if you prefer.
Prices vary, depending on which accommodation block you apply for, so you can choose an option that suits your budget. We'll do our best to place you in your preferred room type, but we cannot guarantee this.
Travel
You will need to consider the costs of transport to campus from your current home when you first arrive. If you live away from campus during term time, consider the costs of getting to and from the University for study days. Find out more about travelling to campus. If you live on campus you might not need to commit to a regular bus pass.
Day-to-day items
If going to university is your first time away from home, make sure you’re aware of the day-to-day things you’ll need to buy.
It’s usually cheaper to buy food from a supermarket and cook it yourself, but there are plenty of eateries around campus for mid-study meals.
You should also consider the costs for phones, laundry, leisure, and any health costs if applicable.
As a student you get free access to the Sports Pass and can also get preferential costs for Gym membership.
Clubs and activities from the SU can also have costs associated with them.
Other things you might have to pay for include your own sports kit and equipment if you join one of the University sports teams.
Technology
You'll need a laptop or another computer to get full access to the software and systems for your studies. See which devices we recommend. If you are living in University accommodation you will have free access to WiFi. Otherwise you should budget for an appropriate broadband package.
Preparing for your 2nd Year
At some point in the spring of your first year you will likely need to sign a contract for your housing accommodation for the next academic year. This may require the payment of a deposit to secure the contract. Advice on what to pay and how to pay safely is available from the Student Accommodation Team.
At the end of your first year you will need to pay for transport to your summer address and you may need to budget to place items in storage for the summer vacation.
Keeping your finances on track
Before you arrive and all the way through your studies you are advised to follow our budgeting advice which includes example detailed budgets.