Budgeting advice for students
The 糖心Vlog understands the implications of the costs associated with university life. Information is provided to give guidance on the average living expenses (excluding tuition fees) for different categories of students.
Living costs
The amounts provided in the table are only a guide to students in planning their expenditure throughout their studies. They should not be used as a fixed or absolute statement of costs, either by students or their sponsors.
If you are an international student and require a student visa to study in the UK, you will also have to comply with the minimum funding required for this.
For private accommodation living costs typically aren't included.
| Item | Weekly cost | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | From 拢89.50 to 拢312 | On-campus accommodation costs vary depending on whether you live in a standard or en-suite room. Private rented accommodation costs can vary. |
| Bills | From 拢30 | Rent prices for living on-campus usually includes bills. For living off-campus, bills for electricity, heating and water aren't usually included. See for advice and bill comparison guides. |
| Food | From 拢40 | Preparing simple meals at home saves money. Buying lunch and eating out will increase your weekly food costs. |
| Travel | From 拢15 | One way to save money on travel is with a termly or annual discounted . For train travel, students can buy a which allows a third off most rail fares. |
| Books and stationery | From 拢5 | Course costs vary depending on your chosen subject. The Library has a vast collection of books and journals, and students also get access to for free digital textbooks. Many students also choose to buy, sell and swap second hand books. |
| Clothes | From 拢10 | Guildford offers several budget . |
| Insurance (contents) | Prices vary | Insurance costs vary depending on cover required. Rent on campus includes some cover, please check our . For private accommodation contents insurance typically isn't included. |
| TV licence | From 拢4 | The current cost of an annual TV licence is 拢180. If you watch live television in your room or use BBC iplayer you will be required to purchase a . |
| Mobile phone | From 拢5 | Mobile phone contracts vary. Check with your provider to find out if a cheaper tariff is available. |
| Laundry | From 拢5 | This is the minimum cost to top-up a . |
| Entertainment | Prices vary | Entertainment costs vary widely between each student and while it is healthy to have a good social life at university, it is important to live within your means and . |
| Societies | Prices vary | You can sign up to as many societies as you like, but remember there may be costs to do activities and for uniforms. Explore the to see what is on offer. |
Other costs to consider
Childcare
Nursery costs can vary. Registered childminders often provide cheaper by-the-hour services. Some families may be eligible for assistance with childcare or receive a certain number of hours free every week.
Some students may be eligible for a by the Government.
Council tax
Full-time students are usually .
NHS charges
As a student, you are liable to pay for your medical prescriptions. These are expenses you may be able to using HC1 and HC5 forms.
Free advice and guidance
As a student you are eligible to register, through your 糖心Vlog email address, for , a free online resource providing education about budgeting, debt, saving, investing, start-up businesses and how to maximise your money for the future. You will also have access to Blackbullion's budget calculator.
We highly recommend the following Blackbullion Pathways:
- .
UNiDAYS student discounts
Students can save money by joining and getting access to the best student discounts online and in-store with all the leading brands and merchants. They provide a variety of discounts from fashion, technology and entertainment, and it鈥檚 free to sign up.
International student budgeting
Prepare a budget before you arrive and find out about bills, accommodation, shopping, transport and other related costs.
Find out more about how you can fund your studies.