It’s a lot of fun being a student in the UK, with many opportunities at your fingertips, but it can be a huge investment. Not only are you required to pay tuition fees, but you’ll also need to cover the cost of student living.
The cost of student living in the UK varies depending on where you live. Cities like London, Oxford, Manchester and Cambridge tend to be more expensive for students, while places like Liverpool, Ormskirk, Birmingham, Cardiff and Newcastle offer more affordable student living.
So, what do these student expenses include, how much do they cost, and how much will I need to live on as a student in the UK? Keep reading to find out.
The average UK student now spends around £1,104 per month, according to Student Money’s 2024 Survey. Yet, the average maintenance loan falls short by £504 per month, meaning most students must rely on extra support, part-time jobs, or family help.
This gap in funding has made it harder for students to cover basic essentials, with 67% admitting they've cut back on food and necessities. It's never been more important to budget smart.
With £1,104 being the average amount that students typically spend in a month, it’s spread out on various different living costs. Here’s a breakdown of some common monthly student costs:
After paying tuition fees, accommodation is usually the biggest monthly expense for students. As a student moving into student accommodation, you may also need to factor in paying a deposit and providing a guarantor.
Monthly costs for student accommodation range from:
Overall, accommodation costs will differ depending on whether your student accommodation includes bills. If it doesn’t, then you’ll need to add this to your budget.
➡️ Check out our student accommodation inclusive of bills to help with your budgeting.
In addition to your rent and utility bills, you may have to pay Council Tax. This is a living cost set by the local authority for community costs (e.g., rubbish bin collection, emergency services).
Typically, this cost is non-negotiable, but in some instances, you may be exempt from paying Council Tax, including if you share accommodation with only full-time students.
On average, students spend around £276 - £316 per week on rent, transport, food, leisure and other living costs. This excludes tuition fees, which are typically covered by a tuition loan and are a completely separate cost.
➡️ Read here for more information on tuition fee loans for full-time students.
Where you study in the UK will affect how much you spend, which is a big reason why maintenance allowances differ depending on where you live as a student.
Here are some student costs in different areas of the UK, showing how regional affordability can impact students:
*Costs do not include tuition fees
Liverpool is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students. For more information about student living costs in Liverpool, read our Ultimate Guide to Student Cost of Living in Liverpool.
The most common form of financial support for students is the Student Maintenance Loan, provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). You could receive anything from £3,907 - £15,008 in 2025/6 per year, depending on your living situation.
➡️ To estimate your student loan entitlement, use this Student Finance Calculator.
Other ways to support yourself during university include:
According to the Student Money Survey 2024, over 80% of students have money-related worries, 67% of students skip meals every now and then, and 48% of students have thought about quitting university due to financial-related issues. Though there is help from food banks available, only 9% of people are utilising this service.
This stresses the importance of being proactive with your finances and carefully budgeting every penny to help avoid money-related stress and hardship.
💡 Want to organise your financial outgoings? Read our guide on how to sort student bills whilst living in student accommodation.
To avoid financial struggles, you will need to budget and be responsible with your money. This said, there are various ways that you can cut your student living expenses to make your money go further. Here are our top tips:
Managing your money as a student isn’t always easy, but it’s essential, and your future self will thank you later down the line. To make budgeting simpler, get familiar with expected costs and create a financial plan.
The key is knowing where your money goes, so you don’t overspend or slip into your overdraft. Choosing an affordable city like Liverpool helps you enjoy student life, even on a budget.
At Stockton Students, all our student properties in Liverpool include bills in the rent to make budgeting easier for you. Want more information? Make yourself familiar with the popular student areas in Liverpool or contact our friendly team today - We’re here to help!
